Semisonic has strongly objected to the White House using their hit tune “Closing Time” in a social media statement about deportation. The band, known for their hit song in 1998, explained that they never approved the use of the song and believed that the intention behind the lyrics had been completely misinterpreted.
The controversy started when the White House posted a video featuring the song on March 17. The footage showed a man in handcuffs being searched by Border Patrol officers before boarding a deportation flight. As the video played, the well-known lyric,
“You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here,”
Appeared on the screen. The official Border Patrol account was tagged in the post.
Semisonic, whose members are Dan Wilson, John Munson, and Jacob Slichter, moved quickly. In a statement on their Instagram Stories, the band explained,
“We did not authorize or condone the White House’s use of our song in any way. And no, they didn’t ask.”
They added,
“The song is about joy and possibilities and hope, and they have missed the point entirely.”
The White House released the news shortly after President Donald Trump signed a proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act, authorizing the deportation of nearly 300 who had been charged with having affiliations with the Tren de Aragua gang in El Salvador.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the action, calling the deported “heinous monsters” and praising the Department of State for their work in carrying out the deportations.
Frontman Dan Wilson has long explained that “Closing Time” is not just about a bar shutting down for the night. The song, he has revealed, is actually about the experience of becoming a parent and the idea of new beginnings.
“It’s about being kicked out of the womb and forced to enter the world,”
Wilson once said.
Wilson wrote the song when his wife was pregnant. The song reflects the excitement and uncertainty accompanying the arrival of a new life in the world. The band views the song as hope and renewal, not deportation and removal.
This isn’t the first time an artist has complained about their music being played in a political environment without their permission. Many other musicians, including Neil Young, Rihanna, and Bruce Springsteen, have complained about having their work performed without consent at rallies and in campaign commercials over the years. The issue reflects a longstanding question: Can politicians use popular music to make their messages more potent without the artist’s permission?
When asked about the controversy, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the playing of the song, claiming,
“Our whole government is leaning into the message of this president. The lyrics to the song perfectly fit the theme.”
This suggests that the action was intentional and not an error.
Since the president returned to office, the administration has been firm on border security, with a 94% reduction in illegal crossings. “Closing Time” appears to be part of a more significant communications campaign aimed at making its point in a way that resonates with the public.
Beyond the moral objections, there’s also the legal side. Copyright laws allow musicians to dictate the licensing of their work. Still, political races and government agencies exploit loopholes, citing public performance rights or fair use. Regardless of whether or not Semisonic takes legal action, their statement leaves little room for doubt: They disapprove of their song being associated with the deportation of immigrants.
The use of music for political messages without the artist’s permission has been a recurring battleground. Most musicians believe their work has meaning and emotional value that should not be manipulated for political ends. Semisonic stands firm in its opposition, reminding everyone that “Closing Time” isn’t a song about being kicked out but about beginnings.