"99 red balloons" refers to a phrase from a popular song by the German band Nena, released in the 1980s. The song symbolically addresses themes of innocence, military tension, and the potential for misunderstanding and conflict. The "99 red balloons" themselves represent an innocent and carefree aspect of life, which contrasts sharply with the serious issues depicted in the song.
The phrase originates from the song "99 Luftballons," released in 1983. "Luftballons" is German for "balloons," indicating the cultural context of the phrase. The song's lyrics were inspired by the Cold War tensions, and the imagery of red balloons was used to convey deeper meanings about peace and war.