Semisonic criticizes White House for using ‘Closing Time’ song: ‘You missed the point’
Semisonic, the band behind the hit song “Closing Time,” has expressed their dissatisfaction with the White House for featuring their song in a social media post depicting a deportee in restraints. The controversial clip, shared by the White House, captured the moment when a man was handcuffed at an airport. The inclusion of Semisonic’s song in this context did not sit well with the band.
The band’s stance on the matter is clear – they believe the White House has failed to grasp the essence and intended message of their song. “Closing Time” is a track that holds personal significance for the band, with themes revolving around wrapping up a chapter or an event, rather than being associated with the distressing imagery of a deportee in handcuffs as portrayed in the social media post.
Semisonic felt compelled to address the situation by asserting their discontentment with the misinterpretation of their song. While the band appreciates their song being used in various ways, they felt that in this instance, the accompanying visuals highlighted a stark contrast to the song’s intended meaning. It was a moment where art and context clashed, leaving Semisonic to voice their concerns regarding the usage of their music.
“Closing Time” enjoyed widespread popularity upon its release, resonating with many listeners for its thoughtful lyrics and melodic composition. The White House’s choice to include this particular song in a post depicting a scene of detainment signifies a stark departure from the song’s original purpose. Semisonic sought to distance themselves from the implications of their song being associated with such an image, emphasizing the need for contextual understanding and respect for artistic intent.
The episode serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding the use of music in different contexts and the importance of aligning visual materials with the essence of the music. Semisonic’s objection to the misrepresentation of their song underscores the need for careful consideration when pairing music with visual content, ensuring that the intended message and emotions conveyed through the music are respected and upheld.
In conclusion, Semisonic’s reaction to the White House’s utilization of “Closing Time” sheds light on the significance of preserving the integrity and intent of creative works. The band’s response serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of respecting artists’ intentions and the nuanced relationship between music and visual representation.