The Wheels on the Bus has been a popular tune in the Untied States and the United Kingdom since sometime in the 20th century, around 1939. While the original writer of this thought to be Verna Hills, several variations exist on albums full of baby songs and nursery rhymes. Since it is sung top the tune of the British song, “Here we go round the Mulberry bush,” large groups are able to sing this tune at the same time, in unison. Small children are able to pick up on the lyrics easily, because of the repetitive nature of the tune. The Wheels on the Bus was written to keep children entertained on both school trips and everyday road trips. Many childhood highlights include singing nursery rhymes, such as this one, while on the road in the family vehicle.
Even though The Wheels on the Bus remains on the list of popular baby songs, most older children still enjoy singing along with the little ones. Parents are able to enjoy the song as well, and even teach their children about being on a bus in the process of singing. Especially since they can add their own flair to the song. Swapping the word wheels with wipers, babies, doors, etc.. gives way to a thousand unique variations of the once simple song.
Due to the popularity of this song, educators and celebrities have been able to use it to further their careers. Music teachers in elementary schools use this as a starting song to teach children how to apply dancing to the lyrics of a song. Example: “The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish” would result in children sweeping their arms up and down in a windshield wiper fashion. This allows them to move onto more complex songs such as YMCA and even the Cha-Cha slide.
Celebrities have taken the tune and lyrics of the song and turned them into background music for their own lyrics. Some have also rewritten the original song and recorded for a children’s album.