What is Croatia’s Song About?
Croatia’s song, “Lijepa Naša Domovino” has been an emotional reminder for Croatians of their homeland, culture, and its history since the late 19th century. As the nation’s official patriotic anthem, the music and lyrics exude a feeling of strength and pride in the country’s culture and heritage.
The music of the song was composed by Josip Runjanin in 1894, during a period of immense political and social change in Croatia. Although the song’s lyrics have undergone several modifications throughout the years, its passionate and stirring melody is evergreen.
The original lyrics of the song were written by Antun Mihanović and reflect the struggles Croats had faced under Austrian occupation and their desire for freedom. Translated to English, the first two verses of the song carry the powerful message of “Fields and hills, country of ours, passion and courage, homeland of ours” and “Where is your border? The Danube and Una, Under your banner waves freedom”.
The lyrics written by Mihanović were not officially recognized by the Yugoslav government when Croatia became a republic in the 1970s. Instead, new lyrics were crafted by prominent Croatian poets and authored by Croatia’s first president Franjo Tuđman. The revised version of the song was adopted as Croatia’s national anthem in 1990.
Since then, the song has been a symbol of patriotism and independence for Croats. Apart from being deeply rooted in Croatian culture, “Lijepa Naša Domovino” was declared by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in October, 2017.
The Impact of the Song Post-Independence
Since the proclamation of independence, “Lijepa Naša Domovino” has been widely sung in cultural events, festivities, and on national holidays like Statehood Day. The song also accompanied the Croatian National Football team at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Sung with immense pride and emotion, it has united a nation and has appealed to individuals of all walks of life. Michlena Tuljković, a Croatian-American businesswoman, believes, “When Croatians abroad hear this song, it brings out an emotion of patriotism and pride. It reminds me of being at home with my family and friends.”
The song is also a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Croatian nation particularly through its dark past during the Yugoslav Wars. As Ivan Vardijan, a Croatian war veteran, puts it: “For Croats, this song is a massive symbol of courage and strength. It has embodied the spirit of freedom and peace during some of the most dark and difficult times in our past.”
Global Endorsement of the Song
In recent years, “Lijepa Naša Domovino” has gained international circulation and has gradually become recognized across the globe. Croatian singer Kriett performed an acoustic version of the song at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2019, which had been watched by nearly 139 million around the world.
Proud and delighted, Croatian president Zoran Milanović remarked after the performance, “A wonderful and pleasant feeling to listen to your national anthem from abroad. It illustrated perfectly the power of our people and our culture.”
Critical Analysis of the Song’s Impact
Critics have also noted the symbolic value the song carries for the Croatian public, with some noting its function in healing deep divisions between ethnic Croats and minority Serbs, particularly during the worst of the violence during the Yugoslav Wars.
In a study of patriotism and national identity in Croatia, Ivan Pavićević from the University of Zagreb puts forward a critical analysis of the context of the anthem’s performance during the 1998 Millennium in Croatia: “Through its symbolic value and connotations, the song reminded all Croats of numerous shared experiences in the past, and of the present moment.”
Many Croats have also credited “Lijepa Naša Domovino” with creating an emotional bond between them as a way of identifying themselves in Croatian society. Through its powerful lyrics, it has resonated with Croats regardless of their age, gender, or ethnicity.
Future of the Song
“Lijepa Naša Domovino” will always remain at the core of the Croatian story, identity, and future. With its triumphant tune, it symbolically brings together the past and the present, by reminding Croatia of not just its struggles and pains, but its strength and resilience in overcoming them.
Music has an unparalleled ability to transport one to another space and time- perhaps this is why the anthem of Croatia has always had a powerful effect in unifying Croats far and wide, throughout its history.
Musical Arrangement of the Anthem
The way the anthem has been arranged and orchestrated has continually changed throughout the decades. During the 1980s, the arrangement was made more rock and roll-inspired to cater to the then-popular punk and rock genres. A decade later, the version of the song sang at the 1998 Millennium was composed in a solemnly classical arrangement that was similar to what Josip Runjanin had initially composed.
In recent years, different musicians have have explored different genres, styles, and rhythms for the anthem in order to keep the spirit of the lyrics alive for the next generation of Croatians. Arden Atanacković, creator of a remastered version of the anthem notes, “the way this song has stood the test of time shows that it resonates with the young and old alike. It was my aim to keep this essence alive as we enter into a new age of music.”
International Performance of the Anthem
Lijepa Naša Domovino has also been performed outside Croatia. Pop-opera duo 2CELLOS infamously performed an incredible live version of the anthem in October 2018 for the Copa Libertadores Final. This was the first time in history that a country’s anthem has been performed at such an international event.
The performance was met with overwhelming reactions from Croatians around the world who marveled at the magnificence of the song and its powerful display of Croatian identity on such an international stage.
Conclusion
From its emotional tune to robust message, “Lijepa Naša Domovino” is strongly embedded in Croatia’s culture and beyond. Written amidst political turmoil more than a century ago, the song continues to evoke a sense of national identity, and unify Croats of all backgrounds. The anthem carries a deep sense of emotion not just for the Croatian people, but those around the world. Its history and significance will be celebrated far and wide for generations to come.
