Bolje biti pijan nego star

Plavi Orkestar's song "Bolje biti pijan nego star" ("Better to be Drunk than Old") is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, lost love, and the bittersweet nature of nostalgia. The lyrics convey a sense of regret and longing for a past relationship that never fully blossomed, as the singer reminisces about a love that remained platonic. The phrase "žao mi je što smo bili samo dobri drugovi" ("I'm sorry we were just good friends") encapsulates this sentiment, highlighting the missed opportunities and what-ifs that often accompany memories of youth.

The chorus, "Bolje biti pijan nego star" ("Better to be drunk than old"), serves as a metaphor for the desire to escape the harsh realities of aging and the inevitable changes that come with it. By choosing to be 'drunk,' the singer metaphorically opts for a state of temporary oblivion over the permanence of growing old. This choice underscores a common cultural theme where alcohol is used as a means to cope with emotional pain and the passage of time. The line "vino ne zna da smo nekad bili sretan par" ("wine doesn't know we were once a happy couple") further emphasizes the disconnect between the present and the past, suggesting that the memories of happier times are now irrelevant and forgotten.

The song also touches on the theme of unfulfilled promises and the acceptance of solitude. The imagery of waiting by the first high school during winter, knowing that the loved one will not come, symbolizes the acceptance of reality and the end of youthful dreams. The line "možda je i tako bolje, navik'o sam biti sam" ("maybe it's better this way, I'm used to being alone") reflects a resigned acceptance of loneliness, a common sentiment as people age and reflect on their past relationships and life choices.