- Semisonic criticized the White House for using its song “Closing Time” in a border enforcement video without permission, stating they misrepresented song’s meaning. The band emphasized the song is about hope and new beginnings, not deportation.
- Other artists, including Adele and Aerosmith, have also opposed political figures using their music without authorization, though some, like Victor Willis of the Village People, have shown support.
- “Closing Time” is often misunderstood as a bar anthem, but frontman Dan Wilson revealed it’s actually about childbirth and the joy of new beginnings.
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Semisonic is pushing back against the White House. The band says the White House used its song “Closing Time” without permission in a video about border enforcement.
Band says video ‘missed the point entirely’
A recent social media post—created collaboratively between the White House and the U.S. Border Patrol—features a man who is apparently being deported. In the video, Semisonic’s hit song “Closing Time” plays over a shot of people climbing stairs to an airplane. The words “Border Patrol” are displayed at the bottom of the screen.
The band quickly responded, saying they did not authorize to use the song. In a statement to Rolling Stone, Semisonic confirmed it did not approve the White House using “Closing Time.”
“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,” the band posted on X.
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
Artists opposing political use of their music
Semisonic isn’t the first band to challenge a political figure over music rights. Several artists — including Adele, Aerosmith, Rihanna and The Rolling Stones — have denounced the Trump administration for using their songs without permission.
But not every artist has taken a hard stance. Victor Willis, lead singer of the Village People, recently thanked President Donald Trump for using their hit “Y.M.C.A.” at rallies. This comes after the group previously asked him to stop playing the song at campaign events.
The real meaning of ‘Closing Time’
The song’s use in the border video adds to a long history of misinterpretations. Many believe “Closing Time” is simply about last call at a bar. But frontman Dan Wilson has revealed the song is actually about childbirth, inspired by the birth of his daughter.
While often played as an anthem for endings, Wilson has said it’s about new beginnings — just not the kind the White House intended.
