About the song
**”School Days”** (also known as “School Day (Ring! Ring! Goes the Bell)”) is a quintessential rock-and-roll song written and recorded by Chuck Berry. Released as a single in March 1957 and featured on his LP *After School Session* two months later, it has become one of Berry’s most iconic tracks. The song is often celebrated as a rock-and-roll anthem, encapsulating the spirit of the genre.
The recording session took place on January 21, 1957, at Universal Recording Corporation in Chicago. Chuck Berry was joined by a stellar lineup: Johnnie Johnson on piano, Hubert Sumlin on guitar, Willie Dixon on bass, and Fred Below on drums. This collaboration produced a vibrant track that resonated with audiences.
“School Days” achieved significant success, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the R&B Best Sellers chart. It was also Chuck Berry’s debut on the UK Singles Chart, where it reached number 24. The song’s catchy refrain and lively beat contributed to its popularity and lasting influence.
The song’s last verse famously includes the lines, “Hail, hail rock and roll / Deliver me from the days of old.” This phrase inspired the title of a 1987 documentary film about Chuck Berry, though the song itself is sometimes mistakenly referred to as “Hail Hail Rock and Roll.”
Berry’s musical arrangement for “School Days” influenced later songs, notably reappearing in his 1964 hit “No Particular Place to Go.” The song’s melody and style also inspired other artists. Notably, The Beach Boys covered it in 1980 on their album *Keepin’ the Summer Alive*, and a variety of artists have put their spin on it over the years, including Eddie Cochran, Jan & Dean, and AC/DC.
“School Days” has been covered extensively, reflecting its wide appeal and impact. Its upbeat rhythm and relatable lyrics about school life have cemented it as a timeless piece in rock and roll history.
Video
Lyrics
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 your 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 wanting 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 wanting 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