Before the communist revolution of 1941, anthem of Yugoslavia (now Serbia and Montenegro) consisted of a combination of the anthems of the various states making up the federation, starting with a few measures from the Serb anthem, continuing with a few lines from the Croat anthem, followed by a few bars from "Naprej zastava slave" (Go ahead, the Flag of Glory) (a former anthem of Slovenia) and winding up with some lines from the Serbian anthem again. After the revolution in 1945, the federation adopted the song "Hej Slaveni". Even though Yugoslavia no longer exists and only Serbia and Montenegro remain in the federation, "Hej Slaveni", with lyrics by Samuel Tomasik, is still the state anthem. The anthem was composed in the mid nineteenth century as an anthem for the Slavonic movement. The anthem melody by Michal Kleofas Oginski is nearly the same as Poland.

In February, 2003, it was decided to change the name of Yugoslavia to Serbia and Montenegro. This will also, undoubtedly bring about changes in the national symbols. For now, "Hej Slaveni" remains the national anthem, although I personally feel a combination of the two countries' anthems (like what was done before the communist revolution) may take shape as the new anthem. There is also renewed talk in Mntenegro of declaring independence from the federation, leaving the whole debate moot.

Lyrics

Croatian

Slovenian

English

We stand steadily
As river gorges
Damned is the traitor
Of his homeland!

External link