‘I am from Bosnia; take me to America.’ These lyrics have taken on new meaning as the Bosnian band Dubioza Kolektiv rewrites its classic ‘USA.’ Originally a reflection on disillusionment with the American Dream, the song is now an anthem for Bosnia-Herzegovina’s World Cup ambitions.
Before Bosnia’s Friday match against Canada, the band met with The Associated Press in Sarajevo, where they filmed a new video for the song, now called ‘I Am From Bosnia, Take Me to America.’ In just under three weeks, the video gained nearly 2 million views on YouTube, adding to the original ‘USA’s’ 26 million views since its release in 2011.
The band’s bassist, Vedran Mujagić, explains, ‘The song’s story evolved from satire about immigration to an anthem for the American football dream.’ Bosnia is participating in the World Cup for only the second time, a feat once thought impossible as stronger soccer nations blocked its path. However, a late goal against Wales and a penalty shootout victory against Italy changed the narrative.
Surprising the band, fans used the lyrics as a rallying cry, waving a banner at matches. ‘Initially a joke, fans gave the song new meaning,’ says keyboardist Brano Jakubović, appreciating how it belongs to the listeners now.
While the original ‘USA’ captured the eagerness to emigrate and eventual disillusionment, the rewritten version is mostly in Bosnian and celebrates soccer. ‘It’s a typical immigrant song, but in Bosnian, so people will understand,’ Jakubović notes. The change in language does not diminish its worldwide appeal. The YouTube comments highlight its popularity, despite local jokes that might not translate well outside Bosnia.
One line addresses ‘a big national trauma in Bosnia,’ says Jakubović, referring to a disputed goal in a past World Cup match against Nigeria. The song serves to release this collective frustration.
For Bosnia, soccer transcends being a mere sport. It’s a symbol of hope and unity in a nation still divided by the history of conflict and genocide following the breakup of Yugoslavia. ‘Football in this moment is much more than just a game. It brings people together,’ Jakubović explains.
Though Bosnia’s first match will occur in Canada, the team is based in Sandy, Utah. Other group stage matches against Switzerland and Qatar will take place in the U.S. Many players were born abroad as descendants of Bosnian immigrants or refugees. ‘They hear these lyrics differently,’ states Mujagić, pointing out ongoing emigration from Bosnia and the mixed experiences abroad.
In St. Louis, where a large Bosnian community resides, Admir Hodzic leads the BH Loyals supporter group. He sees truth in the song, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of life in the U.S. Despite the rewritten version, the original ‘USA’ remains deeply embedded in fans’ hearts. ‘No matter what, they return to the old lyrics,’ Hodzic concludes.
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