Cat Cohen's Songwriters' Community Website Temporary Archive

Closer by The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey

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A hip sexy song about two ex-lovers hooking up spontaneously after spending a long time apart.

Concept
A sexy song about two ex-lovers hooking up spontaneously after spending a long time apart.

Lyric
An engaging off-the-beaten-track romantic story with vivid sensual imagery to bring it to life. Clever, if imperfect, rhymes heighten one’s interest. Hey, I was doing just fine before I met you I drink too much and that's an issue but I'm okay Hey, you tell your friends it was nice to meet them But I hope I never see them again I know it breaks your heart Moved to the city in a broke down car And four years, no calls Now you're looking pretty in a hotel bar And I can't stop No, I can't stop So baby pull me closer in the backseat of your Rover That I know you can't afford Bite that tattoo on your shoulder Pull the sheets right off the corner Of the mattress that you stole From your roommate back in Boulder We ain't ever getting older We ain't ever getting older

Groove
A contemporary mid-tempo groove that makes an excellent pulsing foundation for this furtively sensual setting.

Melody
What makes this recording stand out is the repetitive hooky melodies in each of the four well contrasted sections. The alternation of short and longer phrases help keep the listener involved.

Harmony
A unique hooky voicing of V and I is repeated throughout except in the chorus where it lays out for several measures

Structure
Signature Verse Verse Pre-chorus Chorus Verse Verse Pre-chorus Chorus Vocal break Chorus Sig ABCD Instr ABCD Instr CD Tag Instr

Signature
Short two-chord figure that forms the basis of the track.

Production
Simple, sparse, and effective. The Chainsmokers’ DJ background shows in the way sections are stopped and restarted repeatedly

Performance
Both Taggart and Halsey sing flawlessly and comfortably with the hip casual detachment needed to communicate this “short film” episode.

Predicted Longevity
“Closer” is a subtle surprise that easily grows on the listener with repeated plays. There is a lot going on in this well-written and smoothly delivered song. It should have appeal for years to come. A certain Grammy contender, if not winner. 4½ stars on the “Cat Scale” from 1 to 5.