As the night wears on and the clock ticks towards closing time, emotions can run high.
The final moments of a night out can be bittersweet, filled with memories of the fun that has been had, but also a sense of finality and the knowledge that it will soon be time to say goodbye.
Musicians throughout history have captured this feeling in song, creating anthems that celebrate and mourn the end of the night.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of songs about closing time, from classic ballads to modern hits.
1.Closing Time – Semisonic
One of the most famous songs about closing time is Semisonic’s “Closing Time,” which was released in 1998.
Its catchy chorus, which urges listeners to “gather up your jackets, move it to the exits,” has become an anthem for bar and club-goers everywhere.
The song’s writer, Dan Wilson, has said that the song was inspired by the birth of his daughter, and the sense of finality that comes with the end of one stage of life and the beginning of another.
2.Last Dance – Donna Summer
Donna Summer’s “Last Dance” is another classic song about closing time, released in 1978.
The song was written by Paul Jabara and was featured in the film “Thank God It’s Friday,” which was set in a disco club.
The song won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and became a massive hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song’s lyrics,”dance the night away,” capture the joy and energy of the final moments of a night out.
3.Time to Say Goodbye – Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman
Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman’s “Time to Say Goodbye” is a hauntingly beautiful song about endings and farewells.
The song was originally released in 1995 and became a massive hit in Europe.
The song’s lyrics, which are sung in both Italian and English, capture the sense of melancholy
It can as well capture the beauty and sadness of saying goodbye to loved ones.
4.One Last Song – Sam Smith
Sam Smith’s “One Last Song” is a modern take on the classic song about closing time.
Smith released the song in 2017, featuring their signature soulful vocals and emotional lyrics.
The song’s chorus, which repeats the line “just one last song before you leave,” captures the sense of urgency and desperation .
5.The End – The Doors
The Doors’ “The End” is a dark and haunting song about endings and finality.
Released in 1967, the song was controversial for its lyrics, which dealt with themes of death and Oedipal desire.
Despite this, the song has become a classic, and its sense of impending doom and finality has made it a popular choice for movie soundtracks and other media.
6.Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) – Green Day
Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” is a song that captures the mixed emotions of the end of a night out.
The song was released in 1997 and became an instant hit, with its acoustic guitar and sentimental lyrics.
Despite its popularity, the song was originally written as a farewell to the band’s drummer, who was leaving the group at the time.
Its lyrics “make the best of this test and don’t ask why,” are a reminder to enjoy the present moment and embrace the unknown.
7.The Party’s Over – Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole’s “The Party’s Over” is a classic song about the end of a night out.
The Broadway musical “Bells Are Ringing” originally wrote the song, and it has since become a standard.
Its lyrics, which urge listeners to “turn out the lights, the party’s over,” capture the sense of finality
8.It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine) – R.E.M.
R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” is a quirky and upbeat song about the end of the world.
Released in 1987, the song became an instant hit and is now a classic.
Its rapid-fire lyrics and catchy chorus capture the sense of urgency and excitement that can accompany the end of a night out.
9.The Final Countdown – Europe
Europe’s “The Final Countdown” is a classic rock anthem about the end of a night out.
Released in 1986, the song features a soaring keyboard riff and catchy chorus, which have made it a staple of sporting events and other public gatherings.
Its lyrics, which urge listeners to “countdown” to the end, capture the sense of excitement
10.I Will Remember You – Sarah McLachlan
Sarah McLachlan’s “I Will Remember You” is a beautiful and emotional song about endings and goodbyes.
Released in 1995, the song became a hit and has since become a standard.
Its lyrics, which urge listeners to “remember the love we shared today,” capture the sense of nostalgia and sentimentality
If you enjoyed learning about the lyrics of this iconic hit, be sure to check out more of my content about song lyrics for other timeless classics and modern favorites
