BREAKING: Semisonic Slam White House for Using Their Most Famous Song in Video of Shackled Deportee: ‘This Song is About Joy’

**Semisonic Slam White House for Using Their Most Famous Song in Video of Shackled Deportee: ‘This Song is About Joy’**

In an unexpected turn of events, the popular rock band Semisonic has publicly criticized the White House for using their hit song “Closing Time” in a video showcasing the deportation of an individual in shackles. The song, which was released in 1998 and became a defining anthem of the late ’90s, is widely known for its upbeat, celebratory tone, which stands in stark contrast to the gravity of the situation depicted in the video.

### The Controversy

The video, which appeared to be a part of a broader message on immigration policy, shows a deportee being led away in handcuffs as part of an enforcement action. The background score of the video prominently features “Closing Time,” which, in the context of the scenes of forced deportation, many found jarring and inappropriate. The song, written by Semisonic’s lead vocalist and bassist Dan Wilson, is often interpreted as a reflection on transitions and new beginnings, typically associated with the end of a night at a bar or a celebratory occasion.

Wilson, along with his bandmates, was quick to express their displeasure with the use of their track in the video. The group issued a statement condemning the White House’s decision to use their music, emphasizing that the song’s essence revolves around themes of hope, joy, and new possibilities—not despair and human suffering.

### A Song Misunderstood

“Closing Time” was never intended to convey sadness or despair; instead, it’s a reflection on the cyclical nature of life and the emotional closure that comes with any significant change. “This song is about joy, about people coming together at the end of something, whether it’s a party or a chapter in their lives. It’s not about the dehumanizing experience of being forcibly separated from family and loved ones,” Wilson said in the band’s statement.

The White House, for its part, has yet to comment on the criticism. However, the decision to feature the track in a video that many see as promoting harsh immigration policies has sparked widespread backlash, not only from Semisonic but also from a number of music industry professionals, activists, and fans.

### A Call for Respect

In their public response, Semisonic underscored the importance of respecting the intent behind an artist’s work. “Art has meaning, and it comes with a context,” they said. “The misuse of a song—especially one as meaningful to people as ‘Closing Time’—can diminish the power of its message.”

Many critics argue that this is not the first time the political use of music has stirred controversy. Artists and musicians have often been at odds with the ways their songs are employed in political campaigns, protests, or government messaging, as they argue these uses can misinterpret or even distort the original message behind the art.

### Public Reaction

The public’s reaction has been divided. Some fans of the band have rallied behind Semisonic, commending them for standing up for their creative rights and highlighting the disconnect between the joyous tone of “Closing Time” and the grim reality of deportation. Social media platforms have been flooded with people sharing their thoughts, with many agreeing that the song’s cheerful nature is an inappropriate backdrop for a situation as serious as the one depicted in the video.

On the other hand, there are individuals who see no issue with the use of the song, asserting that music is often used as a universal tool for conveying various emotions, including those that might not align perfectly with the original message of the artist.

### A Broader Debate on Music and Politics

This incident brings to light a larger discussion on the intersection of music, politics, and public messaging. In an era where music often becomes a soundtrack to political and social movements, the question of artistic integrity versus political messaging continues to provoke debate. Artists have long argued that their work should not be co-opted for purposes they do not endorse, and this situation is a stark reminder of that concern.

For now, Semisonic’s stance is clear—they stand by their art, and they are taking a firm stand against the misuse of their music in a political context that they feel contradicts the song’s true meaning. Whether this will influence future uses of music in political content remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly highlights the need for sensitivity and respect when it comes to incorporating art into controversial or charged issues.

As for “Closing Time,” it remains a beloved anthem of nostalgia and reflection. Whether or not the song will ever be linked to immigration policies again, Semisonic has made it clear they hope it will continue to be remembered as a symbol of joy, not sorrow or injustice.