Brit Reacts to NENA | 99 Luftballons [1983]

[@theKarstenR]

Yes, the English language version "99 Red Balloons" went to #1 in the UK back then, while the original German version went to #2 in the US. It truly was a worldwide hit.

[@norbertzillatron3456]

Unfortunately, there was a lot lost in translation of the lyrics.

[@ElRackadusch]

Yes, and there are a lot of english cover versions. I really like the version by Goldfinger for example.

[@DalaiDrama-hp6oj]

I have been in Australie in 1997, 14 years after the song came out. I heard Nena in the radio 3 or 4 times over there, it was of course the German version

[@romyritter9194]

Nena is an Icon..shes still successful ..❤

[@axelb8363]

Nena was number 1 in 52 countries with this song

[@barjel7951]

A bit about the context (to my limited knowledge ;) ) 1983 was a peak phase of the cold war with the Soviets positioning more mid range nuclear missiles (SS-20) that pointed at Europe and NATO planning to position their mid range nukes (Pershing II ) for an answer (what they did then). This arms race led (esp. in Germany) to a strong peace movement and also to a big fear of a nuclear war with Germany being the main battlefield/ target of the nukes. And in this atmosphere came 99 Luftballons, pointing out how easy something might go horribly wrong, ending in complete destruction.

[@Originalkugelzwerg]

Gut erklärt, danke.

[@MichaelBurggraf-gm8vl]

Three years later David Bowie contributed the title song to the animation movie "When the Wind Blows" dealing with a similar matter.

[@cacklebarnacle15]

The english version is different. What you read out there is not much like the German version simply translated. To be expected, I mean, it needs to fit in the constraints of the melody and rhyme as well, but still. As for the context, this song was written in the middle of the cold war and Germany was on the border between two mega powers stock piling nukes. The worry was great, that something harmless might trigger a massive chain reaction of destruction. What she's singing is more like: Do you have some time for me? I'll sing a song for you about 99 balloons on their way to the horizon. Do you maybe think of me right now? I'll sing a song for you about 99 balloons and how such a thing happens from something like this. 99 balloons, on their way to the horizon. They thought they were U.F.O.s from space. So a general send a squadron of jet fighters after them, to give an alert if it were the case. But it was only 99 balloons on the horizon. 99 jet fighters, each one a great warrior, thought they were like Captain Kirk, it made for big fireworks. The neighbours did not understand and immediatly felt threatened. But they were only shooting at 99 balloons on the horizon. 99 ministers of war (i think they did that on purpose instead of minister of defence), like petrol cans with matches, thought they were smart people and scent fat booty. They yelled "WAR!" and wanted power. Man, who would have thought that it'd get this far because of 99 balloons, because of 99 balloons, 99 balloons. 99 years of war didn't leave much room for victors there are no more ministers of war and no more jet fighters. Now I'm making my rounds looking at the world in ruins. I found a balloon let it fly, while I think of you

[@h4zelnuts117]

I can tell you this song is quiet more than just a song from the 80s. People in east Germany especially celebrated that song and the song, because of its lyrics, united the split Germany even more. Everybody was celebrating Nena and to this day this song is celebrated. It was a tough time, this song nailed the Zeitgeist

[@LemmyD_from_Germany]

Cold war times... German people had much ANGST at that time. This song from NENA hits the nerve...! Nena is the Name of the Band AND also the Nickname of the singer Susanne Gabriele Kerner, born in Hagen, Germany. It was the top Song in these times called 'Neue Deutsche Welle'. It was a music movement in german speaking countries. You can't missed it... I was 13 and I loved her...😉 Greetings from northern Germany ♥️🇩🇪

[@to.l.2469]

Yes, that's right. I did too back then, although I didn't fully understand everything. This fear was also stoked, just like now. (This "procedure", perfidious approach to destabilize democracies, has unfortunately not changed.) In the decades before, the "Estonians" sometimes behaved extremely arrogantly. In the 1980s, the West was "superior" in terms of military (conventional) technology. This led to the USSR reflexively and (as we now know) sometimes panickingly threatening to use nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, the general public was not aware of what the military and political situation actually was. It was about power vs. the injured egos of the "dictator on duty". The difference to today was that the "East" did not attack states whose citizens ultimately oriented themselves towards the "West". Unfortunately, it turns out that people like Nena ultimately do not (want to) get out of the old ways of thinking and compare the situation back then 1:1 with the current situation. I thought Nena was great back then, but now I pay more attention to what she says in the context of the abundant and freely available information thanks to the Internet. That's why Nena is no longer as high on my list.

[@elkevera]

Such a great anti - war song. Falls into the catagory of John Lennon's "Imagine". - Nena is still making music today and also has been a judge on the Voice show. - btw: I used to wear my hair just like her. ☮

[@Ati-MarcusS]

1983 war ich erst 8:) aber hab ihre musik geliebt

[@mbfbu1401]

There's an english version of that song, because it blew up in Germany. That's probably, why you've heard it before.

[@claudid.6223]

I think, it's called 99 red ballons in english.

[@punxsu]

Well, what she talks, rhymes and sings about is, at one point the world was so much on the brink of war that an event like 99 harmless balloons going up set off an alarm and a chain reaction that led to a war that destroyed the world. At the end of the song, she stands on the rubble of a destroyed city and finds another red balloon in the dust.

[@Sell-lee79]

I come from Germany and work a lot in the Netherlands. Holland. The song is still played on the radio there 'regularly'.

[@Treinbouwer]

Beetje nostalgie.😂

[@Sell-lee79]

@@Treinbouwer 👍😂

[@KeesBoons]

Rightfully so :o)!

[@maryannecomment3302]

I love this song, especially in German. Not so much in English. This is such a strong song. I loved Nena back then, I was a big fan. I am from the Netherlands, and yes, the song was also in English. The text is not random but in the translation to English the meaning fades, that is why I love the song in German.

[@katjawege6886]

This is my youth🎉, we all adored Nena back in the 80ies. 😊She is not the best, though. If you want to listen to a special German voice, you might enjoy Nina Hagen. She is the queen of German punk!!! Her voice is totally awesome. "TV Glotzer" live 1978 is fun! She is still rocking, by the way, she never gets old. Enjoy! ❤

[@ostilicious]

I think this is one of the biggest hits of the 80s worldwide...in germany its legend, everybody knows this

[@Nikioko]

I was born in 1979. This is the earliest childhood memory.

[@Mike-hr3ns]

I was born ´78 and this was my favurite song in my childhood. I heard this song every day a few time. My parents wanted destroy my cassette recorder😅

[@Nikioko]

@@Mike-hr3ns Mine was Major Tom.

[@PropperNaughtyGeezer]

"The "Neue Deutsche Welle" (NDW) was a music movement that began as a subculture around 1976 and was massively commercialized by the music industry with other artists in the early 1980s. The resulting wear and tear led to its end around 1983/1984." Wiki. The music emerged from the "New Wave" and was characterized by simplicity, minimalism and light lyrics. "Trio" took it to the extreme, with only a drum kit (bass drum without foot pedal, snare, high hat), an electric guitar (with just one pickup and a Marshall speaker), and a singer (with a headphone microphone, megaphone and sometimes a Casio VL-1) and a number 1 hit "Da, da, da." The bands were usually not backed by any major labels. Many bands simply rented a recording studio and recorded an album. This made the music very individual. This wave was short but intense and shaped the boomer generation. "Die Toten Hosen" and "Die Ärzte" are left over because they didn't really belong to the NDW. Joachin Witt, who now only calls himself "Witt", still makes music today. His last album was in 2023.

[@berlindude75]

The English language version of the song ("99 Red Balloons") peaked at #1 in the weekly UK Singles Charts (OCC) in 1984, so it likely came back to UK radio repeatedly over the following years and decades as well. Funnily, in the U.S., it was the original German version that climbed the Billboard Hot 100 Charts to peak at #2 back in 1984.

[@KurtHögerle]

It was the Geman original that peakedor nearlly peaked.... The English version only peaked in Canada.

[@berlindude75]

@@KurtHögerle According to Wikipedia, it was the English version in the UK, Canada, Ireland, and South Africa. U.S. and Australian audiences, however, preferred the German original version instead (along with the rest of Europe).

[@lynnm6413]

@@berlindude75 the German version is much better

[@berlindude75]

@@lynnm6413 Naturally.

[@FollowerofChrist11]

I was stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army in 1983 when this song came out.

[@MenschUnterwegs1234]

The song is a metaphor for the nonsens of war and is about a general firing rockets because he thinks balloons are a sign of an enemy attack. This will destroy the entire world. Nena walks through the ruins, picks up a balloon and lets it fly. The song was created in the feeling of constant threat during the Cold War. I was still a child in 1983 and I remember it clearly. Almost all of us in the class were Nena fans. The band had many other great songs, but 99 Luftballons was epic with impressive lyrics.

[@johannesschmid526]

I love your videos. And I think you are one of the single youtubers who appreciate old german songs with so much passion and positiv attitude :D

[@lynnm6413]

I come here for Dwayne‘s positive vibes, as well….as a German, I love, just love his openness and amazing attitude and emotive reactions 💕

[@LemmyD_from_Germany]

I have to tell you the story that just happened 2 minutes ago at my front door: There are 5 road workers there who are repairing the road. They talk about music while they work. One of the older ones is asked what he used to listen to when he was young. His answer: NENA - 99 Luftballons. He named it as an example of all music from that time, because obviously the younger ones didn't know any of the other songs he mentioned before. But they all knew Nena!!! They laughed together because everyone could understand it. I grinned and went on my way...

[@wayausofbounds9255]

I didn't see it in the top comments, but this song is about an errant red ballon starting World War 3. At the end when the tempo drops is after the nukes have fallen and the survivors find a red ballon and think of the lost. Your lyrics are for the English version, it's not a direct translation but it's similar.

[@Matahalii]

That was the lyrics of the english version you found, that is why it rymes. The German Version is a little different in storytelling and is better in my eyes. It really gives me shivers every time I hear it. The story behind this song is interresting, too: Nena and friends were on a rock concert in Cold-War-West-Berlin and they saw balloons flying in the sky and they knew that they will cross the border to eastern Germany which surrounded West Berlin. And they imagined what could happen, knowing that in those times they sure will be recognized by the soviets, but maybe interpretated accidently as a threat.

[@ninaclausen5467]

I’ve been a NENA fan for almost 41 years. I love her songs. She just started her 2024 tour yesterday. Can’t wait to go 🤩

[@PeterBuwen]

You heared this before because it was very very popular around the world. And for that reason they still play it on the radio.

[@michaelthomas8592]

This song was created in 1983. At the end of march it reached the charts in GERMANY (BRD) on Place 1 (for 23 Weeks); AUSTRIA, 1., (14 W.); SWITZERLAND, 1., (11 W.); UK, 1., (12 W.); the US (Billboard), 2., (23 W.) and on place 1 in Japan, Mexico, Canada and Australia. In February 1984 the english version reached the UK-Charts on place 1 for three weeks... :o)

[@jensen7875]

When I was young, i´ve had a crush on Nena. Yes, I am old... 😅

[@vorwerker]

Me too 😊

[@robja19]

Welcome to the club

[@BedsitBob]

I still have a crush on her. 😊

[@mayamar529]

I remember it as dark times. Cold war in the 1980s. Another song that matches these feelings is "Russians" from Sting, 1985.

[@vHindenburg]

The song that starts with the ticking?

[@sabinemuller6490]

Nena is definitely a national treasure! Always true to herself, musically very broad and creative. Did some really great songs in her more than 40 years lasting career. You definitely should listen to some of her recent stuff.

[@blondkatze3547]

Great, when I listen to Nena I get fond memories of my youth in the eighties. On the weekend there was partying and dancing in the disco clubs. She had made really great music. In addition to 99 ballons, lighthouse ( Leuchtturm) was also a favorite song of mine.😊👍💜

[@stefanfalke8041]

It was big all over the world even here in South Africa and i mean the German version which i still understand since i am a misplaced German, but more South African now for the last 50 years.

[@adriankunert6372]

At this time some German Songs we're sung in German in the US and the UK as well Like Da da da from Trio (very minimalistic).

[@BedsitBob]

I love this song, and this lady. Beautiful lady, singing an incredible song.

[@JohnHazelwood58]

Very big (!) hit back then ... avaible in english, too. "99 red balloons" ... Well, not only the lyrics, but the song, too, with the same title! :)

[@Ati-MarcusS]

she is great grow up withg her music in the 80s and she´s still great

[@alexandersokolowski714]

born in 1983 and my parents intruced me into this music, love them for that... my choice is metal but love those

[@thorstenstuker9044]

She‘s doing her old songs again and again and again. They played them so many times that my ears start bleeding after three seconds…

[@vulkantanz]

Dein Problem

[@Geoskan]

She's grown a lot since way back then. She's still rocking the stage in her 60s and sounds. Would be cool for you to react to her live 2018 version. She is great live.

[@Attirbful]

Her name is pronounced Nehna rather than Nina/Neena. She is one of the few, and I believe the first, to have a Nr. 1 hit in the U.S.A., which was exactly 99 Luftballons. Interestingly, even the German version was more successful internationally than the English version that was produced for the international market. The English version had a No. 1 peak position in the U.K. in 1984… The translation you read is a not literal translation of the song, however… You mean Kate Bush. And Nena also did a collab with Kim Wild in 2002 for a relaunch of her song „Irgendwie, irgendwo, irgendwann“ (Anyplace, anytime, anywhere) in both English and German - kzbin.info/www/bejne/omnCaaKbfNyZpLMsi=An0qMri9ahpASZ8S.

[@hellemarc4767]

P.S.: the lyrics you got there are the ones for the English version, it's not a translation of the German lyrics.

[@TheGraphix71]

Nena war die erste Frau, in die ich mich als kleiner Junge verliebt hatte und sie ist bis heute eine sehr attraktive Frau!

[@biancarichling789]

Nena was back then and still is one of the best german female singers. I shall die on this hill.

[@winterlinde5395]

That’s the lyrics of the English version. That’s why it rhymes. The German original version is rougher. And what it isn’t: random. 🌸

[@valskye3251]

It was the time, we had BRD and GDR and the cold war between east and west. She sings in both versions (yes, original it´s german but then she sang an english version, too) about the stupidy of war. It meens, that all that appears in the sky, are 99 ballons but the ministers of war want to believe that it´s the start of a fight. So they send jets to kill the enemies but it only have been these ballons - a symbol of peace. It leads to a world war that goes on for 99 years and destroys everything. So this song was a statement for peace and to think about, what will happen if all we are able to see are hate and resentment. (I´m sorry, if something sounds crazy, english is not my native language.)

[@Patrick.V.]

Yes, she is the most successful singer in germany. Last album was released in 2020...She is on tour right now, still going strong being 64! NENA (the band) released 4 albums and after they split in 1987 she started her solo career in 1989....

[@sebzematik]

Great reaction. As others have already mentioned, there was an English version that went to no. 1 in the UK in 1984, and that's where you got the lyrics from. NENA started out as a band, founded in Berlin in 1982. The guitarist attended a rock concert near the Berlin wall, I think it was the Rolling Stones, and after loads of balloons had been released into the sky he wondered what might happen if they flew across the Iron Curtain and were mistaken for something threatening, causing the air force to shoot back and missiles being launched. It was at the peak of the arms race, the world on the brink of a nuclear war. So it hit the feelings of many people back then, and it's a great pop tune as well. International success didn't last for NENA, and even in Germany the public got oversaturated and turned its back on the band. They fell apart in 1987. The singer, also called Nena, kept on releasing albums and touring, mostly to little success, until she rerecorded some of the early hits in 2002 which caused a huge comeback. During COVID she became infamous for some controversial statements, even disobeying restrictions during concerts. I got into NENA in 1985, after the peak, when I was only 10. That year they recorded an album both in German and in English, it's one of my all time faves. I still love her music, it will always be a part of my history. So thanks for this reaction video. You're always so interested and positive and a joy to watch.

[@th.a]

The English version '99 Red Balloons' was number 1 in the he UK and number 2 in the US. And of cause the German version was number 1 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

[@irishflink7324]

This song was very popular in Sweden

[@balli7836]

Another german song you might recognize is the song "So lang man Träume noch leben kann" from the german band "Münchener Freiheit". They also sang the song in english language with the title "Keeping the dream alive". I don't know for sure but i have heard, that the english version is often played in shopping malls in the UK around Christmas time.

[@helenavo4813]

I love NENA 🎈

[@StationeryJunkieGirl]

It‘s also on Gilmore Girls (if you have watched this). Lorelei listens to it on her Walkman waiting at the hospital while she is in labour.

[@fraus.3303]

Nena, she is a pure soul with a great voice. Please have a look on her song "in meinem Leben". I'm always crying cats and dogs

[@thebeautymaker9784]

This song is from 1983 and there is a english version called "99 red balloons". In 1984 this version was #1 in the uk charts.

[@nordwestbeiwest1899]

This song was also sung by Nena in English for America. In England it was heard in the original and in the charts. kzbin.info/www/bejne/npramIKNpJygesUsi=YzF2Vdwd_8Bf93OL Well the top star in Germany is actually Helene Fischer!

[@MeQuiety]

In 1984, wenn "99 Luftballons" Platz 2 in USA erreichte, wurde Helene in Russland geboren!

[@hellemarc4767]

It has been covered by a British or American band. For historical context, watch the German series "Deutschland '83", its depiction of the Zeitgeist back then in Germany is very good (I remember, I was 15). Their (Nena's) album where this song is on is good, too.

[@alexamurawski4524]

there is a cover up from a band called Goldfinger about 10 years ago

[@pazifistinrage9761]

The song was produced again in English and had lyrics that were slightly different from the original so that it rhymed. The song reached number 2 in the US charts. You have read the English text, not the original text.

[@nosferatuferatu5241]

Hi Dwayne, just reallized you got the lyrics of the English version. I tried to translate the German lyrics, not as easy as I thought. You know grammar is different and you cannot translate phrases one-to-one and so on. But OK here we go. Do you have some time for me? Then I'll sing a song for you About 99 balloons On their way to the horizon Are you thinking of me right now? Then I'll sing a song for you About 99 balloons And how one thing leads to another 99 balloons On their way to the horizon Were mistaken for UFOs from space Hence, a general sent A fighter squadron after them To raise the alarm, just in case But there, on the horizon Were just 99 balloons 99 fighter jets Each was a great warrior thought they were Captain Kirk There was a great fireworks display The neighbors didn't get it at all And instantly felt insulted But they just shot at the horizon At 99 balloons 99 ministers of war Matches and petrol cans Thought they were clever people Already smelled fat prey They shouted, "War," and wanted power Man, who would have thought? How this can possibly have happened at someday Because of 99 balloons Because of ninety-nine balloons Ninety-nine balloons 99 years of war Left no place for winners War ministers don't exist anymore Neither do the fighter jets Today, I stroll around See the world in ruins I've found a balloon I think of you and let it fly

[@312Annabella]

Just a small correction: not “...matches and gasoline cans...”, but “... 99 war ministers caressed gasoline cans (streichelten Bezinkanister), thought they were clever people, and already smelled fat prey...”.

[@nosferatuferatu5241]

@@312Annabella Hey, thanks. It's twice as hard at 2 a.m. ;). War Minister and Minister of War are actually the same thing. I used minister of war to emphasize the constructed and emphasized meaning. You could also use Secretary of War (AM). But, in the original lyrics it's "Streichholz und Benzinkanister" and the translation for Streichholz is 'matches'. I would also interpret it as "playing with fire". 99 Kreigsminister Streichholz und Benzinkanister Hielten sich für schlaue Leute Witterten schon fette Beute

[@312Annabella]

@@nosferatuferatu5241 I know you just find the wrong text on the internet. Someone probably once wrote down the text by ear, and then it was copied over and over again... In guitar lessons, I had music and text from an official publisher, with all the legal protections. It said “...stroked gasoline canisters... ” And to be honest, “matches and gasoline canisters” are a “really explosive mixture” and make sense (in contrast to, for example, “...Schnitzelwagen...” instead of “. ...Schritt zu wagen..." in "Santa Maria"), but the other version makes even more sense - and also the nicer expression ("better German"). Kind of like the general hugging his tank... If you listen closely to Nena, you'll notice that she actually sings "streichelten" - you can't hear "Steichhölzer" with the best will in the world. I didn’t criticize the “war ministers” at all. I had all comments automatically translated into German (and now I use Google Translate). In my school there was Russian from the 5th grade and French from the 7th grade. I never had English lessons. Today I understand a little (I usually understand what the topic is), but I can't follow a conversation closely or watch a film in the original without subtitles.

[@nosferatuferatu5241]

@@312Annabella OK now I got you but strange I even listened to the original single I bought in 1983 and the original music video and I played that part over and over again. I hope my neighbors will forgive me at some point. I know she doesn't have the best pronunciation but definitely "Streichholz". Would like to know where you got "gestreichelt" from. Maybe you can share it somehow cuz if it is like you say every single article with the lyrics of this song you can buy wherever you look got the wrong text.

[@rainerzufall42]

You've found the lyrics of the English version instead of the translation of the German lyrics, which is a bit sad. The German version rose higher then the English version in the Billboard Charts IIRC, but they both went high in the charts (at the same time).

[@estherchwalli5041]

Hello. First of all, many greetings from Germany ☺️. I really enjoy watching your posts. An artist who is also very special in his singing is Jan Delay. He is a real ray of sunshine and the piece “Siehst Du das genauso” radiates so much positivity . maybe something for you 🙏 and Dwayne you somehow remind me of the actor “Deacon Palmer” from King of Queens 😉✌️. Many greetings and please keep it up 🍀

[@CherryJuli]

This song isn’t just an absolute banger but also a political song. Another song of Nena was used in the Netflix show Dark. I think it made a little comeback back then.

[@renate_c4h]

1983 was an important year for music and the peace movement. In October 1983, there were major peace demonstrations in Bonn, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Berlin, Rome, Vienna, Stockholm and London. In Bonn alone, over half a million people took part in the demonstration against the military politics of the Americans (in particular the NATO double-track decision) and the German government, outnumbering the local population. The peace movement inspired Nena’s song. The theme is the danger of weapons of mass destruction and their catastrophic consequences, even from minor incidents such as the release of a few balloons. The version of Nena’s song that you may know is her English release. However, it falls short in terms of lyrics compared to the German version.

[@xxJOKeR75xx]

It rhymes in english because they did an english version with slightly different lyrics. The lyrics on the video where pretty much accurate.

[@CapricornNJ]

Hello Dwayne's Lens! "99 Luftballons" was my fave song in the 80s (I was 15 when the song was a hit), I can help you with some of your questions. Nena is a group named after lead singer Gabrielle Suzanne, who was nicknamed Nena by her grandfather. It's the Spanish word for "little girl", so it's pronounced "nay-nuh". The original German version of the song was written by group member Carlo Karges, after seeing a Rolling Stones concert in West Germany. At that concert, helium balloons were released, and Carlo imagined them floating over the Berlin Wall, which get interpreted as an attack, and World War III is started. The song became a massive hit in numerous countries, and was even picked up in the US when a Los Angeles DJ played the song on air. The record company felt that translating the original German language lyrics to English (the lyrics you saw when you used the captions) wasn't "poetic" enough, so they hired lyricist Kevin McAlea to come up with English lyrics for the song, and it became "99 Red Balloons", so the song could be marketed to English speaking countries. Most countries preferred the German language version (including the US, where it got to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100), however, in Canada, Ireland, and England, it was "99 Red Balloons" that became a hit. It spent 3 weeks at #1 on the UK charts. In the year 2000, punk band Goldfinger released a cover version of the song that went gold. In 1998, rapper John Forté (from The Fugees) released his song "99 (Flash the Message)" which samples "99 Red Balloons".

[@hanshansen8137]

The english version was #2 in the US billboards, Dwayne - and a hit around the world... Asia... Europe... Everywhere...

[@jbf2516]

Yo Dwayne - NENA was a big star in the 80s when German-language music became big in Germany ("Neue Deutsche Welle"). And you might know this original groove from Jay Z's "99 Problems", who did a cover of this NENA hit.

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

It's interesting that some truly timeless hits, such as "Stairway to Heaven", "All along the Watchtower", or Nena's "99 Luftballons", don't really have a hook line...

[@michelleturner6865]

Were closer than ever to nuclear annhilation. Yet when I was a kid and this song came out we all felt it. We cried about how close it was. We protested our government for peace. Now no be cares about life or war or anyone but themselves. This song means even more now than in 1983.

[@Julge2007]

Udo Lindenberg is also a Great german artist

[@FryJayPhilip]

NENA is GOAT

[@dagmarszemeitzke]

She sings the English version too! (99 Red Ballons)

[@biancarichling789]

You have to watch some of the remakes she made of her most successful songs. I highly recommend 'Irgendwie, Irgendwo, Irgendwann' in duet with Kim Wilde, it rocks.

[@Treinbouwer]

8:29 That is not a translation.

[@evilchicken2207]

another great song from germany is "mayor Tom", its also our new goalhymn

[@hansmolders1066]

Do you remember the Chinese "spy balloons" last year? I said ' oh they got no satellites doing the work?' US even sent F 16's up to shoot them down! So I started singing that song and the irony got totally lost on my American wife😂

[@matthewrandom4523]

Nena definitely was a German Superstar back in the 80ies and 90ies, and she's still performing. This song: a masterpiece! But the older she gets the weirder she becomes. In German I'd say she's "durchgeknallt" today. After 40 years of success she lost traction.

[@olloh8905]

In 1983 we had the peak of cold war. East and west were threading each other with nuklear weapons. So a little misunderstanding like 99 baloons could trigger a war and the end of mankind. This song was the first and only german song which was No. 1 in America.

[@rigpa10]

i love this song

[@tillsamesreuther9712]

Hi Dwayne, the text you found goes nowere close to the original lyriks. It was a demonstration song against war

[@mickypescatore9656]

Hi, Dwayne! Yes, the song also exists in english language.

[@petebeatminister]

The 70s and 80s were the best time for music. Not only for individual artists and bands, but for entirely new genres like Reggea, Psy Rock, New Wave, Punk and much more. Sadly this is not the case anymore today. If you want to look at a Kate Bush song, I recoomend the original music video of "Experiment IV". I know you like unusual music videos - and that one is very unusual!

[@DSP16569]

Today the most known (international) german Musicans are Rammstein. Older well known (international the last 70Years) are Alphaville (e.g. Forever Young), Scorpions (Wind of Change, Still loving You), maybe (international more a one hit wonder) Nicole (Ein bisschen Frieden - A little bit of Peace). Nationally (long term success) - Herbert Grönemeyer, James Last (60s/70s), Mariius Müller Westernhagen (70s/80s), Reinhard Mey (Singer Songwriter 70s / 80s - e.g. Über den Wolken - Above the Clouds). Really old: Beethoven (9th Sinphony with Ode to Joy, Pour Elise, ), Wagner (Walkürenritt - For americans That music from Apocalypse Now), Bach (Ave Maria),...

[@markusmeise3141]

Peter Maffay und Rolf Zuckowski nicht vergessen die haben zwar keine Fans über 10 Jahren aber 3× Platin ist 3× Platin!

[@strangehaze3006]

That song even made it into GTA Vice City 🤣

[@fonkya1431]

Ich lebe von der gema wie die Nena !!! So sad but she is lost now !!! Now ya ready fa Trio !!!

[@redzora80]

the lyrics you found are for the english version of the song of 99 red ballons. which are a bit diffrent to the german lyrics.

[@GrafindeKlevemark]

This was as far as I know the first German anti-war song !

[@Attirbful]

no, it is not…. You should listen to some folk/alternative/student protest music from the late fifties and sixties…. Also: Hannes Wader, Zupfgeigenhansel, Konstantin Wecker etc. Also, the communist movement etc. had anti-war lyrics ages ago already… Think even of songs such as „Die Gedanken sind frei“… etc. If anything, one might say, it was the first chart breaking anti-war song on THAT generation…

[@Nikioko]

No. But it was a song typical for that time. There is also To Germany with Love by Alphaville and many more.

[@arnodobler1096]

In ´82 '83 we were so close to a nuclear war, we were lucky.

[@thorstent2542]

Not Nina, she called Nena and this was only the internationel Song of her. Before she had other Songs which occupied Hards of our young Generation with other Songs.

[@Hasenzahn-ro3mg]

You also must listen to "AVANTASIA" .....super good music....

[@CherryJuli]

This song isn’t just an absolute banger but also a political song. Another song of Nena was used in the Netflix show Dark. I think it made a little comeback back then?

[@mirkostrauchmann5580]

When the song was released, it was the time of the peace movement in Germany (and not only in Germany, I believe). There were huuuuge protests against NATO-Doppelbeschluss (NATO wanted to station Pershing-2-rockets in West Germany (and they did) as a response to the Soviet SS-20-mid-range-rockets, which the USSR stationed in East Germany). Millions went out on the streets protesting against that in fear of total nuclear war. The controversy about the NATO-Doppelbeschluss is one thing that led to the fall of German chancellor Schmidt (social democrat) in 1982 who supported NATO-Doppelbeschluss, because his party and voters didn't follow him anymore in this matter.

[@BasiliskGER]

i believe the most internationally successful german band is Rammstein. Peace and love fam 🙏

[@martinb3483]

so isses :-)

[@fzoid3534]

I don't know how you rate successful in this case but Scorpions sold way more records worldwide than Rammstein. Rammstein sold like 20 million ww while Scorpions sold more than 100 million.

[@punxsu]

You have to listen to the version from Goldfinger - 99 Red Balloons

[@BedsitBob]

The reason it rhymes in English, is that version is not a direct translation, because the German lyrics don't scan right when translated to English. These are the lyrics from the German version, translated into English. Do you have some time for me? Then I'll sing a song for you Of 99 balloons On their way to the horizon Maybe you're thinking about me right now Then I'll sing a song for you Of 99 balloons And that something like that comes from something like that 99 balloons On their way to the horizon They were thought to be UFOs from space That's why a general sent A flying squadron behind To sound the alarm if that was the case Yet there was on the horizon Only 99 balloons 99 jet fighters Everyone was a great warrior Thought they were Captain Kirk There was a big fireworks display The neighbors didn't find anything And they immediately felt turned on There was a shot at the horizon On 99 balloons 99 Minister of War Matchstick and petrol can They thought they were smart people Already smelled fat prey Cried, war and wanted power Man, who would have thought That it will come to that one day Because of 99 balloons 99 years of war Left no room for winners There is no longer a Minister of War And no jet planes either Today I'm doing my rounds See the world in ruins Found a balloon Think of yourself and let it fly.

[@Herzschreiber]

Oh, first today :). Well, Nena WAS a top singer during the 80ies. And "99 Luftballons" made her famous as far as I remember - there is even an English version of the song. Nowadays she is wearing an alu hat and all we hear from her is that she subscribes to some conspiracy theories. So it has become very quiet around her. If I may give you a tip, next time you google something about German singers or other celebrities, please just type in 2023 - 2024 to make sure the answers are up to date! About the lyrics..... the English version is a bit different from the German one, but all in all it transports the same message - a war took place because 99 balloons where thought to be a threat in the air. At the time the song came up it was perfect to symbolize the anxiety because of the cold war. Now this was a wonderful, happy, unique beautiful day, because it was a Dwayne day! ;)

[@torstenschwartz5974]

Yes, today she is Yupi. Her comeback as an Talentshow Master wasn't good for she. And pleas never never react M. Wendler hes an Alu Hat too! ❤

[@sebastiansteck-sg5tq]

Hey man, the text isn't random. It's an anti war song! And in that regard I agree that it should be sung today. Love your videos, by the way.

[@hoernchenmeister3216]

The english version was #1 in UK

[@evah863]

The song 99 Luftballons is an anti-war song and shows how senseless a war is. It takes on meaning again as a result of the Russian War.

[@pixelbartus]

When i remember correctly they got the idea to this song, afther they saw a balloon flying from west to east germany. But im not sure if this is true or a legend. But there is no other song that represents the west german cold war mood as well as this song.

[@saschac.5340]

Nena Made a english Version, 99 Red ballons

[@Nikioko]

Which was actually sung by Kim Wilde as well.

[@Colorado0091]

Probably a lot of people explained it already, but this song is about a "what if" scenario, where 99 red balloons are misunderstood as an attack of the other side in the cold war. The song was written in midst of the cold war and maybe you know that germany was right in the middle of the cold war conflict. If either the USA or Russia would have started an attack, germany would've been the first place to get nuked or bombed. It is an exaggerated example, but wasn't to far away to likely happen.

[@Wie.Sabrina]

35 years later: NENA as a rapper / Samy Deluxe : kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGrQo4GGi7pqqZYsi=g40_sfRGcIUpmYFx