Rock band Semisonic has publicly criticized the White House for using their hit song “Closing Time” in a controversial social media video that featured footage of shackled deportees. The video, posted by the White House on Monday, was part of a broader discussion surrounding a series of deportations. According to the government, hundreds of Venezuelan gang members were being deported to a prison in El Salvador, and the video aimed to highlight this action.
In the video, the deportees are shown boarding a plane while the lyrics of “Closing Time”—specifically, “You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here”—are used as a caption. This choice of song, however, has drawn sharp backlash from the band, who claim their music was used without permission.
Semisonic quickly issued a statement expressing their disapproval. “We did not authorize or condone the White House’s use of our song in any way. And no, they didn’t ask,” the band said. They went on to clarify that the meaning of “Closing Time” is far from the somber or punitive tone suggested by the video. “The song is about joy and possibilities and hope, and they have missed the point entirely,” the band continued.
The incident has raised questions about the use of music in political contexts, particularly when it comes to songs whose meanings may not align with the messages being conveyed. Semisonic’s response highlights the tension that can arise when art is repurposed for political or governmental purposes, especially when the original intent of the work is at odds with its new context.
The White House has not yet responded to the band’s statement, but this controversy serves as a reminder of how carefully the use of music and other forms of media must be considered when addressing sensitive issues such as deportation.
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