About the song
“Bus Stop,” a classic 1966 hit by the British rock band the Hollies, stands as a testament to the band’s early success and influence during the peak of the British Invasion era. Written by Graham Gouldman, who also penned hits for bands like the Yardbirds and Herman’s Hermits, the song marked a significant milestone for the Hollies both in the UK and internationally.
Released as a single in June 1966, “Bus Stop” quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 5 in the UK Singles Chart, making it one of the Hollies’ most successful songs in their home country at the time. In the United States, it became their first top ten hit, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard charts in September 1966. Across the border in Canada, “Bus Stop” topped the charts, solidifying its status as a major hit across North America.
The song is notable for its incorporation of raga rock elements, a subgenre influenced by Indian music that was popularized by bands like the Beatles and the Byrds. Musicologist William Echard pointed out the distinctive guitar solo with its sitar-like sound, which added an exotic flavor to the track, aligning it with the prevailing musical trends of the mid-1960s.
Gouldman’s inspiration for “Bus Stop” came from a mundane yet relatable moment during his daily commute. The song’s opening lines were crafted by his father, Hyme Gouldman, capturing the essence of a chance encounter at a bus stop on a rainy day. Graham completed the rest of the song in his bedroom, with additional lyrics coming to him during subsequent bus rides—an anecdote that adds a personal touch to the song’s creation.
Reflecting on the song’s origin years later, Gouldman fondly recalled his father’s influence on his songwriting process, describing him as a valuable collaborator who often provided critical feedback and even suggested titles for songs, including “No Milk Today” for Herman’s Hermits and “Art for Art’s Sake” for 10cc.
“Bus Stop” remains a beloved classic, cherished for its catchy melody, lyrical charm, and the Hollies’ signature vocal harmonies. Its enduring popularity underscores its status as a quintessential piece of 1960s rock music, continuing to resonate with audiences for generations.
Video
Lyrics
Bus stop, wet day, she’s there, I say
“Please, share my umbrella”
Bus stop, bus goes, she stays, love grows
Under my umbrella
All that summer, we enjoyed it
Wind and rain and shine
And that umbrella, we employed it
By August, she was mine
Every mornin’, I would see her waiting at the stop
Sometimes she’d shopped and she would show me what she bought
All the people stared as if we were both quite insane
Someday my name and hers are going to be the same
That’s the way the whole thing started
Silly but it’s true
Thinkin’ of a sweet romance
Beginning in a queue
Came the sun, the ice was melting
No more sheltering now
Nice to think that that umbrella
Led me to a vow
Every mornin’, I would see her waiting at the stop
Sometimes she’d shopped and she would show me what she bought
All the people stared as if we were both quite insane
Someday my name and hers are going to be the same
On bus stop, wet day, she’s there, I say
“Please, share my umbrella”
Bus stop, bus goes, she stays, love grows
Under my umbrella
All that summer, we enjoyed it
Wind and rain and shine
That umbrella, we employed it
By August, she was mine