Nena - 99 Luftballons

Bye All xxx

Other than stirring a vague memory of a German girl called Nena singing a song called (in English) 99 Red Balloons this means nuttin' to me.

Explanation?

You OK, CC?

Maybe the lyrics provide some clue?

99 Luftballoons

Have you some time for me,

then I'll sing a song for you

about 99 balloons

on their way to the horizon.

If you're perhaps thinking about me right now

then I'll sing a song for you

about 99 balloons

and that such a thing comes from such a thing.

99 balloons

on their way to the horizon

People think they're UFO's from space

so a general sent up

a fighter squadron after them

Sound the alarm if it's so

but there on the horizon were

only 99 balloons.

99 fighter jets

Each one's a great warrior

Thought they were Captain Kirk

then came a lot of fireworks

the neighbors didn't understand anything

and felt like they were being provoked

so they shot at the horizon

at 99 balloons.

99 war ministers

matches and gasoline canisters

They thought they were clever people

already smelled a nice bounty

Called for war and wanted power.

Man, who would've thought

that things would someday go so far

because of 99 balloons.

99 years of war

left no room for victors.

There are no more war ministers

nor any jet fighters.

Today I'm making my rounds

see the world lying in ruins.

I found a balloon,

think of you and let it fly (away).

CC, is the horizon visible yet?

Dedicated to Coldcrush..

There coming to take me away... Lyrics..

Remember when you ran away and I got on my knees and begged you not to leave because I'd go berzerk?

Well, you left me anyhow and the days got worse and worse and now you see I've gone completely out of my mind.

And They're coming to take me away Ha Ha

They're coming to take me away ho ho he he ha ha

to the funny farm where life is beautiful all the time, and I'll be happy to see those nice young men in their clean white coats

and they're coming to take me away ha ha

You thought it was joke and so you laughed, you laughed when I had said that losing you would make me flip my lid, right? You know you laughed, I heard you laugh, you laughed, you laughed and laughed and then you left, but now you know I'm utterly mad.

And they're coming to take me away Ha Ha

They're coming to take me away ho ho he he ha ha

To the happy home with trees and flowers and chirping birds and basket weavers who sit and smile and twiddle their thumbs and toes

They're coming to take me away ha ha...

I cooked your food, I cleaned your house, and this is how you paid me back for all my kind unselfish loving deeds. Huh? Well you just wait they'll find you yet, and when they do they'll put you in the ASPCA you mangy mutt.

And They're coming to take me away Ha Ha

They're coming to take me away ho ho he he ha ha

To the funny farm where life is beautiful all the time and I'll be happy to see those nice men in their clean white coats

They're coming to take me away Ha Ha

To the happy home with trees and flowers and chirping birds and basket weavers who sit and smile and twiddle thier thumbs and toes

They're coming to take me away Ha Ha Ha

Your home the one the bank foreclosed, You cried to me Monogamy is the way we both must live or you'll feel hurt. But, I see, I see there's someone new, your anxious poly-pure-bred coat was even gone at our place while I paid the rent, thanks!

And They're coming to take me away Ha Ha

They're coming to take me away ho ho he he ha ha

To the loony bin with all you can eat perscription drugs like torizine, and lithium, and electric shock and insulin

They're coming to take me away Ha Ha

CC, is the horizon visible yet?

Methinks the horizon maybe tilted askew... CC's probably sleeping it off on the floor...

CC, is the horizon visible yet?

Methinks the horizon maybe tilted askew... CC's probably sleeping it off on the floor...

Probably a very accurate assessment, JD.

I wish, my head hurts to much and the atmostphere in here last night sent me over the edge, I need aspirin....I am now going to get aspirin which may take a while.

Take it easy people

Id have though with your avitar CC, that you'd have quoted a Dean Parish or Edwin Starr song, not blo_ody 99 Balloons

We're all much relieved you're still with us, CC. BTW, what's it like on the other side?

Wet and cold....and its really dark. My friend the lavvy will always be there for me, even when you are all so cruel....good old faithful toilet.

Who needs smelling salts when you've got a bowl of fresh water with which to revive your senses.

I got it. (of course! *kayo sleeps knees in mini-Eureka! moment!*)

According to the first song quoted, it's a love song. Nothing revolutionary or folk hero-ish.

What was she? Norwegian?

It's a love song, and the ballons represent the lost half of a whole.

The balloons (girlfriend?) have departed, and all this turmoil, rage and anger, and sorrow and perhaps remorse or regret, are represented by the "war-like" scenario depicted. Toward the end she asks, could all of this be caused by the balloons (girlfriends) ?

So Loppy- sorry, Coldcrush then goes a little bit insane, and gets put in the loony bin.

Yep! The world revolves as normal.

Nothing further to see here folks! Move along!

ok...from the German on the board:

Nena was part of the so-called "Neue Deutsche Welle" (NDW, New German Wave) that popped up in the 80s in Germany. Most of that music was crap, some bands though are still worth a mention today, namely Spliff and Die Ärtzte. Spliff though denied any involvement with NDW. Other gems were Feltman Trommelt, the guy who made Goldener Reiter (forgot the name...) and Sternhagel.

Nena flooded the airwaves with plenty of meaningless singalong songs at that time. 99 Luftballons (the original title) was released also in an English version.

Nena must not be confused with Nina Hagen, who is in a competely different department!

I don't get this one either.

I don't get this one either.

put your reading glasses on...