The Surprising Story Behind "Jumping On The Bandwagon"
Where Bandwagons Actually Came From: The term "bandwagon" has nothing to do with bands in the musical sense we think of today. In the 1800s, a bandwagon was a real vehicle—a large, decorated wagon that carried a musical band through town streets during parades and circuses. These wagons were impossible to miss, with their bright colors, loud music, and festive atmosphere. When a bandwagon rolled through town, it created excitement and drew crowds of people who wanted to be part of the spectacle.