Lyrics
First first time I rode the bus I was hitchin’ a ride
Initially hitchhiked on a bus.
I was just a kid, flat broke
Was a young person without money.
I got on board, sat down down and got warm
Entered the bus, sat down, and felt comfortable.
And across town we rode
Rode across town.
Took me just about a block away
Got close to the intended destination.
From exactly where I’s tryin’ to get
Almost reached the desired place.
I said “thanks,” he said “see ya later”
Expressed gratitude to the driver.
And I still remember it yet
Memorable experience, still remembered.
(Chorus)
Reiterating the universal experience of riding the bus and expressing gratitude towards the driver.
Everybody rides the bus
-Everybody, that’s us
-Everybody rides the bus
-And everybody thanks the driver
-I used to know exactly how much money I had
Had precise awareness of available money.
Just by just lookin’ in the palm of my hand
Could count money by looking at the hand.
Twenty five pennies right down to the number
Had 25 pennies, detailed knowledge of funds.
Just like I had it all planned
Everything seemed planned and organized.
And I’d sit up front with the driver
Preferred sitting near the driver and conversing.
And we’d have ourselves a chat
Shared conversations and camaraderie with the driver.
Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em when it’s just us two
Relaxed attitude during private moments with the driver.
We’d ride the line like that
Enjoyed the journey in that manner.
(Chorus)
Reiteration of the universal experience of bus rides and gratitude towards the driver.
Sam was a driver, a juggler, and a clown
Tells the story of Sam, a driver who faced a critical situation and was helped by passengers, ultimately sacrificing his life for others.
He just loved to make people laugh
-He had a heart attack drivin’ on the viaduct
-With no way to get off of that path
-He said “I need a little help at the wheel up here
-Whatever little help you can give”
-And all together they pulled it over
-Savin’ everybody’s life but his
-(Chorus)
Reaffirms the universal experience of riding the bus and acknowledging the driver.
My friend Annette, she’s singin’ the blues
Introduces Annette, who juggles between singing blues and driving the bus to make a living in a challenging economic environment.
And she’s blowin’ harmonica too
-But it’s hard to make a livin’ ‘round here these days
-In this six figure hullaballoo
-So she drives the bus five days out of seven
-On the other two she grooves
-The wheels and the wherewithal
-That’s how the world moves
-(Chorus)
Reiterates the commonality of riding the bus and showing appreciation to the driver.
So if you want my autograph
Emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the contributions of bus drivers, even before seeking personal recognition or fame.
Because you like the way I play the guitar
-Go ask a bus driver first
-‘Cause I’ll never get you that far
-(Chorus)
Final repetition of the chorus, emphasizing universal gratitude towards bus drivers.
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