"I was in my living room, and it was a really emotional, cathartic experience for me," she told NME. "I wrote it, and I remember putting my head down on the keys and crying as it was so emotional, and it really evoked that reaction out of me."
Advertisement
The "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" star was heavily influenced by the pop stars she grew up loving.
"I'm obsessed with Taylor Swift, and I talk about her all the time as an inspiration. The way she narrates stories and is so articulate and clear, and the way that evolves as her career goes on, and she still stays true to herself is really inspiring," Rodrigo told NME.
"I'm obsessed with Lorde, I remember hearing 'Pure Heroine' for the first time and that was the first record that I ever heard where I felt like there were pieces of myself and my experiences in it," she continued. "I love Halsey, I love the honesty that Halsey portrays in her music."
Rodrigo has also named Gracie Abrams, Phoebe Bridgers, and Baby Queen as lyrical inspirations.
Others have gone even further, blending the power ballad with songs by Rodrigo's own idols, like Swift's "Getaway Car," Lorde's "Green Light," and more.
Insider rounded up eight of our favorite "Drivers License" mashups below.
NewsletterSIMPLY PUT - where we join the dots to inform and inspire you. Sign up for a weekly brief collating many news items into one untangled thought delivered straight to your mailbox.