Nena

Lyrics

[Songtext zu „99 Luftballons“]

[Strophe 1]
Hast du etwas Zeit für mich?
Dann singe ich ein Lied für dich
Von 99 Luftballons
Auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont
Denkst du vielleicht grad an mich?
Dann singe ich ein Lied für dich
Von 99 Luftballons
Und, dass sowas von sowas kommt

[Instrumental]

[Strophe 2]
99 Luftballons
Auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont
Hielt man für Ufos aus dem All
Darum schickte ein General
'ne Fliegerstaffel hinterher
Alarm zu geben, wenn's so wär
Dabei war'n dort am Horizont
Nur 99 Luftballons

[Strophe 3]
99 Düsenflieger
Jeder war ein großer Krieger
Hielten sich für Captain Kirk
Es gab ein großes Feuerwerk
Die Nachbarn haben nichts gerafft
Und fühlten sich gleich angemacht
Dabei schoss man am Horizont
Auf 99 Luftballons
[Instrumental]

[Strophe 4]
99 Kriegsminister
Streichholz und Benzinkanister
Hielten sich für schlaue Leute
Witterten schon fette Beute
Riefen, „Krieg!“, und wollten Macht
Mann, wer hätte das gedacht?
Dass es einmal so weit kommt
Wegen 99 Luftballons

[Bridge]
Wegen 99 Luftballons
99 Luftballons

[Outro]
99 Jahre Krieg
Ließen keinen Platz für Sieger
Kriegsminister gibt's nicht mehr
Und auch keine Düsenflieger
Heute zieh' ich meine Runden
Seh' die Welt in Trümmern liegen
Hab' 'n Luftballon gefunden
Denk' an dich und lass' ihn fliegen

Some short introduction paragraphs about the most important things about the song.

Have you ever heard a song that captures the essence of an era? Nena's "99 Luftballons" is one such song. Released in 1983 during the height of the Cold War, this German anti-war anthem resonated with audiences around the world. The song tells a cautionary tale of the unintended consequences of escalating tensions between nations. With its catchy melody and thought-provoking lyrics, "99 Luftballons" became a massive international hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries.

About 99 Luftballons

Detailed and well-researched paragraphs about the song.

Written by Nena during the Cold War, "99 Luftballons" captures the fear and paranoia of the era. The song tells the story of 99 red balloons that are released into the sky and mistaken for enemy missiles. The mistake leads to a chain reaction, with both sides launching attacks and ultimately causing a devastating third world war. It's a powerful metaphor for the destructive nature of war and the consequences of miscommunication. The idea for the balloons in the song came from Carlo Karges, Nena's guitarist. Inspired by the Rolling Stones' European tour for their album "Tattoo You," including a concert in Berlin where balloons were released during their performance of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," Karges envisioned the balloons flying over the Berlin Wall and triggering an international crisis. This connection to current events and the inclusion of real-life inspiration added depth and relevance to the song. Despite being sung in German, "99 Luftballons" crossed language barriers and became an international sensation. The song's universal themes of war, fear, and the quest for peace resonated with audiences worldwide. It reached number one on the charts in several countries, including the United Kingdom and Canada. It was an impressive achievement for a non-English song to achieve such widespread popularity. The success of "99 Luftballons" prompted the recording of an English version of the song. Adapting the lyrics while retaining the melody proved challenging, and many listeners felt that the English version didn't capture the same atmospheric quality as the original German version. Despite this, the English version, titled "99 Red Balloons," also achieved some success on international charts, although it couldn't match the popularity of the original. One of the reasons for the enduring appeal of "99 Luftballons" is its ability to evoke strong emotions in listeners. The combination of Nena's passionate vocals, the driving beat, and the thought-provoking lyrics creates a sense of urgency and draws the listener into the story. It's a song that demands attention and leaves a lasting impression. In addition to its emotional impact, "99 Luftballons" has a captivating melody that stays with you long after the song ends. The catchy synth-pop sound of the song, combined with Nena's distinctive voice, creates a musical experience that is both memorable and enjoyable. It's no wonder that the song has stood the test of time and continues to be loved by fans of all ages. Another aspect that makes "99 Luftballons" remarkable is its cultural significance. The song has become an iconic symbol of the 1980s and the Cold War era. It represents a time of political tension, nuclear fears, and the desire for peace. It serves as a reminder of the power of music to express complex emotions and convey important messages. In the end, "99 Luftballons" is more than just a song. It's a powerful social commentary, a timeless melody, and a cultural touchstone. It's a song that has transcended language barriers and connected people around the world. With its thought-provoking lyrics and captivating sound, "99 Luftballons" will continue to be revered as a musical masterpiece for generations to come. So, next time you hear the opening notes of this iconic song, let yourself be transported back to a time when a simple balloon could hold so much meaning.

• Release Date: February 1983
• Artist: Nena