Miss Sarajevo (feat. U2)

The song 'Miss Sarajevo,' performed by Luciano Pavarotti featuring U2, is a poignant reflection on the absurdity of life during wartime, juxtaposed with the enduring human spirit. The lyrics pose a series of rhetorical questions that contrast everyday activities and moments of beauty with the backdrop of conflict. The song was inspired by a beauty pageant that took place during the siege of Sarajevo in the Bosnian War, symbolizing the resilience and defiance of the citizens amidst the horror surrounding them.

The verses ask if there is an appropriate time for mundane tasks and pleasures, such as shopping or wearing makeup, which are starkly contrasted with the reality of needing to 'run for cover' or the call to religious practices in times of desperation. The recurring motif of 'Here she comes' followed by references to a crown or playing the clown suggests the irony of maintaining normalcy and seeking beauty in a time of chaos and destruction.

The Italian verse sung by Pavarotti adds a layer of depth, speaking of a river finding its way to the sea, a metaphor for hope and the inevitability of love reaching its destination despite obstacles. The song culminates in a confession of lost faith and hope, yet it clings to the idea of love as the ultimate force that endures. 'Miss Sarajevo' is a powerful commentary on the human condition, the search for beauty and normalcy in the face of adversity, and the unyielding nature of love and hope even when faith falters.