Canadian country-pop icon Shania Twain and Australian comedian-musician Tom Cardy have teamed up with Uber Australia to launch a cheeky brand campaign celebrating the fun and freedom of being a passenger.

Sure to be the next pop culture earworm, the film opens up with Tom on a night out, catching an Uber to the club with his keyboard in tow. From the backseat, he bursts into an upbeat new jingle that quickly spirals into a duet with the unexpected – the Queen of Country Pop, Shania Twain. Shania magically appears to set the record straight, that some things you can’t do if you’re driving.

The spot bounces from one absurd scenario to another – Shania tackling a Wordle on her phone, Tom attempting to play the trombone, a rear seat photoshoot, beauty touch-ups, making beats, or simply getting much needed beauty sleep. Written in collaboration, Shania and Tom make the message clear – can’t do that if you’re driving – from playing games with a mate to rear seat photoshoots, these little freedoms are only possible when you’re in the backseat.

The song also tips its hat to some of Shania’s classic songs, especially when Tom mistakenly belts out “Let’s go friends” instead of Shania’s classic country hit, prompting Shania to roll her eyes in mock disbelief. 

“The song is really fun and Tom is hilarious. I loved working with him and his Aussie charm,” said Shania Twain. “I’m no stranger to singing in cars, I grew up singing with my mum in the car, writing lyrics in the car, changing for my next performance in the car (can’t do that if you’re driving!), so this fun idea suited me perfectly. The campaign celebrates all the moments you can enjoy when you’re hands free in the back of an Uber.”

Tom Cardy added: “Working with Shania, an absolute icon, to bring this song to life was surreal. Together we created something funny, catchy, and super singable. It’s the kind of tune you’ll be humming long after the ride ends.”

Uber’s new campaign is anchored by the tagline “Can’t do that if you’re driving” and highlights the everyday joys of riding with Uber – whether that’s belting out an anthem, reconnecting with friends, or simply taking a moment to relax.

“Pairing an international superstar with local Aussie talent gave us something truly unique,” said Dan Greenberg, Brand Manager at Uber Australia. “A truly surprising but cohesive duo, Shania brings the powerhouse vocals and Tom brings the comedy and chaos. Together they’ve created the kind of backseat banger Aussies love – playful, a little cheeky, and impossible not to sing along to. It’s a track that feels right at home in an Uber ride to the footy, night out, or just heading down to the pub.”

“Uber is more than just getting from A to B. It’s about making the journey as enjoyable as the destination,” said Nicole Bardsley, Head of Marketing, Uber Australia & New Zealand. “We are thrilled to pair these two unexpected stars and offer Uber’s backseat as their stage to share a wonderfully collaborated song. It’s the kind of joyful, playful moment that will remind people of the Uber magic.”

The 60-second launch film will be supported by shorter cuts, social content, and out-of-home placements across Australia.

Lyrics

Song: Can’t do that if you’re driving
Co-producer: Shania Twain, Tom Cardy

Tom: Uber to the club not driving tonight

Tom: Yeah back seat, so I can do what I like

Tom Whatchoo talking bout tom?

Tom: Well I could explain, but wouldn’t you prefer to hear it from Shania Twain?

Shania: Can’t do that if you’re driving

Shania: Doing the wordle on your phone

Tom: Play a little trombone

(trombone sting)*

Tom: Let’s go friends

Shania: Why would you say it that way

Tom: It’s let’s go girls!

Shania: Can’t do that if you’re driving

Tom 2: Learning spreken ze dutch

Shania: That don’t impress me… At all

Shania: Rear seat photoshoot

Tom: Making sure my makeup lookin real cute

Tom: Make a beat

Tom: Find a place to eat

Tom: How about a little beauty sleep

Dream scene

Tom: This feels right

Shania: Why is your moustache so itchy?

Tom: That’s your moustache now SHANIA

Tom: Fix your hairdo

Tom: Learn Kung-Fu

Tom: show a hyper-realistic tattoo

Tom: Make out with a friend

Tom: Trombone again!

Shania: So exciting

Tom: Can’t do that if you’re…

Shania/Tom: Can’t do that if you’re driving