We're Going On A Tuppenny Bus Ride

Album: A Taste of Honey (1968)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Part novelty song, part silly love ballad, complete with stomach churning child chorus, "...Tuppenny Bus Ride" was recorded in 1968 by Anita Harris. Backed by "Artie" it was her 11th single release, her fourth on CBS, and her second of the year.
  • Written by Andrew McMaster, this song is a testament to the stark reality of inflation. Although special tickets were available - including off-peak savers - in January 2007, four decades on, London was said to have the most expensive transport system in the world, and a "single zone" bus journey was £2. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 2

  • John Rj from Lytham St AnnesThinking back to songs from my early childhood, this was one of them. I don't remember the cost of travelling by bus at this age (under ten) but the cost of travel in the UK is generally unacceptable. I started travelling a lot by train in the late 1970s up to the mid 1990s (before privatisation took over), but now it simply isn't worth it at the price. I would rather drive most of the way and get a train (less than the cost of parking my car) to wherever I am going. Birmingham for example - park at The Hawthorns for free and get a ticket into the city Centre or a Daytripper ticket for use on busses, trams and trains locally. This is about the only time I use public transport. Travelling all the way by train is too costly. Buses are for more short-term journeys and I use them occasionally when it is needed than out of choice.
  • The Bash from Rubery RadioJust discovered this delightful little ditty, I have a feeling I will be playing it on my show on her Birthday June 3rd Rubery Radio Thursdays 4-8pm
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of SevendustSongwriter Interviews

The Sevendust frontman talks about the group's songwriting process, and how trips to the Murder Bar helped forge their latest album.

Art Alexakis of Everclear

Art Alexakis of EverclearSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer of Everclear, Art is also their primary songwriter.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.

Daryl Hall

Daryl HallSongwriter Interviews

Daryl Hall's TV show is a hit, and he's been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - only one of these developments excites him.

Early Days of MTV

Early Days of MTVFact or Fiction

If you can recall the days when MTV played videos, you know that there are lots of stories to tell. See if you can spot the real ones.

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.