: The song follows a traditional melodic pattern common in the Balkans. It often features acoustic arrangements with instruments like the accordion, violin, or tamburica.
The song is a quintessential example of "starogradska muzika" (old town music) or traditional folk from Southern Serbia. Nikolić's version, notably featured on his 2008 album Zapisano u vremenu (Recorded in Time), is celebrated for its preservation of authentic Balkan melodies. jordan_nikolic_smilj_smiljana_pokraj_vode_brala
: Jordan Nikolić’s recordings are preserved in the Radio Belgrade archives as significant cultural heritage. : The song follows a traditional melodic pattern
: In Serbian folklore, "smilje" (immortelle/everlasting flower) symbolizes youth, beauty, and endurance. Picking flowers by the water is a common motif representing a young woman's reflection, longing, or readiness for marriage. Nikolić's version, notably featured on his 2008 album
While Nikolić's 2007/2008 recordings are definitive, other notable artists have covered the track to keep the tradition alive:
: Her version on Serbian Ethno Sound 2 emphasizes the "ethno" elements with a focus on traditional vocal techniques.