99 Luftballons 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.
The song, though difficult to understand, is about the dreams of the German people that were lost after World War II. The 99 balloons represent the many dreams that each person had. At the end of the song, she just wants to prove that the German people did have dreams by finding one balloon - she finds one balloon, a dream, and lets it go.