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Zeljezni-Char!

Gacina Bozidar

Thursday, May 6th, 2004

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 When we were traveling tra-veling tra-veling
to Za-greb
When we were traveling tra-veling
to Moongreb(slang)
When we were traveling tra-veling
to Sp-lit Split!
When we were tra-veling to Beo-Grad!

2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 It was to scream Zeljezni- Char!
It was to scream Zeljezni- Char !
Ole !
Ole !
Ole !
It was to scream Zeljezni- Char!
Zeljezni-Char Zeljezni-Char!
Ole!
All the Trains of Former Yugoslavia
were fulls of Militia
Militia Militia
But when we were tra-veling
we were screaming Zeljezni-Char!

© Gacina Bozidar

Notes

The poem Zeljezni-Char captures the fervor of fans traveling to support FK Zeljeznicar Sarajevo during the tumultuous final days of Yugoslavia.The repetitive structure emphasizes the excitement and unity among fans as they chant Zeljezni-Char! celebrating their club amidst societal unrest.Set against the backdrop of ethnic tensions and the impending disintegration of Yugoslavia, the poem reflects a collective identity forged through football, particularily for fans of Zeljeznicar , a club known for its inclusive ethos despite financial struggles and ethnic divisions.The poem employs a rhythmic repetition, mirroring the chants of fans, which creates a sense of urgency and passion. The use of slang like “Moongreb” adds a local flavor, while the refrain serves as both a rallying cry and a nostalgic reminder of shared experiences. This style effectively conveys the emotional landscape of football fandom during a critical historical moment. The poem Zeljezni-Char reflects the cultural and social climate of Yugoslavia in the 1980’s thhrough its portrayal of football fandom as a unifying force amidst growing ethnic tensions.During this period, football clubs like FK Zeljeznicar became symbols of regional pride and identity, particularly in Sarajevo, where fans rallied together to support their team despite the impending disintegration of the state.
The repetitive structure and the chant -like quality of the poem evoke the communal spirit of fans traveling by train, highlighting their shared experiences and emotional investment in the sport. This camaraderie stands in stark contrast to the political fragmentation and societal unrest that charaterized Yugoslavia’s final years. The mention of “Militia” underscores the oppressive atmosphere , as fans navigated a landscape marked by increasing militarization and nationalism.
Overall, the poem serves as a microcosm of the broader cultural dynamics at play in 1980’s Yugoslavia. where football provided an escape and a sense of belonging amid a backdrop of uncertainty and division.

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Source: http://footballpoets.org/poems/zeljezni-char/