Closer Lyrics by The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey

Closer is a 2016 hit by The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey, released as a single from the EP Collage.

Written by Andrew Taggart, Halsey, Shaun Frank, Frederic Kennett, Isaac Slade, and Joe King, it became both acts’ first number one on the Billboard Hot 100, holding the top spot for 12 straight weeks.

Its future bass sound and story of two exes reconnecting made it one of the most streamed songs of the decade.

About the Song

Here’s a quick snapshot of everything you need to know about Closer before diving into the lyrics.

This chart-topping collaboration turned a simple story about reconnecting with an ex into one of the decade’s most recognizable pop hits, spending 12 weeks at number one.

Closer Lyrics by The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey

Verse 1: Andrew Taggart

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

Pre-Chorus: Andrew Taggart

I know it breaks your heart
Moved to the city in a broke-down car
And four years, no calls
Now you’re lookin’ pretty in a hotel bar
And I-I-I can’t stop
No, I-I-I can’t stop

Chorus: Andrew Taggart

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 gettin’ older

Drop: Andrew Taggart

We ain’t ever gettin’ older
We ain’t ever gettin’ older

Verse 2: Halsey

You look as good as the day I met you
I forget just why I left you, I was insane
Stay and play that blink-182 song
That we beat to death in Tucson, okay

Pre-Chorus: Halsey, Halsey & Andrew Taggart

I know it breaks your heart
Moved to the city in a broken-down car
And four years, no call
Now I’m lookin’ pretty in a hotel bar
And I-I-I can’t stop
No, I-I-I can’t stop

Chorus: Andrew Taggart & Halsey

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 gettin’ older

Drop: Andrew Taggart & Halsey

We ain’t ever gettin’ older
We ain’t ever gettin’ older

Chorus: Andrew Taggart

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 gettin’ older

Bridge: Andrew Taggart, Halsey, Andrew Taggart & Halsey

We ain’t ever gettin’ older
No, we ain’t ever gettin’ older
We ain’t ever gettin’ older
No, we ain’t ever gettin’ older
We ain’t ever gettin’ older
We ain’t ever gettin’ older
We ain’t ever gettin’ older
No, we ain’t ever gettin’ older

Drop: Halsey, Halsey & Andrew Taggart

Older
We ain’t ever gettin’ older
Older
No, we ain’t ever gettin’ older

Background and Story Behind the Song

Closer marked a turning point for Andrew Taggart. He had only sung background vocals before, on the duo’s earlier hit “Roses,” but Closer gave him his first lead vocal role on a Chainsmokers track.

Halsey joined as the female voice, and the two traded verses before uniting on the chorus.

The song almost had a different lineup. Camila Cabello was considered for the feature and loved the track, but she turned it down.

At the time, she was still with Fifth Harmony and focused on the group’s upcoming album, so she passed on what became the number one song in the world.

Written by Taggart, Halsey, Shaun Frank, Frederic Kennett, Isaac Slade, and Joe King, Closer took shape around a familiar theme: an old flame, a chance meeting, and the pull of unfinished history.

Who Wrote and Produced Closer

Six songwriters and one production team shaped this track into a chart-topping hit.

Fun Facts About Closer

Beyond its catchy hook, Closer set several records and marked personal firsts for the artists involved. Here are some standout facts about the song’s journey to the top.

• 12 weeks at number one: Closer held the Billboard Hot 100’s top spot longer than almost any song that decade.
• First number one for both acts: It became the debut chart-topper for The Chainsmokers and for Halsey individually.
• One of the decade’s defining EDM hits: Billboard named it one of the songs that defined the 2010s, and it earned a Diamond certification from the RIAA in 2018.
• Taggart’s first lead vocal: Andrew Taggart had only sung backup before, making this his first true lead vocal moment.

These milestones explain why Closer still shows up on playlists and throwback countdowns years after its release, proving its staying power well beyond a single summer hit.

Songs Similar to Closer

If you loved the catchy hook and emotional story behind Closer, these five tracks bring a similar mix of pop melody, electronic beats, and heartfelt lyrics worth adding to your playlist.

• Roses – The Chainsmokers
  Another Chainsmokers hit with a smooth electropop sound and a story of budding romance.
• Ghost– Halsey
  A moody, synth-driven track that captures heartbreak and longing with the same raw honesty Halsey brings to Closer.
• Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur
  A heartfelt pop ballad about lasting love, offering a softer but equally emotional listening experience.
• Something Just Like This – The Chainsmokers & Coldplay
  Another Chainsmokers collaboration blending electronic beats with anthemic, feel-good lyrics.
• Let Me Love You – DJ Snake ft. Justin Bieber
  A future bass track with the same genre-blending energy and radio-friendly hook as Closer.

Each of these songs shares the same blend of catchy production and genuine emotion that made Closer a lasting favorite, so give them a listen if you’re building out your next playlist.

Closing Thoughts

What makes Closer endure isn’t the production trends of 2016; it’s the story underneath: two people who once knew each other completely, running into that history again and choosing to lean back into it, at least for one night.

That’s a plot most listeners have lived through in some form, which is probably why the song still gets requested at weddings, bars, and road trips a decade later.

I’d argue Closer says more about nostalgia than romance; the chorus isn’t really asking someone to stay forever; it’s asking them to stay just long enough to feel young again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Closer by The Chainsmokers About?

Closer tells the story of two ex-partners reconnecting years later, reminiscing about their past relationship and giving in to nostalgia.

Who Sings the Female Part in Closer?

Halsey sings the female part in Closer, trading verses with Andrew Taggart before joining together on the chorus.

Did Camila Cabello Almost Sing Closer?

Yes, Camila Cabello was considered for the feature but declined due to her commitments with Fifth Harmony at the time.

How Long Was Closer at Number One?

Closer spent 12 consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making it a record-breaking hit.