About the song
“School Days,” also known as “School Day (Ring! Ring! Goes the Bell),” stands as a quintessential rock-and-roll anthem written and recorded by Chuck Berry. Released in March 1957 by Chess Records as a single and later included on the album “After School Session,” the song quickly became one of Berry’s most recognizable and enduring hits.
The song vividly captures the youthful exuberance and rebellious spirit of American teenagers in the 1950s. Its lyrics resonate with anyone who remembers the trials and tribulations of school life, punctuated by the iconic refrain, “Hail, hail rock and roll / Deliver me from the days of old.” This line, in particular, has become emblematic of the transformative power of rock music in youth culture.
Recorded on January 21, 1957, at Universal Recording Corporation in Chicago, Illinois, “School Days” features Chuck Berry on vocals and guitar, accompanied by a stellar lineup including Johnnie Johnson on piano, Hubert Sumlin on guitar, Willie Dixon on bass, and Fred Below on drums. The energetic and infectious rhythm, combined with Berry’s signature guitar riffs and Johnson’s lively piano, contributed to the song’s immediate appeal.
Upon its release, “School Days” soared to number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking Berry’s third highest-charting pop hit at the time. It also secured the top spot on the R&B Best Sellers chart, showcasing its crossover appeal and influence across different musical genres. In the UK, it charted at number 24, introducing Chuck Berry to an international audience and solidifying his stature as a pioneer of rock and roll.
The song’s impact extended beyond its initial release; elements of its musical arrangement were later reused by Berry in subsequent compositions like “No Particular Place to Go,” further cementing its place in rock music history. Additionally, the phrase “Hail, hail rock and roll” inspired the title of a 1987 concert film and documentary about Chuck Berry’s career, underscoring the enduring legacy of “School Days” as a cultural touchstone.
With its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and influential musical style, “School Days” remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences, reaffirming Chuck Berry’s status as a pioneering force in shaping the sound and spirit of rock and roll.
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