Personal Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Review: “Driver’s Seat” by Jan Daley
Hey Pump it up magazine family! I just got a chance to listen to Jan Daley‘s latest country song, “Driver’s Seat,” from her new album The Ones She’s Been Waiting For, and I have to say, it’s an absolute gem. This song is a spirited anthem about taking charge of your life and finding your inner strength, and it couldn’t come at a better time.
The song kicks off with a catchy melody that immediately sets a lively, upbeat tone. Jan’s vocals are warm and inviting, drawing you in right from the start. The instrumentation is classic country with a modern twist, featuring twangy guitars, steady percussion, and a touch of piano that adds to the song’s uplifting vibe.
From the get-go, “Driver’s Seat” draws you in with some vivid and relatable imagery: a muffin that doesn’t talk (hinting at a baby on the way), a teenager that won’t listen, and a mother-in-law who just can’t stop talking. These funny yet touching scenarios set the stage for a story about a woman dealing with everyday challenges and realizing she needs to take control of her own life.
And when Jan sings, “Her dog died just last year, now who can she turn to?” it really hits you in the feels, highlighting her sense of isolation and the need to stand on her own two feet.
As the song goes on, it feels like a metaphorical road trip towards self-empowerment. Jan’s lyrics, “She’s got to stand up and raise her roof, and son-of-a-boat show them a thing or two,” capture a rebellious spirit that encourages women to defy expectations and take charge of their destinies. The chorus’s call to “take hold of the wheel and go in style” really drives home the message of seizing control and making bold decisions.
One of my favorite things about this song is its witty take on daily life. Lines like “She’s got a sack full of dreams of no past, gathering dust next to the laundry” paint such a clear picture of unfulfilled potential and the mundane chores that often overshadow personal dreams. Yet, there’s this hopeful undertone suggesting that change is possible, even if it means waiting for the right moment.
The music itself is spot-on, perfectly matching the narrative. With a lively, upbeat tempo and classic country instrumentation, the song creates an atmosphere of determination and celebration. Jan’s vocals are confident and expressive, bringing authenticity to the story she’s telling.
As the protagonist finally “sits down in the driver’s seat awhile,” you can feel her liberation. The freedom flowing through her hair represents newfound strength and confidence. Jan’s refrain, “She’s got to stand up and raise her roof, and son-of-a-boat show them a thing or two,” becomes a rallying cry for anyone who has ever felt sidelined or underestimated.
In summary, “Driver’s Seat” is a fun and empowering country song that resonates through humor, relatable storytelling, and an inspiring message of self-empowerment. Jan Daley has crafted a memorable anthem that encourages listeners to take control of their lives and embrace their inner strength. It’s a must-listen for anyone in need of a musical boost and a reminder that it’s never too late to take the driver’s seat and show the world what you’re made of.
Whether you’re on a summer road trip or just need a song to lift your spirits, “Driver’s Seat” is the perfect soundtrack!
Experience Jan Daley’s Long-Awaited Album: ‘The One She’s Been Waiting For’ – Available Now on CD, MP3 and Streaming at www.jandaley.com
Review written by Anissa Sutton – Your friendly Editor in Chief at Pump it up magazine
Lyrics: “Driver’s Seat” by Jan Daley
1st Verse
She’s got a husband that doesn’t talk
A teenager that won’t listen
And a mother-in-law that can’t say enough
Her dog died just last year
So who can she turn to before it’s to late
there’s only one thing left to do
Chorus
She’s got to stand up and raise the roof
Gonna go show them a thing or two.
She’s got to take hold of the wheel and go in style
She’s been leaving the drivin’ to someone else
Takin’ the backseat for herself
It’s time to sit down in the DRIVERS SEAT awhile
2nd Verse
She’s got a stack full of dreams on note pads
Gatherin’ dust next to the laundry
Which pile will get done, that’s right you guessed
So she’ll pack her bags by Monday
No, that when she’s got carpool
well maybe next month,
maybe next month she’ll be ready
Chorus
She’s got to stand up and raise the roof
Gonna go show them a thing or two.
She’s got to take hold of the wheel and go in style
She’s been leaving the drivin’ to someone else
Takin’ the backseat for herself
It’s time to sit down in the DRIVERS SEAT awhile
Bridge
Now she’s leanin’ back
She started to relax
Now the freedom’s blowin’ in through her hair
Has takin’ all the burdens
Now she’s no longer scared
Chorus
She’s got to stand up and raise the roof
Gonna go show them a thing or two.
She’s got to take hold of the wheel and go in style
She’s been leaving the drivin’ to someone else
Takin’ the backseat for herself
It’s time to sit down in the DRIVERS SEAT awhile
