Selma (Bijelo Dugme song)

"Selma" is a popular ballad by the Bosnian rock band Bijelo Dugme, released in 1975. It is one of the band's signature songs and remains widely recognized and loved throughout the former Yugoslavia.

The song was written by Vlado Dijak, a poet from Sarajevo, who originally published the lyrics in a collection of poems. The song tells the story of Dijak meeting Selma Borić, a young woman he encountered at a train station in Sarajevo in 1949 as she was departing for studies in Zagreb. He was struck by her beauty and the moment stayed with him, inspiring him to write the poem.

Bijelo Dugme's lead singer, Željko Bebek, performs the vocals, and the music was composed by Goran Bregović, the band's guitarist and primary songwriter. The song's arrangement features acoustic guitar, a simple melody, and Bebek's emotive delivery, contributing to its enduring appeal.

The song's lyrics describe the encounter between the narrator and Selma, focusing on her innocence, beauty, and the brief connection they shared. The recurring line "Selma, ne naginji se kroz prozor" ("Selma, don't lean out the window") is a protective warning that has become iconic. The song evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, reflecting on a fleeting moment of connection.

Selma Borić, the real woman behind the song, was unaware of the song's existence until many years after its release. She eventually met Goran Bregović and Željko Bebek, solidifying the song's place in popular culture history. "Selma" is often considered a classic of Yugoslav rock music, representing a blend of poetic lyrics and accessible musical arrangements. Its themes of youth, travel, and fleeting romance have resonated with generations of listeners.