Flight Of The Conchords - Bus Driver Lyrics

this is just a good song regardless of how funny it is

This one’s a classic. Love them so much

Thanks Tony, Just Smile! https://youtu.be/8SYR2bN1VRE

It's always won by some kid of the Mayor. Love that lyric.

181 people need to get off the bus!

Their best tune. Brett and Jermaine kill the vocals and you can tell they have fun performing it. Hope we get a studio version one of these days.

Thank you for the laughs!

The irony is...

Almost unbearable.

this is their best song

1:12 Initiate banger.

2:25 Here we go again.

Not the most "catchy" of their songs, but wow. Just wow. The mixing of genres, of the important and the profane, it's just fabulous.

FOTC fans will have noticed this (instrumentally) as the outro to an episode of the second series of the HBO show, featuring a bus - and a Prime Minister.

“Yeah, sorry ‘bout that...”

I think I broke a rib.

Always won by some kid off the WHAT? This is killing me

The Mayor

I got hooked by Fotc not just because of the hilarious comedy, superb lyrics and rhymes, but they are really really good musicians. Their music is really up another level.

Jermaine absolutely nails the vocals at 1:15 gets me every time

This is my favorite rendition of this song :) wish we get a new season

163 Gloria's watched this video

It’s so brilliantly tragic. They’ve written some very funny songs but this is just perfection

I been listening to this song for ages. Memorised it years ago. So nich nostalgia with it. Reminds me of the small town I grew up in, the small towns i have driven through and of course that one girl when I was younger. And the laughs just top it off

I just keep coming back to this song and specifically this version. Live in London took the wrong turn for me

why does this song sound almost like an elliot smith pastiche?

This song is tragically hilarious -- and one of my favorites ^^

I didn’t love the _”Live in London”_ version much... I’m spoiled on this amazing performance I think !!

"G'day, my name's Tony. On behalf of myself and the coachline I'd like to thank you for choosing to drive with us today. I'm a local, I hope I can impart some local knowledge. you've got any questions don't hesitate, just sing 'm out. For those who are interested, there's the Old Bridge, that was replaced by the New Bridge back in 1972. Funny thing, the Old Bridge used to be called the New Bridge. Yeah, bit of a funny one. Up ahead there's the bronze of Bluey, a local sheepdog, who became a member of Regional Council. It was a bloody great day for dogs, not just here, but throughout the entire country. There's the town's oldest street. That's the Museum of Meat. There's the town's largest industry, 'course that's the sock factory, hence the giant sock."

[Sings] The town hall
Note the mosaic wall
Well, there are 5,600 tiles on that wall
I know, I counted them all
The local school, the local swimming pool,
Which was opened by the Governor General,
Back in 1952
Where I was caught with a friend aged 11, sniffing tractor fuel
We thought we were pretty cool, breaking them changing shed rules

But do you see up there?
The banner hanging in the air?
The Presbyterian Fair
Well, I never go, there's too many Presbyterians there
But if you're interested, the fair's in the third weekend of August every year
But don't bother entering the raffle,
It's always won by some kid of the Mayor

Do you hear that sound?
The town clock, heard from anywhere in town,
Until 1960, it was a little place in Norway
We bought it for a hundred pounds
Rumor has it they sold it cheap because the chimes were too loud
But every time I hear that sound it makes me so proud

Look to your left, what a beautiful sight,
It's Paula, Paula Thompson, nee Paula Wright.
Look at her hair, it's still gorgeous, even now.
Flowing like the Womahonga River,
Which incidently, is to your right.
And it's the largest, in the area
In terms of volume.
Everybody, look at Paula, look at Paula Thompson
I always thought I'd marry Paula
But some things just don't work out that way
Well, that's the most important thing you'll learn on the tour today
That, and the fact there'll be a toilet break
At the information center near the manmade lake

"Yeah, I'll just ask you one favor, if you do see Paula in town later on I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention the details of my tour. Same goes for my wife, Gloria. who You'll recognize cause she looks a hell of a lot like Paula, actually, but, she's not Paula, that's for sure, no."

Paula Thompson, born in '54
To a family of four
To the family next door
Take me back next door
Paula Thompson, nee Paula Wright.
That's her old house, number 39
Number 41 was mine
If this old coach could go back in time
I'd drive to 1979
Take me back...
Take me back, take me back
(Take, take, take, take me back)
Take me back, take me back
(Take, take, take, take me back)
Take me back, take me back, take me back, take me back, take me back, take me back...

Thanks for this. Cheers!

Love these guys and love this song

1.11. 1.43. 2.25

*Speaking* "G'day, my name's Tony. On behalf of myself and the coachline I'd like to thank you for choosing to drive with us today. I'm a local, I hope I can impart some local knowledge. If you've got any questions don't hesitate, just sing out. For those who are interested, there's the Old Bridge, swaying away. Replaced by the New Bridge in 1972. Funny thing, the Old Bridge used to be called the New Bridge. Yeah, bit of a funny thing. Up ahead there's the bronze of Bluey, a local sheepdog, who became a member of Regional Council. It was a bloody great day for dogs, not just here, but everywhere in the North Island. There's the town's oldest street. That's the Museum of Meat. There's the town's largest industry, that's the sock factory, hence the giant sock."

*Sings* The town hall
Note the mosaic wall
Well, there are 5,600 tiles on that wall
I know, I counted them all
The local school, the local swimming pool
Which was opened by the Governor General
Back in 1952
Where I was caught with a friend aged 11, sniffing tractor fuel
We thought we were pretty cool, breaking them changing shed rules

But do you see up there?
The banner hanging in the air?
The Presbyterian Fair
Well, I never go, there's too many Presbyterians there
But if you're interested, the fair's in the third weekend of August every year
But don't bother entering the raffle
It's always won by some kid of the Mayor

Do you hear that sound?
The town clock, heard from anywhere in town
Until 1960, it was a little place in Norway
We bought it for a hundred pounds
Rumor has it they sold it cheap because the chimes were too loud
But every time I hear that sound it makes me so proud

Look to your left, what a beautiful sight
It's Paula, Paula Thompson, nee Paula Wright
Look at her hair, it's still gorgeous, even now
Flowing like the Womahonga River
Which incidently, is to your right
And it's the largest, in the area
In terms of volume
Everybody, look at Paula, look at Paula Thompson
I always thought I'd marry Paula
But some things just don't work out that way
Well, that's the most important thing you'll learn on the tour today
That, and the fact there'll be a toliet break
At the information center near the manmade lake

*Speaking* "Yeah, I'll just ask you one favor, if you do see Paula in town later on that you don't mention the details of the tour. I'd appreciate that. Same goes for my wife, Gloria. You'll recognize her, she looks a hell of a lot like Paula, actually. She often gets mistaken for Paula, but, um, well, she's not Paula, that's for sure, no."

*Singing*
Paula Thompson, born in '54
To a family of four
To the family next door
Take me back next door
Paula Thompson, nee Paula Wright
That's her old house, number 39
Number 41 was mine
If this old coach could go back in time
I'd drive to 1979
Take me back...
Take me back, take me back
(Take, take, take, take me back)
Take me back, take me back
(Take, take, take, take me back)
Take me back, take me back, take me back, take me back, take me back, take me back...
*Speaking* "Yeah, sorry about that. I always get a little bit emotional on the corner of Rutherford and Brown Streets. But, um, that is truly the end of the tour, so mind your step, yeah, good on you."

this is the best version of their best song

So underrated. Shame it isn't on any of their records

😂😂🤣 it's Paula Thomson
🤩😘 Just heard this first time...hahaha!!! 🖐️👌

Take me back Paula

@eloril and I have got plenty volume in my hair 😂🤣 this is so funny..

Hello from Wales...I'm going to get our local radio station to play this..😁🌠👌

Look at my other Paula Thomson channel..the cows coming home video and check out the Barry Island videos..my friend Johnny and I on the fair..🖐️😁🐣

You guys are GREAT!!!

oh yeah yeah

funny, sad, nostalgic, charming, witty with the general tone of longing and whimsy- and it sounds amazing too. "if this old coach could go back in time"

In the intro he kinda sound like korg from ragnarok!!

In terms of VOLUME

this song isn't funny.

We all have a Paula... but no they aren't Paula

That suddenly quieter, more intimate
_If this old coach could go back in time_
_I'd drive to 1979_
has to be my favorite part of this beautiful song

This song reminds me of better times in my life.

<3 <3 <3

such young pretty men

This actually got me emotional!! Jesus, I'm such a drip😂😂

Sorry you didnt marry paula dude

Oh yeah, can definitely see some strong Simon & Garfunkel influence here

I'm a huge fan of New Zealand's 4th most popular folk parody duo, but it actually took me several go-rounds to get into this song. Oddly, it's now one of my favorite. There's so much depth to the bus driver's character. The song deftly balances pathos and humor. Bret and Jemaine harmonize so beautifully, and the instrumentals are surprisingly advanced if you really pay attention. This song will stand the test of time.

Man is that a fg300 Yamaha? I think I have the same guitar

I love this bittersweet song.

This proves it, ......... they're authetic Kiwis !

It's so sad this song wasn't fleshed out on their TV show. I know it was briefly played at the end of one episode, but come on, that's not enough!

Oh, Paula. I still love you...

hahaah we kiwis love shiting on our own country

Holy shit this took a turn

Yep, makes it genius.

Look to your leeeeeeeft

What a beautiful sight!

Rachel Palmer shut up

hence the giant sock

3:37 is so good the harmonies are the best and amazing lyrics!!!

My favourite song in 2018..

*Speaking* "G'day, my name's Tony. On behalf of myself and the coachline I'd like to thank you for choosing to drive with us today. I'm a local, I hope I can impart some local knowledge. If you've got any questions don't hesitate, just sing out. For those who are interested, there's the Old Bridge, swaying away. Replaced by the New Bridge in 1972. Funny thing, the Old Bridge used to be called the New Bridge. Yeah, bit of a funny thing. Up ahead there's the bronze of Bluey, a local sheepdog, who became a member of Regional Council. It was a bloody great day for dogs, not just here, but everywhere in the North Island. There's the town's oldest street. That's the Museum of Meat. There's the town's largest industry, that's the sock factory, hence the giant sock."

*Sings* The town hall
Note the mosaic wall
Well, there are 5,600 tiles on that wall
I know, I counted them all
The local school, the local swimming pool
Which was opened by the Governor General
Back in 1952
Where I was caught with a friend aged 11, sniffing tractor fuel
We thought we were pretty cool, breaking them changing shed rules

But do you see up there?
The banner hanging in the air?
The Presbyterian Fair
Well, I never go, there's too many Presbyterians there
But if you're interested, the fair's in the third weekend of August every year
But don't bother entering the raffle
It's always won by some kid of the Mayor

Do you hear that sound?
The town clock, heard from anywhere in town
Until 1960, it was a little place in Norway
We bought it for a hundred pounds
Rumor has it they sold it cheap because the chimes were too loud
But every time I hear that sound it makes me so proud

Look to your left, what a beautiful sight
It's Paula, Paula Thompson, nee Paula Wright
Look at her hair, it's still gorgeous, even now
Flowing like the Womahonga River
Which incidently, is to your right
And it's the largest, in the area
In terms of volume
Everybody, look at Paula, look at Paula Thompson
I always thought I'd marry Paula
But some things just don't work out that way
Well, that's the most important thing you'll learn on the tour today
That, and the fact there'll be a toliet break
At the information center near the manmade lake

*Speaking* "Yeah, I'll just ask you one favor, if you do see Paula in town later on that you don't mention the details of the tour. I'd appreciate that. Same goes for my wife, Gloria. You'll recognize her, she looks a hell of a lot like Paula, actually. She often gets mistaken for Paula, but, um, well, she's not Paula, that's for sure, no."

*Singing*
Paula Thompson, born in '54
To a family of four
To the family next door
Take me back next door
Paula Thompson, nee Paula Wright
That's her old house, number 39
Number 41 was mine
If this old coach could go back in time
I'd drive to 1979
Take me back...
Take me back, take me back
(Take, take, take, take me back)
Take me back, take me back
(Take, take, take, take me back)
Take me back, take me back, take me back, take me back, take me back, take me back...

*Speaking* "Yeah, sorry about that. I always get a little bit emotional on the corner of Rutherford and Brown Streets. But, um, that is truly the end of the tour, so mind your step, yeah, good on you."

Oh this brings me back to simpler times haha
These guys continue to always be great. Again. :D

New zealands answer to tripod!

i'm not a very emotional person, but i cry pretty much every time i hear this song. the way it mixes sad and funny perfectly amplifies the sadness and nostalgia. always hits me when he says 'I always thought I'd marry Paula, but some things just don't work out that way'

Me too lol

My teacher was shocked when she found out that only me and my best friend had heard of Flight of The Conchords. She asked me to put on any song they’d done, and I chose this one. Everyone laughed about it and she said what the heck, and I felt really embarrassed. Some people don’t appreciate this art unfortunately. They’re probably all presbyterians or something.

Never feel embarrassed about taste man. Its subjective. A food one to show anyone is either "Jenny" or "Robots"

or maybe just idiots, this is humor on a different level, you either get it or you don't

To be fair, you have to have a very high IQ to understand Flight Of The Conchords. The humour is extremely subtle, and without a solid grasp of theoretical physics most of the jokes will go over a typical listener's head. There's also Jemaine's nihilistic outlook, which is deftly woven into his characterisation- his personal philosophy draws heavily from Narodnaya Volya literature, for instance. The fans understand this stuff; they have the intellectual capacity to truly appreciate the depths of these jokes, to realise that they're not just funny- they say something deep about LIFE. As a consequence people who dislike Flight Of The Conchords truly ARE idiots- of course they wouldn't appreciate, for instance, the humour in Jemaine's existential catchphrase "It's business time", which itself is a cryptic reference to Turgenev's Russian epic Fathers and Sons. I'm smirking right now just imagining one of those addlepated simpletons scratching their heads in confusion as Bret McKenzie's genius wit unfolds itself on their television screens. What fools.. how I pity them. 😂

And yes, by the way, i DO have a Flight Of The Conchords tattoo. And no, you cannot see it. It's for the ladies' eyes only- and even then they have to demonstrate that they're within 5 IQ points of my own (preferably lower) beforehand. Nothin personnel kid 😎

I'm confused...so your teacher already knew about them? But didnt like it? Waht?

LOL'd at the last sentence. I'm going to steal that.

Honestly, their songs are amazing.

2:26 The start of the *Paula Thompson* (née *Paula Wright)* segment... the harmonies are just beautiful !! This is actually my fav version of this song so far... the album cut is too slow !!!

2:56 The best of the best bits ;-)

2:14 when Jemaine hits the wrong chord and Brett gets thrown off by it and forgot the right chords as well

I though it was illustrating the dull Norwegian bell.

this song actually makes me cry

Hearing this at the end of the Live From London special gave me emotions. The changes in audience, the band itself, and even the musical differences showed their progress over so many years. Love this band.

Me too, man. Me too

A god damn masterpiece. My brother actually teared up the first time he heard this song lol.

OKAY IT WAS ME.

There's something about this live show in particular that's strangely amazing. Their vocals blend so perfectly, not a single off note. I don't understand. But I like it. I wish there was a HQ recording somewhere!

i think they sold their souls to the devil for talent fame and fortune. ITS THE ONLY EXPLANATION!

I found a live version (London) of this song on Apple music and its not half as haunting😕

Some late night FotC to ruin my sleep schedule. Hells yes. They're so friendly I feel like I'm socializing!

1:12 .......The moment you realise they are not a novelty act that will disappear overnight.

1.56 rove McManus in front?

Didn't make it to the show, but definitely inspired the Prime Minister driving the bus (and he loved his colleague who, of course, was called Paula)

I love the longing and sadness tone of this song, which is discreetly tucked below comedy. This is genius.

I think this is my favorite FOTC song. Its slightly different from their other brilliantly funny songs. While also full of their deadpan humor it also intertwines more serious themes like a feeling of the lost time and love-induced nostalgia for what could have happened. It mixes its components so masterfully and paints a picture of slightly dull life in the small city: "The town hall / another mosaic wall / well, there are 5,600 tiles on that wall, / I know, I counted them all", where wisdom of "some things just don't work out that way" is next to the importance of the location of " the toilet break". Also, the way they hit harmonies and play off each other is exemplified in this song as well. They are coming back to HBO, much more accomplished now, and I cannot wait to see whether they can eclipse their previous run

Well written.

great way to put it George, we can all relate i'm sure

Those 113 downvotes are from Australians.

Nooooooooooo !!

Presbyterian australians

presbyterian

This was sweet as hell😊

Only intellectuals thank the bus driver.

Or most Canadians.

new HBO special soon!

brilliant musos. wish i could see them live

Just brilliant. Wistful, sad and funny

from az lyrics:
[Speaking] "G'day, my name's Tony. On behalf of myself and the coachline I'd like to thank you for choosing to drive with us today. I'm a local, I hope I can impart some local knowledge. If you've got any questions don't hesitate, just sing out. For those who are interested, there's the Old Bridge, swaying away. Replaced by the New Bridge in 1972. Funny thing, the Old Bridge used to be called the New Bridge. Yeah, bit of a funny thing. Up ahead there's the bronze of Bluey, a local sheepdog, who became a member of Regional Council. It was a bloody great day for dogs, not just here, but everywhere in the North Island. There's the town's oldest street. That's the Museum of Meat. There's the town's largest industry, that's the sock factory, hence the giant sock."

[Sings] The town hall
Note the mosaic wall
Well, there are 5,600 tiles on that wall
I know, I counted them all
The local school, the local swimming pool,
Which was opened by the Governor General,
Back in 1952
Where I was caught with a friend aged 11, sniffing tractor fuel
We thought we were pretty cool, breaking them changing shed rules

But do you see up there?
The banner hanging in the air?
The Presbyterian Fair
Well, I never go, there's too many Presbyterians there
But if you're interested, the fair's in the third weekend of August every year
But don't bother entering the raffle,
It's always won by some kid of the Mayor

Do you hear that sound?
The town clock, heard from anywhere in town,
Until 1960, it was a little place in Norway
We bought it for a hundred pounds
Rumor has it they sold it cheap because the chimes were too loud
But every time I hear that sound it makes me so proud

Look to your left, what a beautiful sight,
It's Paula, Paula Thompson, nee Paula Wright.
Look at her hair, it's still gorgeous, even now.
Flowing like the Womahonga River,
Which incidently, is to your right.
And it's the largest, in the area
In terms of volume.
Everybody, look at Paula, look at Paula Thompson
I always thought I'd marry Paula
But some things just don't work out that way
Well, that's the most important thing you'll learn on the tour today
That, and the fact there'll be a toliet break
At the information center near the manmade lake

[Speaking] "Yeah, I'll just ask you one favor, if you do see Paula in town later on that you don't mention the details of the tour. I'd appreciate that. Same goes for my wife, Gloria. You'll recognize her, she looks a hell of a lot like Paula, actually. She often gets mistaken for Paula, but, um, well, she's not Paula, that's for sure, no."

[Singing]
Paula Thompson, born in '54
To a family of four
To the family next door
Take me back next door
Paula Thompson, nee Paula Wright.
That's her old house, number 39
Number 41 was mine
If this old coach could go back in time
I'd drive to 1979
Take me back...
Take me back, take me back
(Take, take, take, take me back)
Take me back, take me back
(Take, take, take, take me back)
Take me back, take me back, take me back, take me back, take me back, take me back...

[Speaking] "Yeah, sorry about that. I always get a little bit emotional on the corner of Rutherford and Brown Streets. But, um, that is truly the end of the tour, so mind your step, yeah, good on you."

The take me back bit is great

I wish they'd have put this on itunes. It's a nice song and I'd love to buy it.

Krista D - it’s on the *”Folk the World”* album (from 2002 iirc) that for whatever label issue isn’t on iTunes/Spotify etc... its not a huge loss tho, the album cut is *_much_* slower and doesn’t have the passion this version does. There are *_tons_* of sites that will convert a YouTube url into an mp3 you can download, so...

Lol the museum of meat

Why's he tryin to sound like an Aussie?? I didn't know if I was listening to Flight of the Conchords or to Tim Minchin!

New Zealanders have a similar accent to Australians

I honestly don't understand the dislikes.

Right when Bret first sings 'another mosaic wall' I'm already feeling emotional

"And note the mosaic wall".... ;)

Scans alot like an Elliot Smith tune

This should be played on every buses at least 3 times a day.

1:14 when Red Hot Chili Peppers appear on the stage

Do you see up there?
The banner hang in the air
The Presbyterian fair.... well I never go...

Jemaines voice is something else, I could do a sex to it.

so awesome, I saw them play this live 3 days ago on their 2018 UK tour!

JEALOUS AF

Damn, mine got postponed

poor Bret, hope his arm heals quickly

yeah im in portsmouth, i can't believe they did a small select of giant cities and countries and then by chance also chose the small south england city i live in :D

Awesome 😎

while watching Thor: RAGNAROK I noticed that Taika's character Korg seemed to be inspired by the bus driver from the song. haha soft-spoken and dorky.

That's just the way a lot of Maori/Islanders talk :)

I'm actually listening to this less than an hour before brain tumour surgery. It's making me cry...

Hey John doing ok?

Hi John, hope you're well

Hey John I too hope you just got bored with YouTube and are doing some great things in life.

Go well cuz x

Hope you're doing well, John

I wonder if this song was a partial basis for the prime minister on the show, he also had an unrequited love for his childhood neighbor. He also drove a bus in that episode. She was also named Paula

1 million view and only 73 dislikes. Testament to how good FotC is.