How Olivia Rodrigo Wrote ‘Drivers License,’ the Biggest Song of the Year So Far | Diary of a Song

In the latest Diary of a Song, the singer-songwriter and actress Olivia Rodrigo, 18, explains how she wrote her first-ever single - after a good cry, with TikTok in mind - before it took over the world.
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[@kyrienperdomo637]

I'm so glad that he focused on the process of writing the song, and the song itself rather than asking about everything behind it and all the drama, it was very professional in my opinion

[@msdenise1234567]

exactly, these series are the best!

[@AnonymousReader-er4eg]

NYT on the job.

[@Eike2002]

They actually talk about music. Rare phenomenon. I would have loved to hear about the #11 in the prechorus-melody.

[@lboston1294]

yes its ny times!

[@armycheckmyplaylistpls931]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXKahXdtn5iIicU

[@rooowtwx]

When she said she wrote that part of the song that way so that people can make tik tok videos.. I felt that generation gap

[@fridagonzalezgarcia8621]

Ive always thought how a lot of songs go well to make a tik tok but some dont and i always wanted a song specifically to be made to make tik toks so when she said that i loved her even more

[@yup3398]

Yeah that hit hard

[@youknow9519]

It's interesting too because Adele recently said she refused to make a song on her latest album (30) with TikTok in mind even though people kept mentioning it to her. She spoke about it and explains why in an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music KZbin channel that was posted to KZbin on November 17, 2021 (Giving dates for the future when people see this and are curious)

[@fredjones7509]

@@fridagonzalezgarcia8621 How should a song be for Tik Tok? What is the fundamental difference between that and a normal pop song for radio?

[@KuyaJayTV12]

She’s a great singer and she writes her own song and play the piano, on top of that, she’s absolutely gorgeous! I hope she make it big just like the ones before her!

[@kingabaddonmusic]

Well

[@Claudia-ty5yr]

she plays guitar too! and ukelele

[@yarimendez3132]

@@Claudia-ty5yr she´s amazing :0

[@Ckproduction03]

She already made it big LOL

[@gm.8805]

she’s an actor as well

[@gabibibi594]

Her writing style remember me of Taylor's. A true swiftian child.

[@aaliyahfoster2705]

The way she's speaking also reminds me of how Taylor conducted herself between debut-Fearless era.

[@gabibibi594]

@@aaliyahfoster2705 yeah, definitely!

[@ingridc.9044]

The first time I heard the song I thought it was Taylor!

[@gm.8805]

true

[@noobz8613]

Yes! But with way better vocals

[@hay_bail1]

If she can make a hit song after only getting her drivers license... wait until she graduates🙃

[@samairakundra3197]

lol

[@riyazuo]

i got my diploma last week 🎶🎵

[@ForcedPositivityMalayalam]

@@riyazuo🎶 just like we always talked about 🎵🎶

[@arianaperez8516]

And "all i want" went good as well.

[@erint5001]

@@ForcedPositivityMalayalam 🎶 my parents were so excited for me 🎶🎵

[@evthrnal8581]

little did they know it was gonna be huge. she looks so happy with her work and shes so deserving of everything happening to her rn.

[@sepulvedasanchezelisa9064]

I really wanted her to keep the line: “And I don’t believe you when you say I did nothing wrong”

[@harmonyyowens]

sameeee !! omggg don’t get me wrong i lovveeee the line now , BUT that one just had SO much emotion .

[@bellabb13]

Do you know where I can hear this version? I never heard of it

[@amanekcovers]

@@bellabb13 search up driver license olivia rodrigo original she playing it while on piano

[@idk8663]

omg same

[@paintingdreams290]

honestly same, but i feel like it was too wordy in that line and thats probably why she changed it

[@ElenaTaber]

a true icon

[@kingabaddonmusic]

K

[@user-ie9jh7hs3c]

What does icon mean lol

[@mutantmonkey5791]

🧢

[@impostersyndrome18]

yes girl

[@alexrossi5227]

Dan Nigro is an icon, she’s the pretty face the record label chose to sing the song

[@chloebrown9106]

I can't wait for the day Taylor's Swift's two children collab (Conan Gray and Olivia). This song is incredible and the bridge never fails to give me chills.

[@coolbeans3674]

haha yeah they’re both obsessed w taylor it’s honestly rly sweet

[@aaliyahfoster2705]

Making of a Song: Olivia Rodrigo edition.

[@harrysmirrorball3450]

I REALLY FEEL LIKE WE WILL GET A COLLAB FROM OLIVIA AND CONAN CUZ DANIEL NIGRO (the producer of drivers license) MADE KID KROW WITH CONAN

[@josjoererg]

I was thinking the same thing, because their styles and voices seem similar enough to work together but different enough to be interesting, and it would just work so well.

[@arianaperez8516]

They have the same producer so it can happen

[@EyeDigress]

She seems super genuine and intelligent, and it comes across in her lyrics and her voice. It's really an amazing song and stopped me in my tracks when I first heard it. I get some Swift and Lorde vibes but it's also very much Olivia Rodrigo.

[@lubondochilekwa]

She so genuine and pure

[@persona8991]

How is a disney star genuine

[@birgitkallen2636]

@@persona8991 þó

[@persona8991]

@@sapphicism How?

[@persona8991]

What a strange thing to say

[@mr.froschi6526]

Is no one going to talk about how the dude that she broke up with now is like world famous for being the guy that broke up with her lol.

[@nala36924]

and he is completely aware and thinks its funny in a way lmao

[@aaliyahfoster2705]

And the lyrics were originally "brunette girl"...

[@camp_mary]

Who is the guy?

[@likebillnye9518]

@@camp_mary Joshua Bassett

[@amartyaprakash897]

Lol It's a made up story Why do you guys believe the story behind a song? Are u that dumb?

[@kaylinfroehlich3293]

This one struck me very hard because it was so relatable. Much more than most songs in the radio today.

[@gracie.merc.]

exactly like i can’t relate to being rich and stuff.

[@piwii9468]

She seems so sweet and genuine,she's well spoken and so humble and I love that about her

[@naominoorda467]

That’s really true who ever you are you seem sweet to tell her that

[@wildflower0281]

her little "hi" in the beginning SHES SO CUTE

[@ImLexiRomero]

UGH IKR! SHES ADORABLE!

[@gidd]

I'm not the "target market" for this type of music as I am not a teen girl but I love seeing other young people succeed ,happy for her hopefully she doesn't end up a 1 hit wonder

[@D_W4LIFE]

do you know why it’s at the top for so long? cuz ppl who usually dont like this type of music actually loved it so target market doesnt mean anything lmao

[@aaliyahfoster2705]

Olivia has a huge younger fanbase that's behind her from Disney and a flood of Swifties who she's kept in touch with so she's definitely going to have several follow-up hits after. Her rise reminds me of how Adele got discovered worldwide.

[@gidd]

@trvp visuals calm down clown I never said that

[@gidd]

@@D_W4LIFE false ,it's teen girls who love this type of music

[@gidd]

@trvp visuals I did not once mention guys can't listen to this do you not know what personal preference is?

[@titaniumleaf]

She is so inspiring. So energetic, an inspiration for all, young and old. I'm 29 and have been bummed out lately about "lack of" acheivements in my life. Had to move home from the pandemic and I'm a healthcare worker so super paranoid I'll infect my family. She's so energetic; makes me realise that's what out there is so unexpected and good things can still happen. Thanks for covering her NYT.

[@emanuellancecruz3028]

8:24 I love how her voice gets octave higher when she answered the question WAHAHAHA🤣

[@maryem9225]

So amazing to hear an artist actually understand and know the craft. So many people just waltz into a studio with a song handed to them, can’t play an instrument - which is fine, sometimes a singer can just be a singer. But the work I find is so much more meaningful when the singer is the one who crafted it.

[@stephaniemacedo4152]

My 12 year old daughter introduced this song to me & instantly I related & LOVED THIS SONG

[@aileenvillalta5322]

I showed my mom this song too! And now she can’t get it out of her head 😂

[@robynbradley4178]

You can tell how passionate about music she is

[@neilwritesstuff]

THE BRIDGE IN ACAPELLA AND THE HARMONIES 😭😭😭😭

[@alpervarlik2783]

That's her debut song just imagine how her album will be

[@thatgirlkc5968]

its good

[@dayannasaldana3628]

@@thatgirlkc5968 Yes it is

[@dayannasaldana3628]

Its amazing 🤩 I love it ❤️ 💕

[@erint5001]

There is just something special about Olivia. I hope this is the start to a very long, very successful, very happy & fulfilling career 💕

[@francescolevine3031]

Your pensions are gone bros. The US gov will inflate your retirement away to pay for today. 40% of all currency in history has been printed in the last 15 months of our two century+ old country.

[@ledeyabaklykova]

So this is it! This lovely ache of a song (in the genre of break-up ballads) works beautifully because of the musical and lyrical elements its creative parents describe. No need for a background (personal) drama to support it. It stands on its own, as it should.

[@martinaloisa4616]

she’s literally so pure and kind I love this girl so much😭❤️

[@pyramid_iremide]

"Are you a good driver? " " Um... Yeah"

[@lucialveroy]

"I can't even parallel park"

[@kaitlinelaine8822]

She’s so amazing! I’m so happy for all the success she’s receiving. Her words are so healing! We need to protect her at all costs!

[@interstellar10]

I was blown away the first time I saw Olivia (on TV). She seemed very talented - not the over-produced or edited kind - just simple, pure, & authentic. She appears legitimate & I hope she is able to continue her career however she so desires.

[@richardwrites]

I love this series -- honored to have the privilege to learn from such a talented person like her

[@KageAthlee]

this song is so emotionally charged from start to end. love love love this

[@thebardsblock2067]

I love how she's so excited about telling everything! ❤ she keeps me smiling, she's contagious

[@jakekalifa9190]

OLIVIA IS AMAZING!! HER SUCCESS IS SO WELL DESERVED 🙌🏼🙌🏼 Cant wait for her album! 💗✨

[@erictingkingco2746]

She’s so pretty, talented. And has beautiful heart. How could anyone broke her heart?

[@martinaloisa4616]

she’s literally so talented I can’ttttt

[@whatisrealknowtheformula6137]

Good for her (says a dad who does not know who she is or has heard this song)! Love to see people (no matter the age) just keep on making things. And sometimes they hit...

[@avantinagral]

I love watching these song breakdowns - and Olivia is incredible!!!

[@sunapau.2791]

throwback to when olivia was allowed to fangirl over taylor with no stupid hate towards her love for taylor😭😭😭

[@baliliclaire]

Those voice memos are everything!!

[@kate.2769]

The way she speaks about her craft is so beyond her age and so wise and intelligent. She's gonna do such great things.

[@fenerrari]

She is such a lovely person. Stan her!

[@chancy5420]

imagine all the goosebumps they felt writing that amazing bridge.

[@ravenann87]

I found this song thru SNL & I’m obsessed

[@dialmstyle]

Yes! The way they broke it down on SNL made me pay attention to this song! That skit was hilarious btw!

[@preetiiiiii134]

Liv is the person who walks in a room and makes the whole thing brighter... like her hieee!! T-T Absolutely loveeeee this girl

[@alisonchin2020]

She’s literally perfect

[@kellypineda_]

i’m so so happy for her, she deserves all the success she gets, she deserves the world and more i love her shes my idol

[@irynpatience]

Seeing her happy means everything to me. She went through it and it gives me hope

[@nataliamedina970]

she's so genuine and talented and mature, she's perfect.

[@asherjaffe]

I really enjoyed watching this. She goes very in depth about her musical theoretical process, and inspiration!

[@AllySheehan]

This girl is gonna go FAR.

[@jessenglish7098]

she is so passionate about her song and im so happy for her ❤️

[@changveronicas]

her vocals convey so much emotion!! i cry!!

[@brendan3404]

keep up this content! it is so entertaining and insightful! this is very different from other videos where they only ask surface-level questions, good job

[@grandbaycentral5741]

Olivia Rodrigo from 'High School Musical". She's Filipino-American. Congrat!!!🙌👏

[@queensucia]

Love it 😍 she is so pretty and you can tell she puts in time in her work

[@Zoestheorem]

Truly soul-striking. True artists inspire. ❤️

[@paulabloom1215]

They both seem so nice and down to earth!

[@johnbouttell5827]

Filipino, German and Irish. Truly an American girl.

[@DIYDazzleNails]

this was honestly so interesting to see how all the changes she made cumulated into the impactful song it is today

[@Nat524Ricci]

Highly impressed with this songs lyrics and her voice, as well. Truly beautiful. Very emotional. Love it!

[@lydiamercado3993]

I'm so glad it was "happier" that got Dan's attention --- that's my fav!

[@Hellothere23344]

I love this song 🥰 so glad we can get an insight of the process

[@remigiojr.urfano9527]

Such a talented kid! More power Olivia🙌

[@lames4815]

We need new episodes 😢

[@jamesdeich6102]

YES

[@czarface]

Might be one of the most powerful and honest songs to come out in decades. She’s a legend.

[@GabrielFerreira-ue8hs]

Yeah she nailed it with this song

[@rmkd3152]

6:52 hits straight to the heart!

[@tintintin2647]

i love olivia rodrigo!!! she's so relatable and inspiring!!

[@bunker8digitallabs]

Wow, even more impressed with her maturity, artistic direction and her desire to do the song justice. She is more and more impressive the more you see and hear her speak about her music. Most people spend their entire careers with no sense of artistic direction or purpose. She comes across as so definitive and put together, I really hope the viciousness of the music industry doesn’t ruin her.

[@flowersgrewbackasthorns]

The echoey effect on the backing vocals on “red lights stop signs I still see your face in the white cars front yards” is amazing and I love it so much.❤️❤️❤️

[@rindusenja]

I like it too

[@thorben216]

I love how youre also looking at it in a musical way

[@nataliamedina970]

you can see the kind of person she is by knowing that how she record this song and how a song can be so simple and perfect at the same time.

[@lashtal]

I like how experimental they got with the creation process. So much stuff didn't make it in, but they went for it. And amazingly, didn't lose what makes the song great at the same time by beating it to death or trying to do too much. But just enough to understand what made it great in the first place. These two need to keep collaborating.

[@user-ng1ow6sc3d]

She's so charming omg I really like her

[@IM125]

This girl is definitely very special and talented. I can’t wait to see her musical career flourish. As a guy, I am proud that this young girl can develop and make choices, I’m glad she was born in today’s day and age. Can’t wait to hear a full fledged album that is completely her.

[@marcopetaccia88]

Very very well done video, super informative about the creative process!

[@cristianpestillos1672]

Queen Olivia Rodrigo ❤️

[@jeanniem2563]

wonderful interview! 👏

[@arosewil28]

She’s so humble I love her

[@Mike-nc6uv]

Notice how she’s excited all throughout the video ! That’s what makes a great songwriter... she’s fully invested in it

[@GabrielaZapataMusic]

She is a talented songwriter. The fact that she is this good so young makes me very excited for her future works.

[@agurena2012]

absolutely loved this

[@mariafernanda8491]

angel energy😭

[@ELVER_GALARGA__]

I HOPE SHE STAYS HUMBLE AND CREATE MUSIC FROM THE HEART. SUCH A TALENTED BEAUTIFUL PERSON

[@Franciscamusic]

This is so inspiring! How great would it be to be there one day! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@olivergarrick672]

Olivia is so talented ❤ I love her so much she is genuine kind well spoken intelligent funny and smart and talented I been following her when she was small and she is the same age as me olivia is a queen and she a such a inspiration to all of us Olivia deserves all the success cant wait to see what she do next😌.

[@JustcallmeSonia]

You're amazing Olivia. Lots of love for u❤❤

[@ORSource]

she is such an angel! i love her 🥺

[@alisha8225]

i love this interview so much

[@bohemiatributo]

Wow... amazing girl, and so humble...congratulations...

[@Steeephen28]

This was such an interesting video to watch. The song was really good and knowing about the how the song was made, it made me love it more. :)

[@RandoomVideos20]

Omg. She very technical not just your average singer. She’s on another level. God tier level 😍🫶💜

[@tracyevans19]

Here I am watching this religiously, finding ways to improve myself and this really helps me.💖💖

[@dakotaolson167]

She is so candid, thoughtful and charming for her age it’s crazy! And that SNL performance floored me

[@tosyaaa]

Omg.. this is so beautiful I’m literally crying 😭

[@prashantchaudhary7754]

You r amazing singer and songwriter Olivia. U deserve everything u have achieved.

[@dimplegeorge8801]

Is it just me or does her "Hi" melt your heart right out? She is love ❤❤

[@itskeke-wk8ng]

Such bright energy even thru video. Hope she stays huge 🥰

[@carolynchen317]

happier was SO GOOD CAN WE GET A FULL VERSION

[@TheMorganeClub]

LEGENDARY!!! 👑