Supertramp often attempted jazzy prog rock with mixed results, but never nailed it as well as they did on “School,” released in September 1974 as part of Crime of the Century.

“School” is also a rebellion against authority song, put in a clever context of rules foisted on schoolchildren. But the big draw is Supertramp’s performance: Rick Davies’ lonesome harmonica signals that this ain’t gonna be no uptempo song, and Roger Hodgson’s familiar pleading vocal emerges with just his lightly strummed electric guitar.

Lyrics

I can see you in the morning when you go to school

Don't forget your books, you know you've got to learn the golden rule,

Teacher tells you stop your play and get on with your work

And be like Johnnie - too-good, well don't you know he never shirks

- he's coming along!

After School is over you're playing in the park

Don't be out too late, don't let it get too dark

They tell you not to hang around and learn what life's about

And grow up just like them - won't let you work it out

- and you're full of doubt

Don't do this and don't do that

What are they trying to do?- Make a good boy of you

Do they know where it's at?

Don't criticize, they're old and wise

Do as they tell you to

Don't want the devil to

Come and put out your eyes

Maybe I'm mistaken expecting you to fight

Or maybe I'm just crazy, I don't know wrong from right

But while I am still living, I've just got this to say

It's always up to you if you want to be that

want to see that

want to see that way

- you're coming along!