BACK-TOSCHOOL
SONGS
SEPTEMBER IS HERE, meaning that it’s time for students to head back to class. These are five of the best songs about going back to school — or, in some cases, not going back to school.
THE WHITE STRIPES
“We’re Going to Be Friends” The opening lyrics of this childlike acoustic ditty perfectly encapsulate the nervous excitement of returning to school after the summer holiday: “Fall is here / Hear the yell / Back to school / Ring the bell / Brand new shoes / Walking blues / Climb the fence / Books and pens.”
ROD STEWART
“Maggie May” This classic folk-rock anthem describes a relationship with an older woman. The teenage protagonist’s canoodling evidently interferes with his studies, as Stewart sings, “It’s late September and really I should be back at school.”
PRAIRIE CAT
“Just Cuz” This piano-pop lament from Vancouver songsmith Cary Pratt describes the end of a summer fling. Details are scarce, but it seems that he and his lover are attending different universities, as he sings “I’m over here now / You’re over there now.”
KANYE WEST
“School Spirit” For Kanye West to find fame, he first had to drop out of college. References to this journey abound on The College Dropout, and on the sneering “School Spirit” he raps, “Back to school and I hate it there, I hate it there.”
ANIMAL COLLECTIVE
“College” This 53-second abstract sketch consists entirely of seven words that you’ll never hear from a guidance counsellor: “You don’t have to go to college.” Take that, higher education! ALEX HUDSON