The question's arisen is this a prison

Some say it is, some say it isn't

Why do I try? nobody listens

I pass by like an intermission

If there's just one weed in this flowerless grave

If there's just one seed I can save

I'm gonna reach ya

Pleased to meet ya, I'm the teacher

Outlaws, cruisers, junkies, boozers

Take a back seat with the three-time losers

They're all having a ball, down at juvenile hall

By looking so small they must be victims of the system

I've been inside, where the lies are hide

Are you satisfied, I never should have tried to beat you

I beseech you, sad little freaker

Pleased to meet you, I'm the teacher

They can snap your soul, blow it away

Like a fragile leaf on a windy day

Can you read? can you write? they couldn't care less

You can graduate on American Express, no personal checks

What do I do to get through to you?

Somebody sue the suit, don't let ‘em eat ya

Don't you let 'em defeat ya Don't let 'em mistreat ya

'Cause sooner or later

They're going to cheat ya

Pleased to meet ya, I'm the teacher

Yeah.