"Ninety-Nine Red Balloons" is a song by the German band Nena, released in 1983. The song tells the story of 99 red balloons released into the sky, which are mistaken for a military threat, leading to a catastrophic chain reaction. It reflects the tensions of the Cold War era and the potential consequences of misunderstandings in a militarized world. The song became an international hit, known for its catchy melody and poignant lyrics. It has been covered and translated into various languages, maintaining its relevance as a commentary on war and peace. The imagery of the red balloons symbolizes innocence lost amid conflict.