Disney star and now pop phenomenon Olivia Rodrigo has taken the world by storm with her hit songs. It’s impossible not to hear her songs on the radio, or see her name trending on social media. But how much do we really know about this rising star? Does she write her own songs?
Olivia Rodrigo writes some of her own songs but also collaborates with professional songwriters to produce chart-topping hits. Many artists in the music industry work with teams of writers to craft their songs.
Co-writing her songs helps Olivia connect with fans personally while still getting professional aid. Her distinctive voice and perspective make her songs remarkable.
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What Songs Did Olivia Rodrigo Write?
The music business is complex, especially with songwriting credits. Despite controversies, Olivia Rodrigo wrote or co-wrote most of her songs. Here are some songs she co-wrote:
- Credit controversies
- Wrote/co-wrote most songs
- Specific song examples
“Good 4 u” – Sour (2021)
Olivia and Dan Nigro composed it, with Hayley Williams and Josh Farro later credited as co-writers due to Paramore’s “Misery Business” (2007).
The song’s about an ex-girlfriend. The singer sarcastically says, “Well, good for you, you look happy and healthy,” even though she isn’t.
This song is seen as “savage” by fans, and it’s clear Olivia holds nothing back writing about her personal life.
“Driver’s License” – Sour (2021)
This song, written by Olivia Rodrigo and Daniel Nigro, became a sensation after its release. It’s about driving past an ex-lover’s house, which makes her feel sad about lost times.
The song’s relatable lyrics and catchy melody won praise, quickly turning it into a global hit. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making Olivia Rodrigo the youngest artist to achieve this milestone.
“Deja Vu” – Sour (2021)
Olivia Rodrigo, Daniel Nigro, with additional writing credits to Taylor Swift, Jack Antonoff, and Annie Clark, created this track. It adapts Taylor Swift’s 2019 song “Cruel Summer”. The song expresses the heartbreak of seeing an ex-lover with someone new.
“Traitor” – Sour (2021)
Olivia Rodrigo and Daniel Nigro wrote the song. It’s about discovering betrayal by someone you trusted. The lyrics express anger and resentment, showing Olivia Rodrigo isn’t afraid to speak her mind.
Did Olivia Rodrigo Write Songs For Other Artists?
Beyond her own catalogue, Olivia Rodrigo has occasionally written for other projects, including the solo-penned “All I Want” for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series in 2019 and “Can’t Catch Me Now” for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes in 2023. She is 23 (born February 20, 2003) and has built most of her songwriting catalogue around her own albums.
Olivia Rodrigo has kept writing prolifically since her debut, co-writing every track on her 2023 album GUTS with Daniel Nigro and continuing that partnership on her third album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, due in June 2026.
