The Decemberists On The Bus Mall Lyrics

On the Bus Mall: A Decemberists' Journey Through Our Daily Commute

Ever found yourself on the bus, sandwiched between a chatty stranger and a mysterious, half-eaten sandwich? You're not alone. This is the world of The Decemberists, or at least, the one they sing about in their song, On the Bus Mall.

Now, I'm not saying Colin Meloy and the gang are secretly riding the 45 every morning, but their lyrics sure paint a picture we can all relate to. It's like they've taken our daily commute, wrapped it in a folksy melody, and served it up with a side of banjo.

Meet Your Fellow Commuters

Let's start with the cast of characters. There's the chatty lady who's "talking 'bout her daughter's wedding." Sound familiar? Maybe she's sitting next to you right now, sharing every detail of last weekend's bridal shower. And who could forget the mysterious sandwich man? We've all been there - that awkward moment when you catch a whiff of something... questionable.

Then there's the guy with the guitar. You know him. He's the one who thinks his bus ride is the perfect opportunity to practice his open G chord. And let's not forget the sleeping beauty in the corner, snoring loud enough to drown out the driver's announcements.

From Point A to Point B

Now, let's talk about the journey itself. The Decemberists take us from the bus mall (that's Portland speak for transit mall, in case you were wondering) to the suburban sprawl. It's a trip we've all taken, from the city hubbub to the quiet 'burbs, with a few stops in between.

Decemberists - The Engine Driver/On the Bus Mall - The Bellwether - Los

They sing about the rain, and how it's "pounding on the roof like a thousand tiny drums." If you've ever commuted in the Pacific Northwest, you know exactly what they mean. It's like the weather's own percussion section, keeping time with the rhythm of the bus.

And what about that transfer? You know, that moment when you're not quite sure if you're on the right bus, or if you've missed your stop. It's a feeling we've all had, that mix of uncertainty and mild panic as you check your phone, trying to get your bearings.

The 'Out of Order' Speech in Scent of a Woman Holds Up

Finding the Silver Lining

But here's the thing - despite the chatty strangers, the mysterious sandwiches, and the rain, there's something kind of comforting about it all. It's the rhythm of our daily lives, the shared experience of getting from point A to point B.

And that's what I love about On the Bus Mall. It's not just a song about a bus ride. It's a song about our daily commute, our shared humanity, and the little moments that make up our lives. So next time you're on the bus, give it a listen. You might just find yourself tapping your foot along with the guy with the guitar.

And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, you'll start to see your fellow commuters in a whole new light. After all, we're all just trying to get where we're going, one stop at a time.