"Back to School (Mini Maggit)" was released as both a single and as an EP package; the single was released shortly before the EP.
Vocalist Chino Moreno : "This album right here [the White Pony re-release] is not the album that we turned into the label. As far as we're concerned, the first edition was the record. Done. Then they talked us into re-releasing it with another song on it, and it's not like I'm against the song or whatever, but I liked the sequence we had when we first turned it in. When this version came out, a little part inside all of us felt like: 'Fuck! We just totally compromised.' And I know that a lot of our fans felt bad about it too."
The band also regrets specifically "Back to School's" presence on the re-release of the album, as Moreno stated in an interview with German rock magazine Visions: "'Back to School' was a mistake. A calculated song, that had been built up with only one aim in mind: It should be a single. … 'Back to School' was released because I was an idiot. I wanted to prove something [to the record company]. Months later, after White Pony was released, they wanted us to do a new version of "Pink Maggit". They said we lost our heaviness, and there were no more singles on the album. First, I wanted to stick this idea up my ass, but then I thought: 'I'm gonna show those fuckers how easy it is to create a hit-single.' And so I rapped a hip hop part on that song, we shortened it and half an hour later, the hit-single was ready to roll on."
Turntablist/sampler Frank Delgado adds, "'Back to School' never belonged on the album. Our record company received White Pony without that song."
Back to School
Deftones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Right, right back to school
Check it
Look back I sift through all the cliques
Roaming the halls all year, making me sick
While everyone's out tryin to make the cut, what?
And when you think you know me right I switch it up
I hop a fence to catch a cab, ain't no one can stop us
Give me a break about some other mess
What were you? Act like it's everything you got
Push back the square
Now that you need her but you don't
So there you go
'Cause back in school
We are the leaders of it all, so
Stop that, quit, all that, quit
Who ruined it? You did, now grab a notebook and a pen
Start taking notes on me and everyone who's on the top
You think we're on the same page but I know we're not
I'll be the man, watch your backpacks, pens and pencils
Just like Keith, I'm flippin it while you just keep it simple
You just can't go on rocking' the clothes, coppin' the stance
'Cause really it's everything that you're not
Push back the square
Now that you need her but you don't
So there you go
'Cause back in school
We are the leaders of it all, so
Transpose, or stop your lies
It's what you do
Transpose, or stop your lies
So run
So why don't you run, so why don't you run
So why don't you run back to school
So why don't you run, so why don't you run
'Cause all you are, now I'm on the next page
All you are, it's time to close the book up
All you are, yeah, I'm on the next page
All you are, close the book up now
Push back the square
Now that you need her but you don't
So there you go
'Cause back in school
We are the leaders of all
We are, we are the leaders of all
We are, we are the leaders of all
So run
So why don't you run, so why don't you run
So why don't you run back to school
So why don't you rush, so why don't you run
Deftones' song "Back to School" is a song that reflects the perspective of someone who has experienced high school and is now looking back on it from a more mature point of view. The song begins with the lead singer encouraging someone to "Run right back to school" and "Check it". The singer then reflects on the different cliques and groups that existed in high school, some of which made them feel sick. While others were trying to make it to the top, the singer was behind the walls smoking cigarettes and sipping vodka. When people think they know the singer, the singer changes things up. The singer then suggests that people worry less about petty things and focus on more significant issues. The song then talks about how while in high school, people want to be the leaders, but now that they are wiser, they realize that they are indeed the leaders.
The song's lyrics of "Back to School" suggest that high school is a place where people try to fit into different cliques and groups, dealing with peer pressure and social norms. The cliques and groups make people feel left out and sick. The singer of the song encourages people to break their molds and think for themselves. The song also highlights how people's interests and behaviors in high school can be dramatically different from their later lives. Moreover, the song can be interpreted as a commentary on the idea of the "American Dream" and the pressures people feel to achieve success in a particular way.
Line by Line Meaning
So run
Encouragement to take action immediately.
Right
Immediately without delay.
Right back to school
Return to a place where there was once a position of leadership and admiration.
Check it
Take a moment to reflect on the current moment.
Look back I sift through all the cliques
Reflecting on the past experiences of being in social groups and comparing them.
Roaming' the halls all year, making me sick
Feeling overwhelmed and frustrated while being forced to attend school.
While everyone's out tryin to make the cut
Trying to gain the acceptance and approval of their peers.
What?
Question of disbelief or not understanding what others are trying to accomplish.
And when you think you know me right I switch it up
People's perception of an individual is quickly challenged when they change their actions and behavior.
Behind the walls smokin' cigarettes and sippin' vodka
Engaging in risky or illegal behavior that is kept hidden.
I profess to catch a cab, ain't no one can stop us
Being confident in making their own choices, regardless of what others may believe or say.
Give me a break about some other mess
Asking to not be bothered or criticized about something that's irrelevant.
What were you?
Asking for someone to identify themselves.
Act like it's everything you got
Giving it their all and performing to the best of their ability.
Push back the square
Refuse to conform to societal norms.
Now that you need her but you don't
Reflecting on the fact that someone only wants something or someone when they are no longer available.
So there you go
Explanation of the reasoning behind someone's actions.
'Cause back in school
Comparison of current and past situations.
We are the leaders of it all
In the school setting, they were considered the main focus or leader.
Stop that, quit! All that, quit!
Insisting someone to stop doing whatever they are doing.
Who ruined it? You did! Now grab a notebook and a pen
Putting blame on somebody for the wrongdoings.
Start taking notes, I'm being everyone who's on the top
Advising others to learn from the best and those who are successful.
You think we're on the same page - but, oh we're not!
Their opinions or beliefs differ significantly from others in the same situation.
I'll be the man, watch your backpack and the pencils
Taking on a leadership role and being responsible for others.
Just like he now flippin it, why you just keep it simple?
Why adapt and change trends? Keep things simple and classic.
You just can't go wrong rocking' the clothes, Coppin' the stance
Confidence and style can go a long way.
'Cause really is everything that you got
Self-esteem and confidence are crucial to standing out and being successful.
Transpose, Or stop your lies
Changing the narrative or facing the truth.
It's what you do
Taking action towards changing the truth and one's reality.
So run
Encouragement to take action immediately.
Why don't you run, so why don't you run
Repeating the encouragement to take action.
Why don't you run back to school
Returning to a place where one used to be admired and successful.
(All you are) now I'm on the next page
Moving past the previous experiences and focusing on new beginnings.
(All you are) it's time to close the book up
Put an end to past experiences and start focusing on the present.
(All you are) I'm on the next page
Looking ahead and moving forward from past experiences.
Close the book up now
Move on and focus on current or future experiences.
(We are) we are the leaders (of all)
Repeated statement about how in the school setting they were considered the main focus or leader.
Why don't you rush, why don't you run
Encouragement to take action immediately.
Why don't you run back to school
Returning to a place where one used to be admired and successful.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Chino Camilo Moreno, Stephen Carpenter, Chi Cheng, Abe Cunningham
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Pride317
Lyrics
So run!
Run, right back to school
Check it
[Verse 1]
Look back, I sift through all the cliques
Roaming' the halls all year, making me sick
While everyone's out trying to make the cut (What)
And when you think you know me right, I switch it up
Behind the walls, smoking cigarettes and sipping vodka
I hop a fence to catch a cab, ain't no one can stop us
Give me a break about some other mess
What were you? Act like it's everything you got
[Chorus]
Push back the square
Now that you need her but you don't
So there you go
Cause back in school
We are the leaders of it all, so
[Verse 2]
Stop that quit! All that quit!
Who ruined it? You did! Now grab a notebook and a pen
Start taking notes, I'm being everyone who's on the top
You think we're on the same page, but, oh we're not!
I'll be the man, watch your backpack and the pencils
Just like Kool Keith, he now flippin it, why you just keep it simple?
You just can't go wrong rocking the clothes
Coppin' the stance, cause really is everything that you got
[Chorus]
Push back the square
Now that you need her but you don't
So there you go
Cause back in school
We are the leaders of it all
[Bridge 1]
So transpose
Or stop your lies
It's what you do
Transpose or stop your lies
So run
So why don't you run, so why don't you run
So why don't you run back to school
So why don't you run, so why don't you run
[Bridge 2]
All you are - Now I'm on the next page
All you are - It's time to close the book up
All you are - I'm on the next page
All you are - Close the book up now
[Chorus]
Push back the square
Now that you need her but you don't
So there you go
Cause back in school
We are the leaders of it all
[Outro]
We are the leaders of it all
We are the leaders of it all
So why don't you run, so why don't you run
So why don't you run back to school
So why don't you run, so why don't you run
@marcomx323
I was actually there. I'm in the video. It was such a surreal experience. A whole bunch of deftones fans mixed in with some extras. And during a break while filming in the gym they played change (in the house of flies). It was such an honor to be there the band was totally cool with everyone, was talking to Abe most of the time he is so down to earth. Awesome time. This was filmed in la/valley college. Thank you Deftones......
@erikaraykova4262
Who are you in the video? Just curious
@erikaraykova4262
If u are comfortable with telling ofc
@donmito2325
Congrats, man! You have just entered my ennemies' list 😁
@mynamejosh5536
Duuuude 🤘🏼
@troyfmradio66
pssst no one gives a shit
@walterwhite7325
The atmosphere created by the entire white pony album is absolutely incredible
@MTown587
You’re godamn right!
@Electricaltape2
Wasn't even supposed to be on it. The original release didn't feature this song, 9n later releases this song was added as the opening track much to the dismay of the band who have said they always regretted making this track.
@jdsarfo610
@@Electricaltape2 its so good tho