web analytics

“99 Luftballons” by Nena – Original 1983 German Music Video

Introduction

99 Luftballons” is a song by the German band Nena from their 1983 self-titled album. Nena is the first album by the band and the second studio album of its singer, Gabriele “Nena” Kerner. Released on 14 January 1983, it’s been part of the music genre called Neue Deutsche Welle (meaning “New German Wave“) movement in the German music.

Original Music Video (English)

The original music video is viewable on YouTube as shared by Nena. [View]

English Version

The official original music video is featured in this montage version from Nena. [View]

Live von der “Nichts Versäumt” Tour 2018

Lyrics – German

Hast du etwas Zeit für mich
Dann singe ich ein Lied für dich
Von neunundneunzig Luftballons
Auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont
Denkst du vielleicht grad an mich
Dann singe ich ein Lied für dich
Von neunundneunzig Luftballons
Und, dass so was von so was kommt

Neunundneunzig 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 waren dort am Horizont
Nur neunundneunzig Luftballons

Neunundneunzig 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 neunundneunzig Luftballons

Neunundneunzig 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 soweit kommt
Wegen neunundneunzig Luftballons

Wegen neunundneunzig Luftballons
Neunundneunzig Luftballons

Neunundneunzig 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

Lyrics – English Translation

If you have some time for me
Then I will sing a song for you
About ninety-nine balloons
On their way to the horizon
Do you think of me now?
Then I will sing a song for you
About ninety-nine balloons
And that such a thing comes from such a thing

Ninety-nine balloons
On their way to the horizon
Were taken for UFOs from space
Hence, a general sent
A squadron after them
To give the alarm
But there on the horizon
Were just ninety-nine balloons

Ninety-nine jet fighters
Each was a great warrior
Regarded themselves as Captain Kirk
There was a great display of fireworks
The neighbors didn’t understand
And soon felt offended
Then they shot at the horizon
At ninety-nine balloons

Ninety-nine ministers of war
Matches and petrol canisters
Regarded themselves as clever people
Already on the scent of fat quarry
They shouted, “War,” and wanted power
Man, who would have thought
That someday it would come this far
Because of ninety-nine balloons

Because of ninety-nine balloons
Ninety-nine balloons

99 years of war
Left no place for winners
War ministers don’t exist anymore
And not one jet
Today I stroll around
See the world in ruins
I’ve found a balloon
I think about you and let it fly

(English Translation source: Genius.com)

[Album Release Date: 14 Jan 1983. Posted: 28 Mar 2020.]

Document History

  • 1 Apr 2023 — YouTube videos that no longer were working have been removed from the page.
  • 28 Mar 2022 — Post initially published.

By Greg Johnson

Greg Johnson is a freelance writer and tech consultant in Iowa City. He is also the founder and Director of the ResourcesForLife.com website. Learn more at AboutGregJohnson.com

Leave a Reply