"What Did You Learn In School?" - American Anti-Indoctrination Song

"What Did You Learn In School Today?" is an American song written during the Civil Rights movement criticizing the American education system and its indoctrination of children into the ideology of American exceptionalism and imperialism. It was written and composed by folk singer Tom Paxton and released on his 1964 debut album "Ramblin' Boy." It was famously performed by Pete Seeger, though the version here is Paxton's from "Ramblin' Boy." -- Lyrics -- What did you learn in school today, dear little boy of mine? What did you learn in school today, dear little boy of mine? I learned that Washington never told a lie; I learned that soldiers seldom die; I learned that everybody is free — And that’s what the teacher said to me. And that’s what I learned in school today, that’s what I learned in school. And what did you learn in school today, dear little boy of mine? What did you learn in school today, dear little boy of mine? I learned that policemen are my friends; I learned that justice never ends; I learned that murderers die for their crimes, Even if we make a mistake sometimes. And that’s what I learned in school today, that’s what I learned in school. And what you learn in school today, dear little boy of mine? What did you learn in school today, dear little boy of mine? I learned that war is not so bad, I learned about the great ones we have had: We fought in Germany and in France, And someday I might get my chance. And that’s I learned in school today, that’s what I learned in school. And what did you learn in school today, dear little boy of mine? What did you learn in school today, dear little boy of mine? I learned our government must be strong, It’s always right and never wrong; Our leaders are the finest men, And we elect them again and again. And that’s what I learned in school today, that’s what I learned in school. -- Lyrics --