Meaning of "Alma Mater" by Alice Cooper

The song captures the emotions many experience when leaving high school and entering a new chapter of life. The speaker expresses sadness at leaving behind familiar places and faces, such as Camelback and Cortez, showing an attachment to the past. The references to pranks and memories with friends highlight the nostalgia for the carefree days of youth. The repetition of "goodbye" and "so long" reinforces the finality of leaving school but also the hope of meeting again. Ultimately, the song conveys a mix of melancholy, excitement, and reflection on growth and change.