In 2019 KEiiNO won the 2019 Melodi Grand Prix with the song Spirit in the Sky and earned the right to represent Norway at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. At the contest, KEiiNO placed 6th overall whilst winning the public televote and, in the process, achieved Norway's second best result of the decade. In 2022, it was certified triple platinum in Norway.
DRIVERS LICENSE
Keiino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just like we always talked about
'Cause you were so excited for me
To finally drive up to your house
But today I drove through the suburbs
Cryinβ² 'cause you weren't around
And youβ²re probably with that blonde girl
Sheβ²s so much older than me
She's everything Iβ²m insecure about
Yeah, today I drove through the suburbs
'Cause how could I ever love someone else?
And I know wΠ΅ werenβ²t perfΠ΅ct
But I've never felt this way for no one
And I just canβ²t imagine
How you could be so OK now that I'm gone
I guess you didn't mean what you wrote in that song about me
β²Cause you said forever, now I drive alone past your street
And all my friends are tired
Of hearinβ² how much I miss you, but
I kinda feel sorry for them
'Cause theyβ²ll never know you the way that I do, yeah
Today I drove through the suburbs
And pictured I was drivin' home to you
And I know we werenβ²t perfect
But I've never felt this way for no one
And I just canβ²t imagine
How you could be so OK now that I'm gone
I guess you didn't mean what you wrote in that song about me
β²Cause you said forever, now I drive alone past your street
Red lights, stop signs
I still see your face in the white cars, front yards
Canβ²t drive past the places we used to go to
'Cause I still fuckinβ² love you, babe (ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh)
Sidewalks we crossed
I still hear your voice in the traffic, we're laughing
Over all the noise
God, Iβ²m so blue, know we're through
But I still fuckinβ² love you, babe (ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh)
And I know we weren't perfect
But I've never felt this way for no one
And I just canβ²t imagine
How you could be so OK now that Iβ²m gone
I guess you didn't mean what you wrote in that song about me
β²Cause you said forever, now I drive alone past your street
'Cause you said forever, now I drive alone past your street
The lyrics of "Drivers License" by KEiiNO convey a deep sense of heartbreak and longing following the end of a relationship. The singer reflects on the excitement of getting their driver's license, a milestone they had talked about with their former partner in happier times. The act of driving through the suburbs without the presence of their significant other triggers intense emotions, leading to tears as they navigate the familiar streets alone. This poignant moment highlights the absence and sorrow that now permeate the singer's life.
The lyrics delve into feelings of insecurity and jealousy as the singer imagines their ex with another person, specifically a blonde girl who symbolizes everything the singer feels inadequate about. The contrast between their own vulnerabilities and the perceived image of this other person intensifies the pain of heartbreak. The singer questions how their ex could move on so easily, seemingly unaffected by their absence, which adds to their emotional turmoil and longing for the past relationship.
The singer grapples with the idea that the love they shared was not perfect, yet it was deeply felt and significant to them. Despite the imperfections, the intensity of their emotions for their ex-lover remains unparalleled. The internal struggle to comprehend how their ex seems to be coping well after the breakup contrasts with the singer's lingering feelings of love and attachment. This emotional dissonance is a central theme throughout the song, emphasizing the difficulty of moving on from a once cherished relationship.
The imagery of driving past familiar landmarks evokes memories of shared experiences and moments with their ex-partner. The mention of red lights, stop signs, and specific places triggers bittersweet recollections of the past. The profound sadness and longing expressed in the lyrics underscore the singer's inability to fully let go, despite acknowledging the finality of the breakup. The repetition of driving alone past the ex's street serves as a haunting reminder of a love now lost, encapsulating the enduring pain and yearning for a past love that continues to linger in the present.
Line by Line Meaning
I got my driver's license last week
Obtaining my driver's license was a recent milestone achievement
Just like we always talked about
It fulfilled a shared dream or plan we had
'Cause you were so excited for me
Your enthusiasm added to my joy
To finally drive up to your house
To reach you by driving to your place
But today I drove through the suburbs
Today I journeyed through the residential areas
Crying 'cause you weren't around
Feeling emotional due to your absence
And you're probably with that blonde girl
You are likely spending time with that other girl
Who always made me doubt
She caused me to question my self-worth
She's so much older than me
Her age creates a sense of inferiority in me
She's everything I'm insecure about
She embodies all my insecurities
Yeah, today I drove through the suburbs
Yes, I navigated through the residential areas today
'Cause how could I ever love someone else?
How could I move on to love another after you?
And I know we weren't perfect
I acknowledge our imperfections
But I've never felt this way for no one
My feelings for you are unparalleled
And I just can't imagine
I cannot comprehend
How you could be so OK now that I'm gone
How you can appear unaffected by my absence
I guess you didn't mean what you wrote in that song about me
I assume your promises in that song were insincere
'Cause you said forever, now I drive alone past your street
You vowed forever, yet now I travel past your street alone
And all my friends are tired
My friends are weary of my constant lamentations
Of hearing how much I miss you, but
Of being reminded about my longing for you
I kinda feel sorry for them
I pity them to some extent
'Cause they'll never know you the way that I do, yeah
Because they cannot understand you as deeply as I do
Today I drove through the suburbs
Today I journeyed through the residential areas
And pictured I was driving home to you
Imagining driving back to you as if it were my destination
Red lights, stop signs
Traffic signals and road signs
I still see your face in the white cars, front yards
Your presence lingers in passing vehicles and homes
Can't drive past the places we used to go to
Unable to pass by our former hangout spots
'Cause I still love you, babe
Still harboring strong feelings for you
Sidewalks we crossed
Footpaths we traversed together
I still hear your voice in the traffic, we're laughing
Your voice echoes amidst the urban sounds as we shared laughter
Over all the noise
Despite the surrounding clamor
God, I'm so blue, know we're through
Feeling melancholic, aware that our relationship is over
But I still love you, babe
Nevertheless, my affection for you endures
And you said forever, now I drive alone past your street
You promised forever, yet now I continue my journey alone along your street
Writer(s): Daniel Nigro, Olivia Rodrigo
Contributed by Mason P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@natenaitopaku1947
I can't find the lyrics in the comments yet sooo. This song also made me think about some new original characters :)
I got my driver's license last week
Just like we always talked about
'Cause you were so excited for me
To finally drive up to your house
But today I drove through the suburbs
Crying 'cause you weren't around
And you're probably with that blonde girl
Who always made me doubt
She's so much older than me
She's everything I'm insecure about
Yeah, today I drove through the suburbs
'Cause how could I ever love someone else?
And I know wΠ΅ weren't perfΠ΅ct
But I've never felt this way for no one
And I just can't imagine
How you could be so okay now that I'm gone
Guess you didn't mean what you wrote in that song about me
'Cause you said forever, now I drive alone past your street
And all my friends are tired
Of hearing how much I miss you, but
I kinda feel sorry for them
'Cause they'll never know you the way that I do, yeah
Today I drove through the suburbs
And pictured I was driving home to you
And I know we weren't perfect
But I've never felt this way for no one
(Oh)
And I just can't imagine
How you could be so okay now that I'm gone
I guess you didn't mean what you wrote in that song about me
'Cause you said forever, now I drive alone past your street
Red lights, stop signs
I still see your face in the white cars, front yards
Can't drive past the places we used to go to
'Cause I still fuckin' love you, babe (Ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh)
Sidewalks we crossed
I still hear your voice in the traffic, we're laughing
Over all the noise
God, I'm so blue, know we're through
But I still fuckin' love you, babe (Ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh)
I know we weren't perfect
But I've never felt this way for no one
And I just can't imagine
How you could be so okay now that I'm gone
I guess you didn't mean what you wrote in that song about me
'Cause you said forever, now I drive alone past your street
'Cause you said forever, now I drive alone past your street
@Amarande9
Did not expect it to POP OFF like that. Blown away. KEiiNO always manages to suprise me.. LOVE IT
@Amarande9
Tom's solo was gorgeous, by the way. Those low notes at 0.16... so smooth and rich
@lll0063
OK, just to be clear: KEiiNO is my favourite group and Drivers License is my favourite song now. KEiiNO + Drivers License = Monumental Masterpiece!
@chris_1103
Exactly the same here
@laziadwobbit5331
I never expected this cover, but I have to admit that it's awesome!
Lots of love for you guys, from Italy
@Bow113
Much better than the orginal! Now I just want to dance:)
@IvarChoiEspedalen
Jeg er litt sen her, men dette er en cover lΓ₯t som jeg liker bedre enn originalen. HΓ₯per dere fortsetter Γ₯ gi ut lΓ₯ter i 2021. Vi trenger oppmuntring i denne pandemien, og dere er et absolutt lyspunkt ! π
@CelesteZaisei
the way you guys improve every song you cover <3
@anacordon3242
KEiiNO es de las mejores cosas que han salido de eurovisiΓ³n en los ΓΊltimos aΓ±os, estoy tan agradecida por su existencia, no os lo podΓ©is imaginar
@arantxahonrado4989
lo que se han perdido en Noruega con no volverlos a seleccionar...........