Written by Annie Gilson

Olivia Rodrigo’s hit “Driver’s License” has taken the internet by storm. The pop ballad has already broken multiple streaming records and is now in its second consecutive week at No. 1 in the UK charts.

So why does the internet love this song? 

If you have been on social media recently then you’ve probably heard the song, so you’ve most likely also come across the meaning behind Rodrigo’s lyrics. It’s a known fact that the internet loves a bit of a drama. Mix that together with a relatable song about a heartbroken teenager and you’ve got an army of Gen-Z’s willing to fight to their death for you.

Fans were quick to jump to the protection of Rodrigo when it was speculated that the song was written about Olivia’s relationship with High School Musical: The Musical: The Series co-star Joshua Bassett, and his now love interest, singer and actor Sabrina Carpenter.

After thorough dissection of the lyrics, fans swiftly gathered photos and videos to prove this theory, including the line “you’re probably with that blonde girl” being about Carpenter.

Olivia’s fans and listeners took to TikTok to express their displeasure with Bassett and support of Rodrigo. The pop anthem has now been used in 1.7 million videos on TikTok, using the song and its lyrics to discuss the drama and even relate it to their own experiences of heartbreak. 

Carpenter was quick to respond to Rodrigo’s new song, releasing her single “Skin” which referenced Rodrigo’s use of “that blonde girl” within the lyric “maybe you didn’t mean it, maybe ‘blonde’ was the only rhyme”, further confirming the fan theory.

Carpenter addressed the speculation via Instagram, revealing “the song isn’t calling out one single person, some lines address a specific situation, while other lines address plenty of other experiences I’ve had this past year”. 

Drama aside, Rodrigo has stolen our hearts with this emotional anthem. Olivia’s magnificent vocals and ability to write breath-taking music exhibits that Driver’s License is just the beginning for this 17-year-old.