Meaning of “Test Drive” by Joji

“Test Drive” is a heartbreak song by Japanese-born Australian singer/songwriter and onetime YouTube personality Joji (real name George Miller). The lyrics of “Test Drive” are about a relationship in which one partner is more devoted than the other. The song’s narrator (Joji) sadly sings about his girlfriend not reciprocating his love.

According to him, while he is “looking for a long drive” with her, all she is looking for is just “a test drive”. He wants long-term commitment whereas she just wants to have temporary fun and bounce. His whole heart is into the relationship, but hers isn’t.

On the whole, Joji uses the verb “drive” metaphorically to sum up his relationship that appears to be going nowhere.

Facts about “Test Drive”

• This very emotional tune was written entirely by Joji.
• Joji co-produced this track alongside American DJ/music producer RL Grime (whose real name is Henry Steinway). Grime has worked with a number of big names, including Skrillex and Big Sean.
• “Test Drive” was released on October 16, 2018. It is the third track on the album BALLADS 1. BALLADS 1 is Joji’s debut album. That album also features the hit single “Slow Dancing in the Dark”.
• Throughout the lyrics of this track, the phrase “test drive” is used approximately six times.

Is there a music video for “Test Drive”?

Yes. The video was unveiled on the same day that the track was also released. In one of the scenes from the song’s clip, Joji finds himself sitting on a rocking chair in the heart of a desert. He holds in his hands a gun. It is not clear why he’s holding the gun. In another interesting scene from the clip, he can be seen wearing a straitjacket while being suspended in the air. The entire video was shot in the desert.

Have Joji and Grime worked together before?

Before this track, the pair had never collaborated.

Did Joji and his management release this track as a single?

Yes. “Test Drive” was released as the fourth single from Ballads 1.