Up in the mornin’, out to school
The teacher is teaching the golden rule
American history, practical math
You’re studying hard and you’re hoping to pass
You’re working your finger right down to the bone
And the guy behind you won’t leave you alone
“Ring, ring”, goes the bell
The cook in the kitchen’s ready to sell
But you’re lucky if you can find a seat
You’re fortunate if you get time to eat
Well, back in the classroom, open your books
Ooh, the teacher don’t know how mean she looks
Hail, hail rock and roll
Hail, hail rock and roll
Hail, hail rock and roll
Hail, hail rock and roll
Hail, hail rock and roll
Hail, hail rock and roll
As soon as 3 o’clock rolls around
And ya lay your burden down
Throw down your books and out of your seat
You go down the hallway, into the street
And you’re tryin’ to forget just where you been
You find a juke joint, you go in
You drop the coin right into the slot
You gonna have something that’s really hot (like me, girl)
With the one you love, you’re makin’ romance
All day long, been wantin’ to dance
And ya feel the music from head to toe
It’s round, and round, and round we go
Long live rock and roll
Long live rock and roll
Long live rock and roll
Long live rock and roll
Long live rock and roll
Long live rock and roll
Rock, rock, rock and roll
Rock, rock, rock and roll
Rock, rock, rock and roll
Rock, rock, rock and roll
Rock, rock, rock and roll
Rock, rock, rock and roll
Rock, rock, rock and roll
Rock, rock, rock and roll
Rock, rock, rock and roll
Rock, rock, rock and roll
Rock, rock, rock and roll
Rock, rock, rock and roll
Schoolyard Anthems: A Closer Look at “School Days”
AC/DC’s rendition of “School Days” bursts with youthful energy and nostalgia. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of daily school life—from early mornings and strict teachers to the thrill of the final bell. The song captures the universal experience of longing for freedom, infusing it with a celebration of rock and roll as an escape from routine. As students hustle through lessons and cafeteria chaos, they eagerly await the end of the school day, when music and dance become their real education. The repeated chants of “Hail, hail rock and roll” and “Long live rock and roll” emphasize the music’s power to unite and uplift, transforming ordinary moments into memorable rites of passage.
Song Credits
“School Days” was originally written and recorded by Chuck Berry. AC/DC included their high-voltage cover on their 1975 album T.N.T., released under the Albert Productions label.