Add Semisonic to the list of artists unhappy that their songs have been used for political purposes.
A video posted to social media by the official White House and Border Patrol accounts that appears to show individuals being deported features the band’s 1998 hit “Closing Time” as its soundtrack.
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The video includes a snippet of the song with the lyrics “closing time / you don’t have to go home but you can’t say here” as a man wearing shackles and a grey sweatsuit is shown. As the song’s chorus “I know who I want to take me home” is heard, the scene changes to show a sign that reads “BORDER PATROL” as individuals climb stairs to enter an airplane.
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The Minnesota trio took to social media to distance themselves from the video, posting on X, formerly Twitter, “We did not authorize or condone the White House’s use of our song “Closing Time” in any way. And no, they didn’t ask. The song is about joy and possibilities and hope, and they have missed the point entirely.”
We did not authorize or condone the White House’s use of our song “Closing Time" in any way. And no, they didn’t ask. The song is about joy and possibilities and hope, and they have missed the point entirely.
— Semisonic (@SemisonicBand) March 17, 2025
Semisonic joins a long list of artists who have spoken out when one of their songs has been used by team Trump in the past, including Celine Dion, Rihanna, Adele, Steven Tyler, Neil Young, the White Stripes, the Rolling Stones and others.
“Closing Time” has appeared in several films and TV shows, including How I Met Your Mother and is played at nightspots “last call” anthem of sorts.
In a 2018 interview with Billboard, singer-songwriter Dan Wilson revealed the song was also inspired by the birth of his daughter, Coco.
“I thought ‘Closing Time’ would be a good title,” he said. “We had spent seven years of our lives at that point, four nights a week entertaining people. That was our life. Some bouncers yelling things, closing time coming, all that imagery, literally, that’s how the song started and then when I was halfway done, I started realizing the whole thing was a pun about being born, so I just made sure that the rest of the thing could ride with that double meaning, but nobody got the joke and I didn’t bother to explain. I thought everyone would get it.”
Next: ‘Hamilton’ Musical Explains Shocking Decision for Canceled Performances
