Nena – Leuchtturm
A radiant love song from Germany’s NDW icon.
Back in 1983, while the world was still floating on the red balloons of 99 Luftballons, Nena dropped another gem: Leuchtturm (“Lighthouse”). Originally featured on the band’s debut album, Nena, the song arrived during the peak of the Neue Deutsche Welle movement and showed a softer, more romantic side of the group. It didn’t have the political edge of its predecessor, but it didn’t need to. This one was all about love, loyalty, and the kind of wide-eyed optimism that defined the early ’80s in West Germany.
Love, Adventure, and a Lighthouse
At its heart, Leuchtturm is a love song—but not the sappy kind. It’s about two people ready to take on the world together, guided by a lighthouse that stands for hope and emotional safety. The chorus says it all:
“Ich geh mit dir wohin du willst / Auch bis ans Ende dieser Welt.” (“I’ll go with you wherever you want / Even to the end of the world.”)
It’s sweet, simple, and totally swoon-worthy.
That Classic Nena Sound
Musically, it’s pure early Nena: upbeat drums, jangly guitars, shimmering synths, and Gabriele “Nena” Kerner’s unmistakable voice—bright, expressive, and full of life. The production by Reinhold Heil and Manfred Praeker keeps things polished but still lets the band’s raw energy shine through.
It’s not as urgent as 99 Luftballons, but it’s just as catchy—and maybe even more joyful.
A Second Life in the 2000s
Fast forward to 2002, and Nena gave Leuchtturm a fresh coat of paint. The re-recorded version, part of her Nena feat. Nena project, came with updated lyrics, a faster tempo, and a more modern pop-rock vibe. It became a hit all over again, especially in Germany, where it climbed back into the Top 10 and even became a football chant for Borussia Dortmund fans.
Why It Still Matters
Leuchtturm might not have gone global like 99 Luftballons, but in German-speaking countries, it’s a classic. It captures that feeling of being young, in love, and ready to take on anything—as long as you’ve got someone by your side. Whether you prefer the dreamy original or the punchier 2002 version, the song still shines like the lighthouse it’s named after.