The genesis of the song dates back to 1973 and a demo tape recorded for a French record label by singer/guitarist Paul Roberts for the band Ashes of Moon. However, that band broke up and, at the suggestion of drummer Luigi Salvoni, Roberts reformed it as Sniff 'n' the Tears with guitarists Laurence "Loz" Netto and Mick Dyche and bassist Nick South.
They shopped the demo tape and signed with the small Chiswick label in 1977. One of the key decisions made during the recording of "Driver's Seat" was to start the song with Roberts' acoustic guitar and drums and gradually fade in other instruments.
According to Paul Roberts, "Driver's Seat" isn't about driving, but rather "fragmented, conflicting thoughts and emotions that might follow the break-up of a relationship".
"Driver's Seat" reached #15 on the American Billboard Pop Singles chart in the fall of 1979, and reached the top 10 in The Netherlands in November 1980. It reappeared at #1 on the Dutch Top 40 eleven years later as a result of use of the song in a Pioneer commercial.
Driver's Seat
Sniff 'n' the Tears Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A little jiving on a Saturday night
And come what may
Gonna dance the day away
Jenny was sweet
She always smiled for the people she'd meet
On trouble and strife
The news is blue (the news is blue)
Has its own way to get to you (ooh)
What can I do (what can I do?)
I'll not remember my time with you
Pick up your feet
You've got to move to the trick of the beat
There is no elite
Just take your place in the driver's seat
Driver's seat, ooh
Driver's seat, yeah
We're doing alright (ooh)
A little jiving on a Saturday night (yeah)
And come what may (ooh)
Gonna dance the day away (yeah)
Driver's seat, ooh
Driver's seat, yeah
Jenny was sweet (ooh)
There is no elite (yeah)
Pick up your feet (ooh)
Pick up, pick up (yeah)
Pick up your feet (ooh)
Gonna dance the day away (yeah)
Driver's seat, ooh
Driver's seat, yeah
Driver's seat, ooh
Driver's seat, yeah
Yeah
Driver's seat
The lyrics to Sniff 'n' the Tears's song Driver's Seat offer an upbeat and positive message about living life to the fullest. The singer is "doing alright" and spends his Saturday night dancing and enjoying himself, no matter what happens in life. He mentions a woman named Jenny who had a unique outlook on life and always had a smile for those she met. The news, which is often negative, "has its own way to get to you," but the singer will not let it affect the memories he creates with those close to him.
The chorus encourages the listener to "pick up your feet" and move along to the rhythm of the beat, taking their place in the driver's seat of their own lives. There is no "elite" group to aspire to, but rather everyone has the opportunity to enjoy life and make the most of it. The repetition of the chorus at the end of the song emphasizes the idea that the listener should take control and make the most out of their life.
Overall, the lyrics of Driver's Seat embody a carefree and positive attitude towards life, encouraging the listener to take control and enjoy themselves despite any negativity in the world. The focus on dancing, community, and enjoying life with others is a message that resonates with many and has made the song an enduring classic.
Line by Line Meaning
Doing alright
Feeling good about myself and my situation
A little jiving on a Saturday night
Dancing and having fun on the weekend
And come what may
No matter what happens
Gonna dance the day away
I'm going to keep dancing and having fun
Jenny was sweet
There was a girl named Jenny who was kind and pleasant
She always smiled for the people she'd meet
She had a friendly demeanor and would greet everyone with a smile
On trouble and strife
In difficult situations
She had another way of looking at life
She had a positive outlook on life despite challenges
The news is blue (the news is blue)
The news is depressing
Has its own way to get to you (ooh)
It can have a negative effect on your mood
What can I do (what can I do?)
I don't know how to fix it
I'll not remember my time with you
I won't dwell on negative things and will focus on positive experiences
Pick up your feet
Dance with energy and enthusiasm
You've got to move to the trick of the beat
Dance to the rhythm of the music
There is no elite
Everyone is equal on the dance floor
Just take your place in the driver's seat
Be confident and assertive in your life
Driver's seat, ooh
Taking control of my life
Driver's seat, yeah
I'm in charge
We're doing alright (ooh)
We're feeling good
Driver's seat, yeah
I'm taking charge
Jenny was sweet (ooh)
Jenny was a nice person
There is no elite (yeah)
Everyone is equal
Pick up your feet (ooh)
Dance with energy
Pick up, pick up (yeah)
Move your feet and dance
Pick up your feet (ooh)
Dance with enthusiasm
Gonna dance the day away (yeah)
I plan to keep dancing and having fun
Driver's seat, ooh
I'm in charge of my own life
Driver's seat, yeah
I'm confident and empowered
Driver's seat, ooh
I'm taking control
Driver's seat, yeah
I'm the one in charge
Yeah
I'm feeling good and confident
Lyrics © Kanjian Music
Written by: Paul Roberts
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@CortinaATX
It's 2024. Show of hands. Who's still listening to this classic.
@davidderitis9068
Here !!
@gibson617ajg
Yup
@rolandkel7696
I do❤❤❤❤
@Hauntedechos84
I guess we can say I'm here in the driver's seat
@muffs55mercury61
These old classics are daily listening for me. Many bring me to tears.
@lancesproull1652
This song came out in 1979. It’s 2024 and, even after 45 years, it is still one of the best one-hit wonders ever made. I hope there are still a lot of people who think the same thing about this remarkable song.
@kennydreier3202
I 2nd that motion....
@cleveindians78
I will third that!!!
@user-mt9qg7wv2r
Born in 1965 I still love it.