Driver's Seat

Get in the "Driver's Seat" with Sniff 'n' the Tears! This infectious 1978 New Wave classic delivers an unforgettable hook and a driving rhythm. A perennial favorite and definite "Cruisin Classic," its unique sound and catchy chorus made it a massive international hit single for the British band.

Released in 1978 by British band Sniff 'n' the Tears on their album Fickle Heart, "Driver's Seat" became their breakthrough international success. A perfect example of the burgeoning New Wave sound, the track combines a relentless, driving beat with prominent keyboards, distinctive vocals by Paul Roberts, and clever production, creating an instantly memorable and energetic rock track that defined their career.

Propelled by its infectious chorus and driving rhythm section, "Driver's Seat" climbed charts worldwide, securing Sniff 'n' the Tears' place in music history, albeit often as a one-hit wonder in many territories. Its undeniable energy makes it a popular "Cruisin Classic." The song remains a staple of classic alternative and new wave radio, instantly recognizable and evocative of the late 1970s era.

SONG MEANING: The lyrics of "Driver's Seat" are somewhat abstract but often interpreted as exploring relationship turmoil and communication breakdown. Phrases like "pick up the pieces," "news is all bad," and feeling "so incomplete" while nominally in the "driver's seat" suggest a sense of being controlled or manipulated within a relationship, or perhaps reflecting on its messy dissolution and power dynamics.