“99 Luftballons” is a German song born of the fertile imagination of Carlo Karges, the guitarist of German band Nena. The backdrop of this story was the Berlin Wall in the 1980s, a symbol of mistrust and constant strife.
The inspiration of the lyrics came to Carlo at a 1980s concert in Berlin at which ninety-nine balloons were released into the sky. That simple action gave birth to the song “99 Luftballons”.
It tells the imaginary story of how 99 balloons released into the air and intercepted on radar became the cause of a devastating war between the Soviet dominated East and West Germany.
The lyrics, written at the height of turbulent times in Germany, one country divided by the Berlin Wall, goes deeper than just a story to entertain. It speaks of mistrust, insecurity and fear. It was a time of military dominance when violence was commonplace.
“99 Luftballons” represents dreams and opportunities lost to war, lovers suddenly torn apart and forced to become enemies because of segregation. It is a cry against social and mental barriers, and a call for freedom and unity. The song is a wake-up call to all the powers that be that violence is not the only way, especially when any innocent gesture could be so badly interpreted.
The last part of this anti-war protest tells of the aftermath of war and the unnecessary brokenness and desolation it leaves behind.