U.S.A.

Dubioza Kolektiv's song "U.S.A." captures the complex emotions and experiences of immigrants who dream of a better life in America, only to find that the reality often falls short of their expectations. The lyrics begin with a hopeful plea from someone in Bosnia, eager to escape their current circumstances and see iconic American symbols like the Statue of Liberty and the Golden Gate Bridge. This initial optimism reflects the widespread belief in the American Dream, where the United States is seen as a land of opportunity and freedom.

As the song progresses, the tone shifts from hopeful anticipation to a stark realization of the harsh realities faced by many immigrants. The narrator speaks of feeling like a slave on minimal wage and being pushed into ghettos, highlighting the socio-economic struggles and marginalization that can accompany the immigrant experience. The metaphor of the grass being greener in the neighbor's courtyard is flipped, revealing that the promised land is not as idyllic as it seemed from afar. This disillusionment is further emphasized by the empty promises and disconnection from the rest of the world that the narrator experiences.

In the final verses, the song takes a reflective turn, suggesting that true fulfillment and belonging may lie in one's homeland. The repeated refrain, "One day, back to roots my friends, no place like a motherland," underscores a longing for cultural and familial connections that were left behind. This return to roots signifies a full-circle journey, from the initial hope of assimilation in America to the realization that home, despite its flaws, holds an irreplaceable value. Dubioza Kolektiv uses this narrative to critique the myth of the American Dream and to highlight the importance of cultural identity and belonging.