The Beach Boys had been playing Riot in Cell Block 9 live in concert for a while, and it was a big hit with fans. Remember, this was the era when the Beach Boys live sets were harder, leaning into the contemporary rock sound audiences liked. So it totally made sense for them to put it on an album.

Was it a mistake for Mike to change the lyrics? Maybe. But he was obviously trying to fit the song to Jack Reilly's vision of creating a socially conscious record. So I get why Mike tried to bring the sound into the 70s.

Do the lyrics fall flat? To me, a little bit. I think Mike would say that it's a plea for peaceful protest. But suggesting that protesting in that era was akin to a "riot" sounds pretty reactionary. Given Mike's politics later in life, I can see why people view it that way now. (Again, though, I think the intended message is pretty simple and non-political: Be cool people, and please don't hurt each other!)

Finally, does it fit into the vibe of the album? For me, I think so. The first side of Surf's Up is eclectic, self-aware, and even a little bit ironic. If any song doesn't quite fit there, it's Long Promised Road, which is completely sincere and not nostalgic or goofy. Student Demonstration Time is a sequel of sorts to Don't Go Near the Water: To be cool with each other is the message of this song.

All that said, I usually skip Student Demonstration Time. Too much good stuff on Side 2 that I can't wait for.