'School's out for summer': Five songs to celebrate the last day of school in Sioux Falls

Morgan Matzen, Sioux Falls Argus Leader
·3 min read

Wednesday, May 26, 2021, marked the last day of school for students in the Sioux Falls School District.

The day marks almost a year of hard work for students who kept going to school or learning virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic, and at least three months of smooth sailing ahead as summer officially begins.

But, what's the best way to celebrate this day? It wouldn't be the same without a nice little mix of "last day of school" themed music.

I asked, you answered. Here are the five best songs to stream today as it's the last day of school.

5. "Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2" by Pink Floyd

I had a few people submit this answer. The lyrics go, "We don't need no education..." but as the education reporter, who said education was a bad thing?

4. "Vacation" by The Go-Go's

I'm partial to The Go-Go's. But we can all agree that the lyrics have mainstream appeal:

"Vacation, all I ever wanted/Vacation, had to get away..."

3. "Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

"School is out and it's sort of a buzz..."

I had no idea this song existed before today, but apparently, Mayor Paul TenHaken is a fan.

2. "What Time Is It" from the "High School Musical 2" soundtrack

"What time is it? Summertime, it's our vacation!"

This ranked second on my list because I realize it's not as much of a timeless classic with broad generational appeal as number one, but it stands out for me. This was popular back in my day!

If you need convincing, just watch a clip from the movie:

1. "School's Out" by Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper isn't personally my favorite, but the last day of school simply would not be the same without this 1972 song, or the iconic line:

"School's out for summer, school's out forever."

I remember friends blasting this on the last day they ever pulled out of the Lincoln High School parking lot, leaving high school in the dust. I believe the chorus was also played over the intercom, if my memory serves me.

Honorable mentions for this list include the following:

  • "Closing Time" by Semisonic

  • "I'm Free" by The Who

  • "Kodachrome" by Paul Simon

  • "Today is Gonna be a Great Day" by Bowling for Soup

  • "Summertime" by Sex Bob-Omb

  • "Soak Up The Sun" by Sheryl Crow

  • "Who Let The Dogs Out" by Baha Men

  • "I Hate School" by The Aquadolls

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: 'School's out for summer': 5 best songs to celebrate school year's end