Behind the History of the Classic Kids’ Song, “The Wheels on the Bus”

Origins (1937):  Written by Verna Hills, “The Wheels on the Bus” originated in 1937 as “The Bus” in American Childhood magazine.

Contemporary Lyrics: Popular worldwide, the song's repetitive rhythm engages children, featuring verses about different bus parts and actions.

Actions and Fun:  Children act out verses—swishing like wipers or beeping like horns. It's interactive, making bus rides entertaining.

Alternative Original Lyrics (1937):  The original version had different actions and endings, highlighting the evolving nature of the nursery rhyme.

Madonna Connection:  In 2002, Madonna impersonator Mad Donna released a single sampling the nursery rhyme, reaching the UK's top charts.