“drivers license” by High School Musical: The Musical: The Series star Olivia Rodrigo has been all the buzz since she released the single on Jan. 8, 2021. Rodrigo had been teasing the song for six months prior to its final release date, and fans were anxious to finally be able to stream the song.

“drivers license” is different stylistically than other songs heard on the radio today, which is one reason why many fans have been listening on repeat. To set the scene, during the introduction of the song, Rodrigo recorded the sound of her mom’s car starting up, and the sound then continues as a mellifluous, soft piano sound. In the song, Rodrigo sings about finally getting her driver’s license and how someone was excited for her, yet we never truly know who this person is. 

Although it was not confirmed, fans are thoroughly convinced that the song is about a fling that ended in heartbreak with co-star Joshua Bassett. While this is just speculation, many of the lyrics have convinced fans that the song is about their relationship after he ended things with Rodrigo to be with Disney channel star Sabrina Carpenter. Junior Elizabeth DiFiore commented, “I am really convinced that the song is about Joshua Bassett and how he ended things with Olivia Rodrigo to be with Sabrina Carpenter. The song has many lyrics that kind of allude to the situation.” Along with lyrical hints, Bassett and Carpenter both released songs that seemed like responses to Rodrigo’s single. 

On Jan. 14, almost a week after Rodrigo’s “drivers license” streamed, Bassett released his single entitled “Lie Lie Lie.” Since fans were convinced that Bassett is the main focus of Rodrigo’s new song, it seemed suspicious that he would put out a song so close to her release date, as the title, lyrics, and music video all seemed like a response to Rodrigo. However, those rumors were quickly shut down as Bassett super fans shared an old live stream of Bassett playing the song in November of 2019, way before any of this drama began.

Eight days after Bassett’s release and two weeks after Rodrigo’s release, Carpenter put out her single entitled “Skin.” This song, however, is said to be a response to Rodrigo’s song. Junior Emma Leighley explained, “‘Skin,’ alike “drivers license,” has multiple lyrics that seem to be talking about the situation, so I’m thoroughly convinced that this song is a response and also Sabrina’s side to the whole ordeal.” 

There was no actual confirmation that it was a response, as it is all speculation, but for many fans, the whole situation has been enthralling. Some are picking sides, while others think the situation is a little ridiculous. Sophomore Hannah Seideman expressed her opinion on the situation: “I think the whole thing is really silly, but if I had to side with anyone, I would side with Olivia Rodrigo. Sabrina’s song was really on the attack of Olivia; meanwhile, Olivia’s song barely mentioned Sabrina.” 

Nothing has been confirmed when it comes to whom the songs are about. However, Carpenter and Bassett are reportedly working on another song together, but the release date has not yet been announced.