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Croatian Lyricist Goran Orešković: 'Quality Songs Cannot Be Forced'

Croatian Lyricist Goran Orešković: 'Quality Songs Cannot Be Forced'

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Named sources Context piece
  • Goran Orešković has become a sought-after lyricist in Croatia, penning hits like "Godina je previše" for Miroslav Škoro and "A ja ću noćas na drugu stranu" for Ivan Štivić.
  • His songs have topped tamburaška music charts and received awards, including "tamburaški hit godine za 2025."
  • Orešković emphasizes that quality songs arise spontaneously and cannot be forced, drawing inspiration from everyday life.

Goran Orešković is rapidly emerging as a prominent lyricist in Croatia's music scene, with his words forming the basis of several chart-topping hits. His collaboration with singer Miroslav Škoro on the song "Godina je previše" (The Year is Too Much) has dominated tamburaška music radio waves. Another of his compositions, "A ja ću noćas na drugu stranu" (And Tonight I'll Go the Other Way), performed by Ivan Štivić, has not only been recognized as the most listened-to song at the Šokačke pisme festival in Županja but also named the tamburaška hit of the year for 2025 by Croatian Radio Osijek.

Orešković describes his creative process as one where inspiration frequently strikes, allowing him to translate a "strange spiritual power" into verses. He notes that lyrics often come to him in various situations, sometimes leading to multiple songs being written in a single day. However, he firmly believes that genuine creativity cannot be manufactured.

"You cannot force a quality song," Orešković stated. "Good lyrics and a good song come spontaneously, and they are most beautiful that way." This philosophy guided the creation of "Godina je previše," a song whose music was composed by his friend and collaborator Aleksandar Homoky. The song's potential was recognized by Škoro, who recorded it, turning it into a massive hit that is now a staple at celebrations and gatherings.

Orešković expressed his satisfaction in hearing his work on the radio and at events, viewing it as a validation of his efforts. He also shared a positive experience working with Miroslav Škoro, describing him as a professional, kind, and communicative individual. Škoro's gesture of dedicating "Godina je previše" to Orešković's wife during a concert was a particularly memorable moment for the lyricist.

You cannot force a quality song. Good lyrics and a good song come spontaneously, and they are most beautiful that way.

— Goran OreškovićExplaining his belief that artistic creation cannot be rushed or forced.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.