Meaning of "What Did You Learn In School Today" by Pete Seeger

The lyrics of "What Did You Learn In School Today" by Pete Seeger use the innocent perspective of a child to critique the education system and the way it perpetuates certain narratives. The first verse subtly sheds light on the myth-making around national heroes and idealized figures like George Washington, distorting the historical reality. The mention of soldiers never dying reflects the glorification of war without the acknowledgement of its devastating consequences. The idea of everybody being free may allude to the illusion of equality and democracy that is taught in schools, overshadowing the systemic inequalities present in society. The second verse introduces the idea that policemen are friends, which can be seen as a way of ingraining blind trust in authority figures, while justice never ending suggests an idealized view of the legal system, ignoring its flaws and shortcomings. The child's recognition that mistakes can happen is a refreshing dose of realism. The third verse delves into the indoctrination of patriotism, portraying the government as infallible and leaders as exceptional, encouraging blind faith. The final verse presents a disturbing view of war, with the child being taught that it's not that bad and even romanticizes past conflicts. The desire to have a chance to fight in a war reveals the impact of the propaganda and the normalization of violence that permeates society. Overall, the lyrics highlight the indoctrination of children through the education system, perpetuating false narratives and fostering a skewed perception of reality.