School shows up in pop music as both prison and playground. These songs run from the rebellion of slamming the door on the last day to the teachers, crushes and classrooms people somehow miss years later.
Updated 2026
Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2 by Pink Floyd 1979
A protest against rote schooling that became a number-one hit, kids' choir and all.
School's Out by Alice Cooper 1972
The sound of the final bell on the last day, blown out for good.
Hot for Teacher by Van Halen 1984
The classic schoolboy crush, played for full Van Halen swagger.
Don't Stand So Close to Me by The Police 1980
A teacher and student story told with Sting's nervous restraint.
Rock 'n' Roll High School by Ramones 1979
Two minutes of would-rather-be-anywhere energy for the back row.
Be True to Your School by The Beach Boys 1963
School spirit as a surf-pop pep rally, letterman jacket included.
(What a) Wonderful World by Sam Cooke 1960
Don't know much about history, but he knows what he feels about her.
My Old School by Steely Dan 1973
A sharp, jazzy grudge against a college the narrator swears he'll never revisit.
ABC by The Jackson 5 1970
Young love set to a classroom lesson, easy as 1-2-3.
To Sir, with Love by Lulu 1967
A graduating class trying to thank the teacher who got through to them.
Smokin' in the Boys Room by Brownsville Station 1973
Cutting class for a cigarette and daring the teacher to find you.
Charlie Brown by The Coasters 1959
An ode to the class clown who keeps getting called to the principal's office.
For the walk across the stage and the summer that follows.
Graduation (Friends Forever) by Vitamin C 2000
The early-2000s yearbook song, all hugs and goodbyes.
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day 1997
A slideshow staple that doubles as a shrug and a farewell.
Forever Young by Alphaville 1984
A wish to hold on to the version of you that walked those halls.