20 Songs About Teachers

As someone who has spent years in the classroom, both as a student and later as an educator, I’ve come to appreciate the profound impact teachers have on our lives. They shape our minds, inspire our dreams, and sometimes, they even find their way into our favorite songs. Music has a unique way of capturing the essence of the teaching profession – the challenges, the triumphs, and the lasting impressions left on students and society alike.

In this playlist, I’ll take you on a musical journey through 20 songs that celebrate, critique, and reflect on the teaching profession. Whether you’re an educator looking for some inspiration, a student reminiscing about a favorite teacher, or simply a music lover curious about how this noble profession has been immortalized in song, you’re in for a treat.

1. “Teacher’s Pet” by Doris Day

“Teacher’s Pet” is a classic song performed by Doris Day, introduced in the 1958 film of the same name. The song was written by Joe Lubin and became a notable hit, reaching #56 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and #36 on the Cash Box Top 100 chart. The lyrics convey the playful and affectionate desire of a student to be the favorite of their teacher, using school-related metaphors to express romantic interest. The song’s catchy melody and Day’s charming performance make it a memorable tune from the 1950s era. In the film, Doris Day played a teacher who is romanced by an adult student, adding a layer of irony to the song’s lyrics.

2. “Another Brick in the Wall” by Pink Floyd

“Another Brick in the Wall” is a three-part composition from Pink Floyd’s 1979 rock opera album The Wall, written by bassist Roger Waters. Part 2 of the song is particularly famous for its critique of the rigid and oppressive educational system, featuring the iconic children’s choir chanting “We don’t need no education” and “Hey, teacher, leave them kids alone!”. The song’s lyrics reflect Waters’ disdain for the authoritarian schooling he experienced, and the accompanying music video depicts children being processed through a metaphorical meat grinder, symbolizing the dehumanizing effects of the education system. The song was a commercial success, topping charts in several countries and becoming a cultural touchstone for its rebellious message.

3. “Teachers” by Daft Punk

“Teachers” is a track from Daft Punk’s 1997 debut album Homework. The song is a tribute to the pioneers and influencers of the dance music genre, listing numerous DJs and producers who have inspired the French duo. The repetitive and minimalist lyrics, combined with the driving beat, create a hypnotic effect that is characteristic of Daft Punk’s early work. The song serves as a homage to the “teachers” of electronic music, acknowledging their contributions and influence on Daft Punk’s own sound and success.

4. “Teacher I Need You” by Elton John

“Teacher I Need You” is a song from Elton John’s 1973 album Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player. Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, the song narrates a schoolboy’s infatuation with his teacher, blending witty and vivid lyrics with a catchy, retro rock melody. The lyrics describe the boy’s attempts to impress his teacher and his daydreams about her, capturing the innocence and intensity of a youthful crush. The song’s upbeat tempo and playful tone make it a standout track on the album, and it has been praised for its clever storytelling and melodic craftsmanship.

5. “Teacher’s Blues” by Pete Seeger

“Teacher’s Blues” is a folk song by Pete Seeger that addresses the financial struggles and societal undervaluation of teachers. The lyrics poignantly highlight the irony of teachers having prestige but lacking financial stability. Seeger critiques the notion that teachers should be content with intellectual fulfillment while struggling to make ends meet. The song uses a blues format to convey the melancholy and frustration of teachers who are respected in name but not in economic terms. This song is a powerful commentary on the socio-economic challenges faced by educators, emphasizing the need for better support and recognition.

6. “The Teacher” by Paul Simon

“The Teacher” is a track from Paul Simon’s 2000 album You’re the One. The song tells the story of a revered teacher whose wisdom is likened to “tablets of stone.” The narrative follows the teacher and his followers on a metaphorical journey, exploring themes of learning, guidance, and existential reflection. The lyrics delve into the complexities of knowledge and the burdens that come with it, portraying the teacher as a figure of both inspiration and overwhelming power. Simon’s poetic storytelling and the song’s contemplative tone make it a profound exploration of the teacher-student relationship and the quest for understanding.

7. “To Sir With Love” by Lulu

“To Sir With Love” is the theme song from the 1967 film of the same name, performed by British singer Lulu. Written by Don Black and Mark London, the song expresses deep gratitude and admiration for a teacher who has profoundly impacted the student’s life. The lyrics reflect on the transition from childhood to adulthood and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. The song’s heartfelt message and Lulu’s emotive delivery resonated with audiences, leading it to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It remains an enduring tribute to the positive influence of dedicated teachers.

8. “Oh Teacher” by Diana Ross

“Oh Teacher” is a song by Diana Ross that explores the theme of romantic infatuation with a teacher. The lyrics describe the emotional turmoil and longing of a student who is captivated by their teacher. The song’s soulful melody and Ross’s expressive vocals convey the intensity of the student’s feelings, blending elements of admiration and unrequited love. “Oh Teacher” captures the complexity of such emotions, making it a poignant addition to the theme of songs about teachers.

9. “The Teachers Are Afraid Of The Pupils” by Morrissey

“The Teachers Are Afraid Of The Pupils” is a track from Morrissey’s 1995 album Southpaw Grammar. The song, which runs over 11 minutes, is built around a sample from Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5. The lyrics explore themes of authority, fear, and rebellion within the educational system. Morrissey paints a bleak picture of the relationship between teachers and students, suggesting that the teachers’ fear stems from their inability to control or understand their pupils. The song’s orchestral arrangement and dark, introspective lyrics create a haunting atmosphere, making it one of Morrissey’s more complex and ambitious works.

10. “The Headmaster Ritual” by The Smiths

“The Headmaster Ritual” is the opening track on The Smiths’ 1985 album Meat Is Murder. Written by Morrissey and Johnny Marr, the song is a scathing critique of the British educational system, particularly the use of corporal punishment. Morrissey’s lyrics describe the brutality and authoritarianism of school life, with lines like “Belligerent ghouls run Manchester schools” and “Sir thwacks you on the knees, knees you in the groin.” The jangling guitar riff by Marr adds a sense of urgency and tension to the song. “The Headmaster Ritual” has been praised for its powerful lyrics and innovative guitar work, and it remains a significant track in The Smiths’ discography.

11. “Hey Teacher” by Louis XIV

“Hey Teacher” by Louis XIV is a song that delves into the theme of student-teacher relationships, but with a provocative twist. The lyrics suggest a rebellious and confrontational attitude towards authority figures in the educational system. The song’s rock-driven sound and edgy lyrics reflect the band’s characteristic style, blending themes of defiance and youthful angst. While not as widely known as some other songs on this list, “Hey Teacher” captures the spirit of rebellion against the constraints of traditional schooling.

12. “Teacher” by Nick Jonas

“Teacher” is a track from Nick Jonas’s 2014 self-titled album. The song is a dance-pop tune with a strong 80s disco influence, produced by Jason Evigan. The lyrics revolve around Jonas teaching a girl how to love properly, using the metaphor of a teacher-student relationship to explore themes of romance and attraction. The catchy chorus and upbeat tempo make it a standout track on the album. “Teacher” was released as a promotional single and received positive reviews for its infectious melody and retro vibe.

13. “Master Teacher” by Erykah Badu

“Master Teacher” is a thought-provoking track from Erykah Badu’s 2008 album “New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)”. The song is notable for popularizing the phrase “I stay woke,” which later became a significant part of social justice discourse. The lyrics explore the concept of enlightenment and awareness, with Badu repeating the question, “What if there was no niggas, only master teachers?”

The song’s message is about seeking knowledge, self-awareness, and societal transformation. Badu uses the term “master teacher” to represent wisdom and enlightenment, contrasting it with negative stereotypes. The repetitive chorus “I stay woke” emphasizes the importance of remaining conscious and alert to social issues and personal growth.

Interestingly, Badu has commented on how the term “woke” has evolved since the song’s release, noting that it has taken on new meanings in political discourse, often being used as a pejorative term by conservatives.

14. “School Teacher” by Bob Seger

“School Teacher” is a rock song from Bob Seger’s 1974 album “Seven”. The lyrics depict a narrator who works as a janitor in a school and harbors romantic feelings for a teacher. The song captures the perspective of someone in a lower social position admiring someone they perceive as being of higher status.

Seger’s gritty vocals and the song’s driving rhythm emphasize the narrator’s longing and frustration. The lyrics paint a picture of the teacher’s daily routine and the narrator’s observations, with lines like “I seen you walkin’ every day on your way, school” and “I’d like to know ya, but I’m a nothin’ / And you’re a somethin’, I’d like to know ya, yeah”.

The song touches on themes of social class, unrequited love, and the often-overlooked perspectives of working-class individuals in educational settings.

15. “Teacher Teacher” by 38 Special

“Teacher Teacher” is a 1984 single by 38 Special, featured on the soundtrack of the film “Teachers”. The song reached number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It’s a rock anthem that explores the relationship between students and teachers, as well as the broader theme of preparing for life beyond school.

The lyrics express uncertainty about the future and question whether the lessons learned in school are sufficient for the “real world”. The chorus repeatedly asks, “Teacher, teacher, can you teach me? / Can you tell me all I need to know?” This reflects the anxiety and doubt many students feel as they approach graduation and face the challenges of adulthood.

The song also critiques the education system, with lines like “They take the best years of your life / Try to tell you wrong from right / But you walk away with nothing.” Despite this criticism, the overall tone is one of seeking guidance and knowledge.

16. “Teachers” by Leonard Cohen

“Teachers” is a poetic and introspective song by Leonard Cohen, known for his profound lyrics and unique vocal style. The song reflects on the various “teachers” one encounters in life, not just in formal education but in all aspects of existence.

Cohen’s lyrics are characteristically complex and open to interpretation. The song explores themes of wisdom, experience, and the sometimes painful process of learning life’s lessons. Lines like “She taught me to believe in lies / And lies became the truth” suggest that learning can often involve challenging one’s preconceptions and embracing paradoxes.

The song also touches on themes of love, spirituality, and the search for meaning. Cohen’s “teachers” are diverse, including figures like “a woman long ago” and “a girl across the sea,” implying that wisdom can come from many sources and experiences.

17. “Hot For Teacher” by Van Halen

“Hot For Teacher” is a song by the American rock band Van Halen from their 1984 album 1984. Written by band members Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, Michael Anthony, and David Lee Roth, the song was released as the fourth and final single from the album. Known for its distinctive double bass drum performance by Alex Van Halen and its risqué theme, the song explores a student’s lustful attraction to his teacher. The music video, directed by Pete Angelus and David Lee Roth, features the band members as both adults and young students, adding a humorous and playful visual element to the song’s narrative. The song has been described as a blend of glam metal, heavy metal, and hard rock, and it remains one of Van Halen’s most iconic tracks.

18. “The Art Teacher” by Rufus Wainwright

“The Art Teacher” is a song by Rufus Wainwright from his 2004 album Want Two. The song tells the story of a woman reminiscing about her unrequited love for her art teacher during her school years. Through reflective and poignant lyrics, Wainwright captures the lasting impact of this youthful infatuation on the woman’s life. The song’s piano-driven melody and Wainwright’s emotive vocals create a deeply moving narrative that explores themes of love, memory, and the influence of mentors. The song stands out for its mature perspective on what might initially seem like a juvenile crush, making it a profound meditation on the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

19. “Teach Your Children” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

“Teach Your Children” is a song written by Graham Nash and performed by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. It was released in 1970 on their album Déjà Vu. The song’s lyrics urge parents to impart wisdom and values to their children while also encouraging children to learn from their parents. The song features a smooth, country-flavored melody and harmonies that have become a hallmark of the group’s sound. Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead played pedal steel guitar on the track, adding to its distinctive sound. “Teach Your Children” has been praised for its timeless message and has been used in various cultural contexts to promote education and intergenerational understanding.

20. “When I Kissed the Teacher” by ABBA

“When I Kissed the Teacher” is a song by the Swedish pop group ABBA, featured as the opening track on their 1976 album Arrival. The song’s light-hearted and spirited lyrics tell the story of a student who impulsively kisses her teacher, causing a scandal in the classroom. The song is characterized by its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, with Agnetha Fältskog delivering the lead vocals. The music video, which features a humorous and playful depiction of the song’s narrative, adds to its charm. Despite its controversial theme, the song is remembered for its infectious energy and is considered one of ABBA’s hidden gems.

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Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.