Semisonic criticizes Donald Trump for using their hit song ‘Closing Time’ in controversial…

Semisonic, the band behind the hit song “Closing Time,” has expressed strong disapproval of the Trump administration for using their music in a controversial deportation video shared on social media. The White House and Border Patrol posted a video on their official Instagram accounts showing agents conducting searches on undocumented immigrants before deportation. The footage was accompanied by Semisonic’s 1998 track, with the post captioned using lyrics from the song: “‘You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here’ @borderpatrol.”

The Minneapolis-based group, led by Dan Wilson, was surprised and dismayed by the unauthorized use of their song in the context of such a sensitive and divisive issue. This incident has raised questions about the ethical and legal implications of using copyrighted music for political purposes without the consent of the artists.

The issue of artists’ rights and the unauthorized use of their music is not new. Musicians have frequently found their work co-opted by political campaigns, rallies, and events without their permission. This practice raises concerns about artistic integrity, creative control, and the potential misrepresentation of an artist’s views or beliefs.

In this case, Semisonic has taken a firm stance against the misuse of their song in a video that seems to promote a contentious government policy. The irony of using a song that symbolizes closing time at a bar to underscore the deportation of undocumented individuals from their homes has not been lost on the band or their fans.

Dan Wilson and Semisonic have confronted the Trump administration for appropriating their music in a way that contradicts the spirit of the song. “Closing Time” was intended as a song about the end of the night in a bar, not as a soundtrack for actions that divide families and communities.

This incident underscores the importance of respecting artists’ rights and creative works. While music can evoke strong emotions and memories, its use in political or commercial contexts should be approached with care and consideration for the artist’s intentions and the impact on listeners.

Semisonic’s response to the unauthorized use of their music highlights the need for greater awareness and respect for intellectual property rights in the music industry. Artists deserve to have control over how their work is used and should not have their music exploited for political gain or other purposes without their consent.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the use of Semisonic’s song “Closing Time” in a deportation video shared by the Trump administration reflects broader issues of artistic integrity, copyright protection, and the ethical implications of using music for political purposes. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting artists’ rights and creative autonomy in a world where music and media play a significant role in shaping public discourse and perception.