Lena (song)
{{Short description|1982 song by the Belgian rock band 2 Belgen}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Lena
| cover = 2_Belgen-Lena-single_cover.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Canadian 7" single cover
| type = Song
| artist = 2 Belgen
| album =
| released = 1982 (first version), 1985 (second version)
| format =
| recorded =
| studio =
| venue =
| genre = New wave
| length = 3:59
| label = Vogue
| composer =
| lyricist = Rembert De Smet
| producer = 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.{{cite web|url=https://songteksten.net/lyric/1634/24681/2-belgen/lena.html|title=Songteksten.net - Songtekst: 2 Belgen - Lena|website=songteksten.net|access-date=2023-03-16}}
History
Lena was first released in 1982, produced by Roland Beelen.{{cite web|url=http://muziekarchief.be/trackdetails.php?ID=12176|title=Lena (Original version) |website=muziekarchief.be|access-date=2023-03-16}} 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,{{cite web|url=http://muziekarchief.be/trackdetails.php?ID=264718|title=Lena |website=muziekarchief.be|access-date=2023-03-16}} in a different, darker version, produced by Walter Clissen and band member Rembert De Smet.{{cite web|url=http://muziekarchief.be/albumdetails.php?ID=51926|title=2 Belgen: Lena |website=muziekarchief.be|access-date=2023-03-16}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://muziekarchief.be/trackdetails.php?ID=264718|title=Lena |website=muziekarchief.be|access-date=2023-03-16}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20170128_02700491|title=Zanger van '2 Belgen' overleden (Brussel) {{pipe}} De Standaard|website=standaard.be|date=28 January 2017 |access-date=2023-03-16}}