# High Schoolers' 1968 Song Knowledge

> High schoolers in 1968 knew these songs by heart.
- Title: High Schoolers' 1968 Song Knowledge · American Songwriter
- Summary: High schoolers in 1968 knew these songs by heart. High schoolers in 1968 knew four songs by heart: 'Hey Jude', 'Born To Be Wild', 'Build Me Up Buttercup'…
- Keywords: 1968, the beatles, the foundations, otis redding, steppenwolf, rock music, pop music, music, culture, High, Schoolers', Song
- Source: American Songwriter — https://americansongwriter.com/4-songs-that-high-schoolers-in-1968-knew-every-word-to
- Author: Kat Caudill
- Published: 2026-10-03T17:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: 1968, the beatles, the foundations, otis redding, steppenwolf, rock music, pop music, music, culture
## 1968 hits
High schoolers in 1968 knew these songs by heart.
## Hey Jude
Hey Jude by The Beatles was written by Paul McCartney for comfort during John Lennon’s son Julian’s difficult time.
## Born To Be Wild
Born To Be Wild by Steppenwolf was Steppenwolf’s third song released and first major hit.
## Build Me Up Buttercup
Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations describes teenage love and heartbreak.
## (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay
(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay by Otis Redding was recorded three days before his death.
## Key takeaway

High schoolers in 1968 knew four songs by heart: 'Hey Jude', 'Born To Be Wild', 'Build Me Up Buttercup', and '(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay'.