Ein bißchen Frieden (English: “A Little Peace”) is a German-language pop song performed by German singer Nicole (born Nicole Hohloch) that won the Eurovision Song Contest 1982 for Germany. The song was composed by Ralph Siegel with lyrics by Bernd Meinunger. It became a major commercial success across Europe and has been recorded in multiple languages.
Composition and Lyrics
- Music: Composed by Ralph Siegel, known for his extensive work in the Eurovision sphere.
- Lyrics: Written by Bernd Meinunger, the text expresses a yearning for peace and harmony, using the metaphor of a small, personal desire for tranquility.
- Language Versions: In addition to the original German version, Nicole recorded the song in English (“A Little Peace”), French (“Je veux vivre ma vie”), Dutch (“Een beetje vrede”), and Spanish (“Un pedacito de paz”), among others.
Eurovision Performance
- Date: The song was performed on 24 April 1982 at the Harrogate International Centre in Harrogate, United Kingdom.
- Order: It was performed third on the competition night.
- Result: Received 161 points, finishing first out of 18 entries, giving Germany its second Eurovision victory (the first being Udo Jürgens’ “Ein Lied für Dich” in 1971).
Commercial Reception
- Chart Success:
- Reached #1 on the German singles chart and held the position for several weeks.
- Topped charts in Austria, Switzerland, Norway, and Israel.
- Achieved top‑10 placements in the United Kingdom, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
- Sales: The single sold over 5 million copies worldwide, earning multiple platinum certifications.
- Awards: Received the Goldene Europa award and was later included in various “best of” Eurovision compilations.
Cultural Impact
- Legacy: The song is frequently cited as one of Eurovision’s most enduring hits and remains a staple in German pop culture retrospectives of the early 1980s.
- Covers and Samples: Numerous artists have covered the song in various languages; it has also been sampled in contemporary tracks, underscoring its lasting influence.
- Political Context: Although released during the Cold War, the lyrical content is generally interpreted as a universal appeal for peace rather than a direct political statement.
Discography
- Original Release: 7‑inch single, Polydor Records, 1982.
- Album Appearances: Featured on Nicole’s debut album Ein bißchen Frieden (1982) and on multiple Eurovision compilation albums.
References
- European Broadcasting Union (EBU) archives, Eurovision Song Contest 1982.
- Official German chart archives (GfK Entertainment) for 1982–1983.
- Polydor Records discography, 1982 releases.