Semiconic singer Dan Wilson has spoken out against the White House’s use of their song “Closing Time” as part of anti-immigrant propaganda. The band did not authorize or condone the use of the song, and were not asked for permission.
The video in question shows Border Patrol agents arresting an undocumented immigrant and features 17 seconds of the song playing. The lyrics “You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here” are often interpreted as a message about belonging and acceptance. However, Semisonic believes the White House has missed the point entirely.
This is not the first time Dan Wilson’s songs have been used inappropriately by politicians. Last year, MAGA accounts on TikTok used one of his songs against Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
Wilson co-founded Semiconic with drummer Jacob Slichter and achieved success as a songwriter for top acts like Adele and Taylor Swift. The band’s hit song “Closing Time” continues to air on the radio and remains popular, despite being released over 25 years ago.
Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/closing-time-semisonic-trump-not-authorized-1235297935