Chuck Berry – School Days

About the song

Chuck Berry and the Enduring Allure of “(Ring! Ring! Goes the Bell) School Days”

“(Ring! Ring! Goes the Bell) School Days” is a rock and roll song written and recorded by Chuck Berry. It was released in March 1957 as a single by Chess Records. The song reached number one on the Billboard R&B Best Sellers chart and number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “(Ring! Ring! Goes the Bell) School Days” has been covered by many artists, including The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.

The song is a classic example of Berry’s signature sound. It features a driving beat, catchy guitar riffs, and Berry’s trademark vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a high school student who is looking forward to the end of the school day so he can go home and be with his girlfriend.

“(Ring! Ring! Goes the Bell) School Days” was a major influence on the development of rock and roll music. It helped to popularize the genre and inspired many other artists to write and record their own songs. The song is still popular today and is considered to be one of the greatest rock and roll songs of all time.

The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to a number of factors. First, it is a catchy and well-written song with a strong melody and memorable lyrics. Second, Berry’s performance is energetic and charismatic, and his guitar playing is superb. Third, the song’s themes of teenage rebellion and youthful exuberance are still relevant to audiences today.

“(Ring! Ring! Goes the Bell) School Days” is a classic rock and roll song that has stood the test of time. It is a testament to Berry’s songwriting skills and his ability to capture the essence of teenage life. The song is still enjoyed by audiences of all ages today and is sure to continue to be popular for many years to come.

Some interesting facts about the song:

• The song was originally titled “School Day”. The title was changed to “(Ring! Ring! Goes the Bell) School Days” at the suggestion of Chess Records co-founder Leonard Chess.
• The song’s lyrics were inspired by Berry’s own experiences as a high school student in St. Louis, Missouri.
• The song’s guitar riff was inspired by the riff from the song “Louie Louie” by Richard Berry (no relation to Chuck Berry).
• “(Ring! Ring! Goes the Bell) School Days” was one of the first rock and roll songs to be used in a major motion picture. It was featured in the 1957 film “Rock Around the Clock”.
• The song has been covered by many artists, including The Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
• “(Ring! Ring! Goes the Bell) School Days” was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.

Video

Lyrics

“School Days”

 

Up in the mornin’ and out to school
The teacher is teachin’ the Golden Rule
American history and practical math
You study’ em hard and hopin’ to pass
Workin’ your fingers right down to the bone
And the guy behind you won’t leave you alone

Ring ring goes the bell
The cook in the lunchroom’s ready to sell
You’re lucky if you can find a seat
You’re fortunate if you have time to eat
Back in the classroom open you books
Gee but the teacher don’t know
How mean she looks

Soon as three o’clock rolls around
You finally lay your burden down
Close up your books, get out of your seat

Down the halls and into the street
Up to the corner and ’round the bend
Right to the juke joint you go in

Drop the coin right into the slot
You gotta hear something that’s really hot

With the one you love you’re makin’ romance
All day long you been
Wantin’ to dance
Feelin’ the music from head to toe
‘Round and ’round and ’round you go

Drop the coin right into the slot
You gotta hear something that’s really hot

With the one you love you’re makin’ romance
All day long you been
Wantin’ to dance
Feelin’ the music from head to toe
‘Round and ’round and ’round you go

Hail, hail rock’n’roll
Deliver me from the days of old
Long live rock’n’roll
The beat of the drum is loud and bold
Rock rock rock’n’roll
The feelin’ is there body and soul