Liquor market
Lots of flats
Another 24-hour chemist
Self-Serve gas
I said all these things
Serve me well
I said all these things
Serve me well, yeah
It's hypnotizing
It sends me to sleep
No one talks to anyone else
It's frightening
Everybody's minds are blank
Oh - oh hypnotizing
I'm always using you
When I'm out of cash
I stare through this window
On a bus, moving fast
I said all these things
Serve me well
I said all these things
Serve me well - yeah
Lots of flats
Another 24-hour chemist
Self-Serve gas
I said all these things
Serve me well
I said all these things
Serve me well, yeah
It sends me to sleep
No one talks to anyone else
It's frightening
Everybody's minds are blank
Oh - oh hypnotizing
When I'm out of cash
I stare through this window
On a bus, moving fast
I said all these things
Serve me well
I said all these things
Serve me well - yeah
I've always thought 'On A Bus' described the bus ride home after a late night of partying. Michael Hutchence rattles off the signs that light up the night (liquor, flats, drugs, gas). All of the items he sees are useful in his life including 'you' who is useful too (for money). Sometimes those late night bus rides can be 'frightening' either from real danger, perceived danger or drug-induced danger. All of the riders are hypnotized by the city lights, the monotonous bus ride or the drugs/alcohol they have consumed.