Best Songs for Going Back to School

2024-09-10

Nirvana. The best songs to rock going back to school.

Nirvana has one of the best songs to rock going back to school – Author: Charles Ken, Photo via Chris Cuffaro

School is back for pretty much all of the U.S., and some school were back in session in as early as August. I’ve even heard of some classes being back in session in late-July in some spots, but hopefully that isn’t the case, because that’s so early. Regardless, it’s time to start rocking those back-to-school playlists. Some rock and metal songs are perfect for going back to school. So, get ready to enjoy learning with these top song picks for going back to school in rock and metal.

Songs for Going Back to School

Alice Cooper, “School’s Out”

Okay, so this song is really about being school out for the summer and school being out “forever,” as the Coop sings in the lyrics. But, it’s still good for a back-to-school playlist, because it’s a reminder that school won’t last forever. In just a few months – okay, more than a few months – but in several months, it’ll be time for summer again, and school will be out. So, Alice Cooper, “School’s Out” is good for a back-to-school playlist.

Brownsville State and Motley Crue, “Smokin’ In The Boys Room”

“Smokin’ in the Boys Room” was first recorded by Brownsville Station in 1973 on their album “Yeah!.” It was a big hit, and then in the 1980s, Motley Crue covered the track and made it even bigger. A lot of people don’t even know the Motley Crue song was a cover tune, which is crazy, because the Brownsville original reached No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. But, yes, it’s not really a Crue song, although they did a great job covering it.

Nirvana, “School”

Did you know that Nirvana has a song called “School?” It’s not one of the band’s hits, and since Nirvana does have so many chart-toppers, the B-sides often go unnoticed. “School” arrived on Nirvana’s debut album, “Bleach,” years before “Nevermind,” which makes it another lesser-known track. It’s a beautifully sloppy grunge tune that fits perfectly on a back-to-school playlist.

Pink Floyd, “Another Brick In The Wall”

“Another Brick in the Wall” from Pink Floyd is a great back-to-school jam, because it was groundbreaking in featuring a full children’s choir. It’s also a song against abusive and strict schooling, which makes it an appropriate fit, as well.

The Ramones, “Rock ‘n’ Roll High’

“Rock ‘n’ Roll High School” is fun track from the Ramones that appeared on the soundtrack album “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School.” The single wasn’t a bit in the U.S. and didn’t chart, but it’s still legendary. The idea of having a rock ‘n’ roll high school is just too cool. At this point, “Rock ‘n’ Roll High’ is much more well known than it was in its early days, and it’s a back-to-school staple.

Van Halen, “Hot for Teacher”

Did you really think we’d publish this tally without the quintessential back-to-school rock anthem? At the time in came out in the 1980s, Van Halen’s “Hot for Teacher” was a bit controversial, because it depicted a super hot, wild teacher giving lessons to a class of thirsty boys. But, now, it all seems tame, right? This is definitely one of the top songs for going back to school.

Charles Ken
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Posted by Charles Ken | Alternative, Features, Grunge, Metal, Music, Rock