It is no secret the song “Closer” recently released by the Chainsmokers is a global hit. While I’m sure Boulder students party pretty hard to that song as well, being in Tucson after hearing this song felt completely different. Maybe I’m the only one who has felt this, but it seems that no matter where I go, that song is playing.
Many people think the song is about a former couple crossing paths again and how they have not really lost feelings, or feelings develop again for each other. However, this song is actually about hooking up with your ex and realizing why it did not work out in the first place. This song has so many emotions tied behind it, and depending on your experience with relationships or however your love life has worked out, this song will hit you differently. Regardless if you are at a party and it comes on and everyone sings the words or if you are alone and it comes on after a draining day, it seems to always pick you up a little bit because of the beat of the music and the way the words sound – it just “gets ya in the feels.”
Despite the meaning behind the song, I think it is so monumental in Tucson because of the mere mentioning of the city. Known for crime, violence, poverty, drugs and many other things negative, it is pretty damn cool to hear the city given a shout-out in such a famous song by an amazing group. My love for the Chainsmokers started with the song “#SELFIE,” so when I found out last fall they would be playing at Rialto Theater in Tucson, I had to go… And I did and it was the greatest concert ever. Since then, the group has released “Closer” among other hits and I have got to get back to another concert. Personally, that adds to my sappy views of how the song has changed the dynamic at the University of Arizona. Remembering how much fun I had at the concert last year, the song really makes me appreciate going to school at the UA, getting to learn so much about cultures and people in Tucson and getting to do it with all my peers at school.
Songs are always tied to memories, and I think what makes this song so powerful in Tucson is the fact that everyone will be able to pinpoint this school year to that song. The memories made will have that song playing in the background, and that is something that we will all have to hold on to. Sure, this is probably pretty cliché and cheesy when this is all over a song about hooking up with your ex, but I truly feel this song has brought Tucson together – or at least the students at Arizona. I mean, what other explanation would there be as to why fifteen different rooms on four different floors at one apartment complex were playing the song as I was walking around?
