99 Luftballons - Nena
"99 Luftballons"
"99 Red Balloons"
(I read that the English version is not a direct translation of the German, so I'm unsure as to how much the German lyrics differ from the English lyrics.)
I was living in Japan when this song came out. For some reason (probably having to do with cold war stuff), this song sticks in my mind alongside the movie The Day After which caused me to have nightmares.
I sometimes have dreams (but thankfully not too recently) where there is a major catastrophe and fire is falling from the sky or I'm watching news coverage of the catastrophe on TV in my dreams.
Outbreak and, to a lesser degree, The Stand are other movies that have caused me to have horrible dreams.
Zombie games can cause me to have bad dreams too. But I like zombie games and movies. So go figure.
Weird post, I know. And I'm trying to figure out why I've been thinking about the topic. I've seen a lot of horrible stuff in my life, but I've also seen much, much kindness as well.
"99 Red Balloons"
(I read that the English version is not a direct translation of the German, so I'm unsure as to how much the German lyrics differ from the English lyrics.)
I was living in Japan when this song came out. For some reason (probably having to do with cold war stuff), this song sticks in my mind alongside the movie The Day After which caused me to have nightmares.
I sometimes have dreams (but thankfully not too recently) where there is a major catastrophe and fire is falling from the sky or I'm watching news coverage of the catastrophe on TV in my dreams.
Outbreak and, to a lesser degree, The Stand are other movies that have caused me to have horrible dreams.
Zombie games can cause me to have bad dreams too. But I like zombie games and movies. So go figure.
Weird post, I know. And I'm trying to figure out why I've been thinking about the topic. I've seen a lot of horrible stuff in my life, but I've also seen much, much kindness as well.
posted by Heather O'Neill | 20.4.09
2 Comments:
I love this song. Can't say I'd ever paid any attention to the lyrics - I've go the German version, which I don't speak.
The German lyrics are translated here; similar in general theme, but different details.
Harry-
Thanks for the link that included the direct translation. That was exactly what I was looking for.
I've always loved the song as well. I'd heard the German version first (when it first came out). And that's probably why I like it better than the English version. I hadn't much paid attention to the lyrics then either. Only that sometimes the German phrases sounded like English phrases.
When listening to the English version there are a couple of parts of the lyrics that are funny to me like "99 Decision Street" "to worry, worry Super-Scurry" (though I know what was meant), and "its all over and I'm standing pretty". But the rest of the lyrics are fine and I like the idea of the little toyshop where they bought the balloons and then that they set the balloons free. It almost seemed like the other person that helped buy the bag of balloons had died.
The direct translation of the German (and meaning) "There were great fireworks, the neighbors didn't understand anything And felt equally provoked" is poignant (because of the quick-to-react-misunderstandings).
It was only a matter of mere balloons that triggered the whole catastrophe and everything is in ruins. Ack!
Thanks again for your help!
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