Getriebene translates to "driven" or "harried". It's the past participle of the verb treiben (to drive, to push) used as an adjective, and it carries a strong sense of being compelled or pursued.
In "Kinder Dieser Stadt", the lyrics state, "Getriebene Seelen im Dunkel der Nacht" (Driven souls in the darkness of the night). This word powerfully evokes the image of individuals who are not just wandering, but are being propelled by an unseen force or inner turmoil, making it a compelling and evocative choice for the song's theme of urban alienation and longing.
Picture yourself gliding through moonlit streets with a tribe of night angels. Kinder Dieser Stadt paints a cinematic scene where restless souls wander the city until sunrise, fueled by the pulsing rhythm of urban life. The cold buildings glow under the moon, yet an unending longing gives these nocturnal wanderers almost supernatural energy. You can practically feel the city’s heartbeat echoing in every drumbeat of the song.
Beneath the gothic synthpop vibe lies an emotional confession: these children of the night have the same fears, pain, and hunger for love as everyone else, but they feel trapped outside the daylight world. Their chant “Wir sind die Engel der Nacht” becomes both a proud identity and a bittersweet reminder that their lives run parallel to, not within, the normal flow of society. The song invites listeners to step into their midnight shoes, sense the shared humanity, and celebrate the powerful connection that thrums through the city after dark.