U mahali pusta kula stara
Nedeljko Bilkic · Other Songs - Nedeljko Bilkic
zub vremena cakmu joj obara
mandal brave niko ne otvara
nekad puna razgovora
asikluka i sevdaha
sad sudbinom poharana
leglo vrana i gavrana
Ref.
Kulo stara
gje su dani tvog sevdaha
asikluka kraj bunara
aman, aman kulo stara
U Dizdara kuli gospodara
kci sabaha gizdav grozd behara
zagledala Ibru hizmecara
Dizdar jedne kobne zore
ljubavne im otkri tajne
druge noci iznad gore
pale dvije zvjezde sjajne
Ref.
Nesta sunca nesta i behara
nesta pjesme nesta i dizdara
pusta osta cardaklija stara
kroz odaje tuga luta
iz duvara memla bije
kraj bunara dunja zuta
na simsire suze lije
Ref.
U mahali pusta kula stara
Nedeljko Bilić's 'U mahali pusta kula stara' stands as a defining anthem of Yugoslav folk music, capturing the melancholic essence of rural life and the passage of time. Recorded in the late 1960s, the track exemplifies the genre's characteristic blend of traditional instrumentation and poetic storytelling. The song's enduring popularity stems from its vivid imagery of empty houses and changing seasons, which resonated deeply with audiences across the former Yugoslavia. As a cornerstone of Bilić's discography, the recording showcases his mastery of the accordion and his ability to weave complex narratives into accessible melodies. It remains a staple in folk collections, illustrating the cultural significance of this era's musical output and its lasting impact on regional identity.