Nena

Lyrics

[Intro]
You and I in a little toy shop
Buy a bag of balloons with the money we've got
Set them free at the break of dawn
'Til one by one, they were gone
Back at base, bugs in the software
Flash the message, "Something's out there!"
Floating in the summer sky
Ninety-nine red balloons go by

[Instrumental Interlude]

[Verse 1]
Ninety-nine red balloons
Floating in the summer sky
Panic bells, it's red alert!
There's something here from somewhere else!
The war machine springs to life
Opens up one eager eye
Focusing it on the sky
When ninety-nine red balloons go by

[Verse 2]
99 Decision Street
Ninety-nine ministers meet
To worry, worry, super-scurry
Call the troops out in a hurry
This is what we've waited for
This is it, boys, this is war
The president is on the line
As ninety-nine red balloons go by
[Verse 3]
Ninety-nine knights of the air
Ride super high-tech jet fighters
Everyone's a superhero
Everyone's a "Captain Kirk"
With orders to identify
To clarify and classify
Scramble in the summer sky
Ninety-nine red balloons go by
As ninety-nine red balloons go by

[Outro]
Ninety-nine dreams I have had
In every one, a red balloon
It's all over and I'm standin' pretty
In this dust that was a city
If I could find a souvenir
Just to prove the world was here
And here is a red balloon
I think of you, and let it go...

Have you ever listened to a song that took you on a journey through history, politics, and international tensions? If not, then '99 Red Balloons' by Nena is the perfect song for you. This iconic track, originally released in 1983 during the height of the Cold War, became a symbol of anti-war and peaceful protest, all wrapped up in a catchy pop tune. Let's dive into the fascinating story behind '99 Red Balloons.'

About 99 Red Balloons

'99 Red Balloons' is the English version of the original German song titled '99 Luftballons.' The song was written and performed by Nena, a German singer, and her band. It was released in 1983 as a protest against war, specifically referencing the tensions and paranoia of the Cold War era.

The inspiration for '99 Red Balloons' came from an unlikely source – a Rolling Stones concert. Nena's guitarist, Carlo Karges, attended a Rolling Stones show in Berlin during their European tour for the album 'Tattoo You.' As part of their performance, balloons were released onto the stage and into the crowd during the song '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction.' This sparked Karges' imagination, envisioning a scenario where the release of balloons could lead to a catastrophic misunderstanding and trigger World War III.

The song's lyrics and music perfectly capture the tension and uncertainty of the Cold War period. The red balloons in the song represent innocent, harmless objects that, when mistaken for enemy missiles, can ignite a chain of events with disastrous consequences. Nena's powerful vocals and the energetic instrumentation create an intense atmosphere of urgency and desperation.

Despite being sung entirely in German, '99 Luftballons' was understood and embraced internationally. The song reached the top of the charts in several countries, including the United Kingdom and Canada. Such widespread popularity led to the creation of an English version, known as '99 Red Balloons.'

While the English version retained the general theme and storyline of the original, some lyrical changes were made to adapt the words to fit the rhythm. Unfortunately, many listeners felt that these alterations stripped away the unique atmosphere and emotional impact of the German version. As a result, the English version couldn't replicate the same level of success as its predecessor.

Despite this, '99 Red Balloons' remains an enduring anthem against war and a reminder of the power of music to convey powerful messages. It continues to be a popular choice for protests, peace rallies, and even personal playlists seeking to capture the spirit of resistance.

So, the next time you hear '99 Red Balloons' playing, close your eyes and let yourself be transported to a different era. Feel the tension, the anticipation, and the hope for a peaceful world as Nena's impassioned voice soars above the hypnotic melodies. It's a song that reminds us of the importance of unity, understanding, and the pursuit of peace.

• Release Date: February 1983
• Artist: Nena