He was a pizza maker. Now he hopes to be a filmmaker. Alex Beilman, Columbia College film student and longtime Dimo’s Dude, is making a big move. Specifically a move from Chicago to Los Angeles to make movies. We wish Alex all the best in every adventure that awaits him on his cinematic journey! We will miss his quick wit and his jam-packed indie rock playlist. Despite all the new bands and albums Alex introduced us to, we can think of no song more fitting to send him off to than the super smash hit (and only hit) from Semisonic, Closing Time. It’s the same song we play for crustomers in the restaurant at the end of a long night of bar hopping and chowing down on ‘za when it’s time to close up the store. What we’re really saying is, “We love you. We hope to see you again soon, but now is the time when you must move along and get to where you’re supposed to be. It’s not here. At least not now.” It’s all about ending a chapter at the right moment. After all, every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.

Everyone join us in singing this classic tune once more for Alex on his way out of town. We’ll sing as loud as we can, and you should too! Pull up the video here, we’ll post the lyrics down below. Let him hear you all the way on the west coast! And when you’ve worked up an appetite, you can order his favorite pizza in his honor, a 20” Pepperoni 2: Electric Bugaloo.

    Closing time, open all the doors
    And let you out into the world
    Closing time, turn all of the lights on
    Over every boy and every girl.

    Closing time, one last call for alcohol
    So finish your whiskey or beer
    Closing time, you don't have to go home
    But you can't stay here.

    I know who I want to take me home
    I know who I want to take me home
    I know who I want to take me home
    Take me home.

    Closing time
    Time for you to go out to the places you will be from
    Closing time
    This room won't be open 'til your brothers or your sisters come
    So gather up your jackets, move it to the exits
    I hope you have found a friend
    Closing time
    Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end, yeah

    I know who I want to take me home
    I know who I want to take me home
    I know who I want to take me home
    Take me home

    Closing time
    Time for you to go out to the places you will be from

    I know who I want to take me home
    I know who I want to take me home
    I know who I want to take me home
    Take me home
    I know who I want to take me home
    I know who I want to take me home
    I know who I want to take me home
    Take me home

    Closing time
    Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end

How did one-hit wonder Semisonic fit so much wisdom into one 4:34 long song?