Semisonic, the power pop trio best known for their hit song "Closing Time," is speaking out against the White House for using their iconic track in a social media post that showcases a deportee being shackled. The White House included the song in a post featuring a man with his wrists handcuffed to his waist while being patted down at an airport, captioned with the lyrics of "Closing Time," which read, "You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here.”
The band, hailing from the Twin Cities, expressed their strong disapproval, stating to The Associated Press that they neither authorized nor condoned the White House's use of their song. Emphasizing that the essence of the song represents joy, possibilities, and hope, Semisonic made it clear that the administration had overlooked the true message behind the track.
Semisonic's renowned hit "Closing Time" was released on their 1998 album, "Feeling Strangely Fine," which soared to No. 43 on the Billboard 200 album chart. The song itself peaked at No. 4 on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Airplay chart and secured a Grammy nomination for best rock song. The band's objection to the White House’s use of their song aligns them with a lengthy list of performers who have voiced displeasure with the Trump administration using their music, such as ABBA, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, and many more.
With regards to the controversial video featuring their song, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the post during a press briefing, asserting that it encapsulates the administration's stance on immigration policy. Leavitt highlighted that the video symbolizes the government's commitment to the president’s agenda, underlining the message that immigrants cannot indefinitely remain in the country.
Semisonic's statement distancing themselves from the White House's use of their song spotlights the ongoing trend of musicians clarifying their disapproval of political figures utilizing their music without consent. This incident underscores the importance of artists maintaining control over how their work is utilized and interpreted in varying contexts.
As Semisonic joins the ranks of musicians who have pushed back against the unauthorized use of their music for political purposes, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between artistry and political messaging. The band's firm stance emphasizes the significance of respecting artists' creative intentions and the impact of their work beyond mere entertainment.
In a time where the intersection of music and politics continues to provoke discussions surrounding intellectual property rights and artistic integrity, Semisonic's public objection exemplifies the ongoing struggle for autonomy and artistic expression within the political sphere. The usage of "Closing Time" without authorization serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges artists face in maintaining ownership and control over their creative output.
