The lyrics of The Chainsmokers’ hit song “Closer” are instantly recognizable, painting a vivid picture of youthful nostalgia and fleeting romance. One line, in particular, has captured the imagination of listeners: “Bite that tattoo on your shoulder.” This evocative phrase, seemingly intimate and rebellious, hints at a deeper story, one rooted in the real-life experiences of Chainsmokers member Drew Taggart during his time at Syracuse University. Let’s delve into the meaning behind this lyric and explore how Taggart’s college days fueled the creation of this chart-topping anthem.
The Meaning Behind the Ink: More Than Just a Tattoo
While the lyric is direct – “Bite that tattoo on your shoulder” – its impact lies in its suggestive nature and the imagery it conjures. Tattoos themselves often represent personal stories, memories, or rebellious phases. In the context of “Closer,” the tattoo on the shoulder becomes a symbol of a past relationship, a mark of youthful indiscretion, or simply a detail that adds to the song’s narrative of a rekindled, albeit complicated, connection.
The act of biting the tattoo amplifies this intimacy and impulsiveness. It’s a playful yet passionate gesture, suggesting a deep familiarity and a desire to recapture a past flame. The line is less about the literal tattoo and more about the shared history and unspoken connection between the characters in the song. It’s a sensory detail that grounds the song in a relatable reality of young love and reminiscence.
Syracuse University Days: The Real-Life Inspiration
Drew Taggart, one half of The Chainsmokers, revealed that the lyrical content of “Closer,” including the now-iconic tattoo line, is heavily influenced by his experiences at Syracuse University. Speaking in a YouTube vlog, Taggart explained that the overall sentiment of “Closer” stems from his observations and feelings during his college years.
He attended Syracuse University’s Bandier music program, graduating in 2012. Taggart described a sense of disconnect, being a student without significant financial means surrounded by wealthier peers driving expensive cars like Range Rovers and Mercedes. This contrast in lifestyles became a central theme in “Closer.”
The line “So baby pull me closer in the backseat of your Rover, That I know you can’t afford” directly reflects this experience. It highlights the dynamic of a relationship where one person might be perceived as less affluent than the other, adding a layer of realism and social commentary to the romantic narrative.
While Taggart didn’t explicitly state that the “tattoo on your shoulder” lyric was inspired by a specific person or event at Syracuse, the overall atmosphere and experiences of his college years provided the emotional backdrop and relatable scenarios that shaped the song’s lyrics. The tattoo, in this context, could represent a fleeting memory from those times, a symbol of youthful relationships formed and perhaps faded during his Syracuse days.
“Closer”‘s Enduring Appeal and Syracuse Roots
“Closer,” featuring Halsey, became a massive hit for The Chainsmokers in 2016, topping charts for a remarkable 12 weeks and earning a Grammy nomination. Its success can be attributed, in part, to its relatable lyrics that tap into universal themes of nostalgia, young love, and the bittersweet nature of past relationships.
The Syracuse University connection adds another layer of intrigue to the song’s story. It reveals the personal and grounded origins of a song that resonated with millions worldwide. From experimenting with melodies on a MIDI keyboard in his college dorm to observing the social dynamics around him, Taggart’s Syracuse experience was instrumental in shaping the creative DNA of “Closer.” The “tattoo on your shoulder” lyric, therefore, is not just a random phrase; it’s a piece of a larger narrative puzzle, hinting at the personal experiences and observations that fueled one of The Chainsmokers’ biggest hits.
