High School Never Ends

Album: The Great Burrito Extortion Case (2006)
Charted: 40 97
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In this song, the band states that even after high school ends, life doesn't really change. While many times the biggest losers in high school turn out to have the most success in life, the superficial concerns and pack mentality continue on for some time, which can be frustrating for someone looking for something more in the real world. The concept that "high school never really ends" is a belief that people don't really change, that those who are privileged and popular tend to stay that way while traits like intelligence and kindness are not properly valued.
  • Bowling For Soup lead singer Jaret Reddick writes their songs and runs the band. Many of his best songs come very quickly, but this one took a while. When Songfacts spoke with Jaret in 2010, he explained: "'High School Never Ends' was a two-day process, because it was me and Adam Schlesinger from Fountains of Wayne sitting in a room trying to combine two ideas into one. He really wanted to do a song about tabloids and stuff like that, and I really wanted it to be more. I had the 'high school never ends' line for a couple of years, and I wanted it to be more about life. And so the idea was, Okay, let's combine those things. And I think we were successful at it. But again, his mind works completely different than mine, so it took a couple of days."
  • Like much of Bowling for Soup's output, this is a fun, goofy song, but to some people it really hits home. Reddick explains that while he now has a wonderful family and a successful band, he draws from the turmoil and pain of his youth for inspiration in writing songs, and many of these songs affect young people. Said Jaret: "Sometimes it can be a funny song that just hits some sort of a chord with somebody. It can be really anything, but most definitely the ones when I write about being young. Even 'High School Never Ends,' for example. I'll get kids that are like, 'I just want to get out of here!' I understand what you're saying."

Comments: 4

  • Scott from Russell, NyHas anyone else noticed the fact that they have big name celebrities in the song?
  • Martha from New York, NyAwesome song. So simple but clearly thought out. Just my type. It's my second favorite next to almost!
  • Blake from Chico, Calol love this song, very sad but very true. First time I heard it, I was laughing so hard I cried.
  • Cal from Baltimore, Mdthis song is awesome and true high school never ends even after everybody is the exact same way they were in high school
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Song Titles That Inspired Movies

Song Titles That Inspired MoviesSong Writing

Famous songs that lent their titles - and in some cases storylines - to movies.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Kevin Godley

Kevin GodleySongwriter Interviews

Kevin Godley talks about directing classic videos for The Police, U2 and Duran Duran, and discusses song and videos he made with 10cc and Godley & Creme.

George Clinton

George ClintonSongwriter Interviews

When you free your mind, your ass may follow, but you have to make sure someone else doesn't program it while it's wide open.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"They're Playing My Song

When Dave recorded the first version of the song with his group the Blasters, producer Nick Lowe gave him some life-changing advice.