Bosnian Band Revitalizes Anthem Amid World Cup Euphoria

The Bosnian band Dubioza Kolektiv has breathed new life into their song ‘USA,’ by turning it into an anthem supporting Bosnia-Herzegovina’s World Cup aspirations. Its opening lyrics, ‘I am from Bosnia; take me to America,’ reflect the original song’s themes of disillusionment with the American Dream. On the eve of Bosnia’s match against Canada, band members met in Sarajevo to film a new version titled ‘I Am From Bosnia, Take Me to America.’

In less than three weeks, the music video celebrating the working-class roots of soccer has amassed nearly 2 million views on YouTube, alongside 26 million views for the original ‘USA,’ released in 2011. Vedran Mujagić, the band’s bassist, comments on the song’s evolving nature, explaining how it has shifted from an immigration satire to representing an American football dream for Bosnia.

Bosnia-Herzegovina is participating in the World Cup for the second time, overcoming traditional soccer powers in late matches against Wales and Italy. The song’s influence showed when fans unfurled a banner with the lyrics as a rallying cry. Brano Jakubović, the band’s keyboardist, notes how the supporters gave new meaning to the song, making it theirs.

‘It’s not ours anymore,’ says Jakubović.

The original ‘USA’ was up-tempo and catchy, with lyrics about fleeing to America, leading quickly to disenchantment. In the updated version, new lyrics resonate with soccer themes, primarily in Bosnian to amplify its appeal. The song also addresses a national trauma from the 2014 World Cup with the line, ‘And that goal against Nigeria, that was never offside.’

Despite Bosnia’s independence after Yugoslavia’s dissolution, the country remains divided. Football, Jakubović argues, unifies the nation more than anything else, giving hope and political consolidation.

Bosnia’s team will hold its base camp in Sandy, Utah, with group matches against Switzerland and Qatar in the U.S. Mujagić notes that many players were born outside Bosnia, affecting their perception of migration themes.

Despite the desire to move abroad, Bosnians often encounter hostilities from right-wing locals, reflecting a complex migrant experience. Admir Hodzic, a Bosnian community supporter in St. Louis and founder of BH Loyals, sees truth in Dubioza Kolektiv’s lyrics. He agrees that while there are opportunities in the U.S., perseverance is needed.

Dubioza Kolektiv’s anthems remain popular among fans during matches, often reverting to the original ‘USA’ lyrics.