Similar to macabre nursery rhymes, Nena's 1983 single '99 Luftballons' is often misunderstood. German in origin, 'Neunundneunzig Luftballons', or '99 Air Balloons', is, & quite poetically so, a song about loss & nuclear catastrophe. Instrumentally '99 Luftballons' is upbeat & sanguine, granted. The lyrics however convey dark apprehension towards the widespread destruction & radioactive fallout of nuclear warfare. Lyrically, Gabriele tells the story of a devastating 99-year war created by the innocent & harmless flight of children's balloons. '99 Red Balloons' depicts the political tensions of early 1980's Germany, & is perhaps the most enduring memento of the millions who marched in protest against NATO nuclear missile deployments. If interested, members may also enjoy Gabriele's most recent single, 'Genau Jetzt', from her album Oldschool. Best, An Australian of immediate German lineage.