Warfare with Songbooks

Abstract

In this “Stop on Archives”, the author writes about songbooks that were published during World War II on the territory of Yugoslavia. These publications are discussed as an entry point into everyday experience of the communist-led antifascist resistance. Namely, in spite of the raging war and shortages of everything from food and clothes to arms and ammunition, materials that would facilitate leisure-related activities were in high demand. The songbooks, therefore, shed light on the existence of widespread enthusiasm for cultural activities during the war. They provided the opportunity for replacing fear and pain at least temporarily with shared enjoyment and fun. But also, because the content of the songs was adapted to the wartime circumstances and guided by the demands of politics and ideology, shared fun could include the sensation of hope in the better future as well.