The American rock band Semisonic recently expressed strong disapproval of the White House’s use of their iconic song “Closing Time” in a social media post tied to deportation visuals. The band’s public response has drawn significant attention, sparking debates on music rights, political messaging, and artistic intent.
The Controversial White House Post
The controversy arose when the White House posted a video on social media featuring a shackled deportee being escorted through an airport. Accompanying this visual was the memorable line from “Closing Time”: “You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.” The video’s tone, coupled with this lyric, positioned the song as a direct reference to deportation policies, something Semisonic strongly opposed.
Semisonic’s Response: “They Have Missed the Point Entirely”
In a statement to the Associated Press, Semisonic responded with disapproval:
The band, known for its power-pop roots and emotional depth, firmly distanced themselves from the video’s message. Semisonic’s response underscored their belief that “Closing Time” symbolizes fresh starts and new opportunities, far removed from the immigration narrative the White House video conveyed.
White House’s Justification and Political Context
When questioned about the controversial post, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated:
Additionally, the post was reshared by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption: “It’s closing time. We are making America safe again.” This further ignited debates regarding the video’s messaging and the context in which Semisonic’s song was used.
The Legacy of “Closing Time”
Released in 1998 as part of Semisonic’s album Feeling Strangely Fine, “Closing Time” became a cultural staple. The track peaked at No. 43 on the Billboard 200 album chart and achieved a spot at No. 4 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Airplay chart. Its success also earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Song.
Despite being widely interpreted as a song about bar closing hours, lead singer Dan Wilson has previously explained that “Closing Time” was also inspired by his anticipation of fatherhood and the feeling of welcoming new beginnings.
A Pattern of Musician Protests Against Political Use
Semisonic joins a growing list of musicians who have publicly opposed political figures using their music without consent. Other notable artists who have protested similar incidents include:
- ABBA
- Bruce Springsteen
- Rihanna
- Phil Collins
- Pharrell Williams
- John Fogerty
- Neil Young
- Eddy Grant
- Panic! at the Disco
- R.E.M.
- Guns N’ Roses
- Celine Dion
- Beyoncé
- Adele
These artists have taken a stand to protect their creative works from being politicized in ways they oppose, emphasizing the ongoing conflict between artistic intent and political messaging.
The Broader Discussion on Music Rights and Politics
The incident has reignited public discourse on the use of copyrighted music in political campaigns. In the United States, politicians often exploit loopholes that allow licensed public performances, bypassing the artist’s direct consent. However, such actions frequently lead to public backlash and legal disputes.
For musicians like Semisonic, unauthorized use can distort their intended message, potentially alienating fans or compromising their artistic integrity. As a result, many artists have become increasingly vocal about maintaining control over how their music is used in public spaces.
Final Thoughts
Semisonic’s frustration with the White House’s deportation video highlights the broader issue of musicians protecting their creative content from being politically repurposed. “Closing Time” remains a cherished anthem of transition and new beginnings, making its placement in the video both contentious and inappropriate in the eyes of its creators. The band’s response underscores the ongoing tension between artistic freedom and political messaging in today’s media landscape.
