A Brief History of “The Wheels on the Bus” 

“The Wheels on the Bus” was written by Verna Hills and first published in 1937 in American Childhood magazine. Inspired by everyday bus rides, the song uses playful repetition and familiar sounds — wheels going round, wipers swishing, babies crying — to help children learn about movement, rhythm, and social routines.

Its melody is based on “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush,” making it easy to sing and remember. Over time, it became a global favorite in classrooms and homes, often paired with hand motions and adapted into many languages. Today, it remains a joyful way to explore the world through song.