Cyndi Lauper Recalls Getting ‘Asked to Leave’ Catholic School Twice: ‘We Had a Lot of Political Differences’

Cyndi Lauper Shares Stories of Expulsion from Catholic School on Multiple Occasions

Cyndi Lauper, the iconic singer known for hits like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” recently sat down with Gracie Abrams for an exclusive interview as part of Rolling Stone’s Musicians on Musicians feature. In the candid conversation, Lauper revealed a lesser-known aspect of her past – being asked to leave Catholic school not once, but twice.

Opening up about her unconventional school experience, Lauper shared, “I went to Catholic school, but we had a lot of political differences, so I was asked to leave.” She clarified that the requests for her departure came during her third and fourth-grade years. When asked if she was expelled for talking, Lauper humorously responded, “Oh, no, no, no. For talking back.”

In a 1984 interview with PEOPLE, Lauper reflected on her challenging childhood and teenage years, which included running away from home at 17 and eventually obtaining a high school equivalency diploma. She expressed the struggle of not accepting herself and feeling out of place during her high school years, leading to a sense of isolation and questions about her purpose in life.

Despite her tumultuous early years, Lauper’s passion for music remained strong, leading to a successful career that has spanned over 40 years. In her recent Rolling Stone interview, she shared that she still feels like she is continually learning and evolving as a songwriter. Acknowledging the ups and downs of the creative process, she noted, “Sometimes you write something, you’re like, ‘Wow, look at what we did! Genius!’ Then the next day you listen and go, ‘What the heck were you thinking?’ It’s always like that, but ain’t that what we do?”

Lauper’s resilience and determination to pursue her passion for music despite obstacles serve as an inspiration to many. Her ability to navigate challenges and continue to grow as an artist resonates with fans who admire her authenticity and creativity.

As she looks back on her journey, Lauper’s story reminds us of the importance of perseverance and staying true to oneself in the face of adversity. Her candid revelations about her past experiences offer a glimpse into the strength and resilience that have defined her remarkable career.

In an industry where success often comes with its share of struggles, Cyndi Lauper’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Her willingness to share her vulnerabilities and obstacles along the way only adds to the depth of her artistry and the impact she has had on the music world.

**Please note that all information in this article is sourced from reputable publications and interviews to ensure accuracy and reliability in reporting.**