Lena (song)

"Lena"
Canadian 7" single cover
Song by 2 Belgen
LanguageEnglish, German
Released1982 (first version), 1985 (second version)
GenreNew wave
Length3:59
LabelVogue
Lyricist(s)Rembert De Smet
Producer(s)Roland Beelen (1982 version), Walter Clissen, Rembert De Smet (1985 version)

Lena is a 1982 song by the Belgian rock band 2 Belgen. It was their biggest hit and is considered their signature song.

Lyrics

The song describes a girl, Lena, for whom the singer still longs, even though they are no longer together.[1]

History

Lena was first released in 1982, produced by Roland Beelen.[2] This version, with a different, more light-hearted arrangement, is completely sung in English. It was the B-side of their single Quand Le Film Est Triste and also appeared on their debut album 2 Belgen.

After 2 Belgen became more successful, the band re-recorded Lena in 1985,[3] in a different, darker version, produced by Walter Clissen and band member Rembert De Smet.[4] This version is partially sung in English, while other lyrics were performed in German. This time Lena became the A-side, with Dancing Thoughts as a B-side. It also appeared on their album Trop Petit.[3] The 1985 version became a huge hit and is nowadays regarded as a classic, added to many compilation albums with Belgian pop music and still regularly given airplay on Belgian radio.[5]

Sources

  1. ^ "Songteksten.net - Songtekst: 2 Belgen - Lena". songteksten.net. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  2. ^ "Lena (Original version)". muziekarchief.be. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  3. ^ a b "Lena". muziekarchief.be. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  4. ^ "2 Belgen: Lena". muziekarchief.be. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  5. ^ "Zanger van '2 Belgen' overleden (Brussel) | De Standaard". standaard.be. 28 January 2017. Retrieved 2023-03-16.