National Express
The Divine Comedy Lyrics
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It'll make you smile
All human life is here
From the feeble old dear to the screaming child
From the student who knows that to have one of those
Would be suicide
To the family man
Manhandling the pram with paternal pride
And everybody sings, "Ba-ba-ba-da"
We're going where the air is free
On the National Express there's a jolly hostess
Selling crisps and tea
She'll provide you with drinks and theatrical winks
For a sky-high fee
Mini-skirts were in style when she danced down the aisle
Back in '63 (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
But it's hard to get by when your arse is the size
Of a small country
And everybody sings, "Ba-ba-ba-da"
We're going where the air is free
Tomorrow belongs to me
When you're sad and feeling blue
With nothing better to do
Don't just sit there feeling stressed
Take a trip on the National Express
On the National Express, let's go
The Divine Comedy's song "National Express" celebrates the experiences and diversity of travelling on a long-distance coach in the UK. The song reveals how anyone, regardless of social status, age, race or gender, can enjoy the sense of freedom and adventure provided by such a journey. The lyrics encourage listeners to take a break from the stresses of life and hop aboard the National Express, which will surely make you smile.
The song's opening line set the tone for the rest of the song, inviting listeners to "Take the National Express when your life's in a mess." This suggests that the journey itself is an escape from the daily struggle in a way that's both accessible and affordable. The song goes on to describe the different types of people that can be found on the coach, from the "feeble old dear" to the "screaming child," emphasizing the inclusion and diversity of those who travel on the bus.
The song also touches on the staff on the coach, notably the jolly hostess that sells snacks and tea, often providing cups of tea with a wink, which the song dubs "theatrical winks." The song provides a nostalgia trip to the past with a reference to the mini-skirts from 1963, while also making light of societal ideals and body shaming. The catchphrase of the song "Ba-ba-ba-da" is more than just a catchy tune, it serves as an expression of collective joy, happiness and camaraderie that is present among the people on the bus.
Line by Line Meaning
Take the National Express when your life's in a mess
When you're going through a tough time, consider taking the National Express as a way to get some relief.
It'll make you smile
The National Express can bring you joy and happiness.
All human life is here
The National Express is a place where people from all walks of life come together.
From the feeble old dear to the screaming child
The National Express has passengers of all ages, including elderly people and young children.
From the student who knows that to have one of those / Would be suicide
There may be students who recognize that owning a car would be too expensive or burdensome for them.
To the family man / Manhandling the pram with paternal pride
Parents can be seen taking care of their children while travelling on the National Express.
And everybody sings, "Ba-ba-ba-da" / We're going where the air is free
Passengers on the National Express join in singing a cheerful tune, indicating that they are enjoying their journey to a destination where they feel free.
On the National Express there's a jolly hostess / Selling crisps and tea
On the National Express there is a cheerful and friendly hostess who sells snacks and drinks.
She'll provide you with drinks and theatrical winks / For a sky-high fee
The hostess is not only providing food and drink, but also amusement, albeit at a high price.
Mini-skirts were in style when she danced down the aisle / Back in '63 (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
The hostess might be a lot older than she seems and has been serving customers on the National Express for over fifty years.
But it's hard to get by when your arse is the size / Of a small country
It can be challenging to move around and fit comfortably in your seat if you're very overweight or have a larger body size.
And everybody sings, "Ba-ba-ba-da" / We're going where the air is free / Tomorrow belongs to me
Once again, the cheerful tune is being sung by everyone on the National Express as they anticipate the sense of freedom that awaits them at their destination and the opportunities that the next day might bring.
When you're sad and feeling blue / With nothing better to do / Don't just sit there feeling stressed / Take a trip on the National Express
If you're feeling down and at a loss for what to do with your time, consider taking a relaxing and enjoyable journey aboard the National Express.
On the National Express, let's go
The song ends with an invitation to take the National Express and go on an adventure.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Neil Hannon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@djaw9697
Take the National Express when your life's in a mess
It'll make you smile
All human life is here
From the feeble old dear to the screaming child
From the student who knows that to have one of those
Would be suicide
To the family man
Manhandling the pram with paternal pride
And everybody sings, "Ba-ba-ba-da"
We're going where the air is free
On the National Express there's a jolly hostess
Selling crisps and tea
She'll provide you with drinks and theatrical winks
For a sky-high fee
Mini-skirts were in style when she danced down the aisle
Back in '63 (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
But it's hard to get by when your arse is the size
Of a small country
And everybody sings, "Ba-ba-ba-da"
We're going where the air is free
Tomorrow belongs to me
When you're sad and feeling blue
With nothing better to do
Don't just sit there feeling stressed
Take a trip on the National Express
On the National Express, let's go
@EnidAgnusDei
The line "When your arse is the size of a small country" never fails to crack me up!
@exsappermadman8381
I actually heard this song on a National Express bus going "darn sarth" back in the day and the radio station and/or National Express bleeped it out!......Sense of humour failure.....
@paulosborne3954
Spot on , despite the countless times I have enjoyed this , like you that one line makes my day !
@artvandelayRFC
I've "met" a few girls like that...
@EnidAgnusDei
@G_GlasgowRFC Likewise! built for comfort! ;-)
@roddyteague6246
@Red Shutter Photography Wearing shell suits as well. Dressed for the track but built for the bar.....
@granttully6807
If you dont smile when you hear this song you must be on another planet........Proper feel good music. And we need that so much right now.
@carolinebedford9836
Grant Tully, 100% agree with that, this song brings back so many happy memories for me. 🙂
@rickywest2022
Yeah I really couldn't agree more with you
@hoogabooga9736
amen to that. watch "wee day out" youtube video of Danny MacAskill if you're not familiar with it--that's how i came across the song. It's amazing and matches the music perfectly.