99 Luftballons

"99 Luftballons" (literally "99 balloons") is a protest song by German singer Nena that reached number one in Germany in 1983. It was one of the last anti-war songs to be a big hit in the U.S.. Although the English version is not a literal translation of the German version, both songs tell a story of 99 balloons floating into the air, triggering an apocalyptic overreaction by the military.

Related Topics:
Protest song - Nena - Germany - 1983 - U.S. - Military

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It may be compared to Dr. Strangelove in its use of surreal humor founded on a serious underlying concern about how perpetual readiness for war becomes a dangerous "tinderbox" which even a trivial spark can ignite.

Related Topics:
Dr. Strangelove - Surreal

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