Songwriter Dan Wilson famously penned the track with two distinct layers:
: Beyond the bar scene, the line "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end" has become a standalone piece of modern philosophy, frequently used in graduations and life milestones. Semisonic - Closing Time
Critics often praise its "folk music simplicity" blended with the "loudness of U2 and Nirvana". While some find its constant radio exposure "annoying" (it landed on Rolling Stone's 2007 list of most annoying songs), most agree it is a "phenomenally talented" piece of songwriting that perfectly matched the "right song for the right time". Dan Wilson - Facebook Songwriter Dan Wilson famously penned the track with