Viva La Vida
Alex Cornell Lyrics
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seas would rise when I gave the word
now in the morning I sleep alone
sweep the streets that I used to own
I used to roll the dice
feel the fear in my enemies eyes
Listen as the crown would sing
"Now the old king is dead, long live the king"
next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castle stands
upon pillars of salt, pillars of sand.
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing
Roman calvary choirs a-singing
be my mirror, my sword, my shield
my missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
once you go there was never
never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world.
Instrumental It was a wicked and wild wind
blew down the doors to let me in
shattered windows and the sound of drums
and people couldn't believe what I'd become
Revolutionaries wait for my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lowly string
I said, "Who would ever wanna be king?"
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing
Roman Calvary choirs a-singing
Be my mirror, my sword, my shield,
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Instrumental!
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing
Roman Calvary choirs a-singing
Be my mirror, my sword, my shield,
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Ooh-ooh But that was when I ruled the world X2
"Viva La Vida" by Alex Cornell is a song that speaks to the fleeting nature of power and fame. The lyrics paint a picture of a once-powerful king who has fallen from grace and lost everything he once held dear. The first verse explores the former ruler's sense of loss and desperation, as he reflects on how he used to control the world around him. The image of the seas rising at his command underscores his former might, while the act of sweeping the streets he used to own demonstrates his loss of status.
Moving into the chorus, the song employs biblical and medieval imagery to amplify its themes. The idea of pillars of salt and sand is a reference to the biblical story of Lot's wife, who was turned into a pillar of salt for disobeying God's command not to look back at the burning city of Sodom. In this context, it suggests that the king's former empire was built on an unstable foundation that ultimately crumbled beneath him. The reference to Jerusalem bells and Roman Calvary choirs, meanwhile, are specific nods to religious and historical traditions that speak to the grandeur and might of the past, contrasting with the singer's own fall from grace.
Overall, "Viva La Vida" is a song about the inevitability of change, and the danger of clinging too tightly to power and success. The lyrics serve as a cautionary tale, urging listeners to appreciate what they have while they have it, and to remember that nothing lasts forever.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to rule the world
I had power and control over everything
seas would rise when I gave the word
I had the ability to make things happen, to move people and events as I saw fit
now in the morning I sleep alone
I am no longer connected to anyone or anything, I am isolated and lonely
sweep the streets that I used to own
I have lost everything, and must do menial work to survive
I used to roll the dice
I used to take risks and make bold moves, without fear of the consequences
feel the fear in my enemies eyes
I had power and influence over others, and could make them feel intimidated or afraid
Listen as the crowd would sing
I was popular and well-liked by the people, they would cheer for me and support me
"Now the old king is dead, long live the king"
Even though I may have lost my power, someone else will always take my place
One minute I held the key
I was in control and had the power to make decisions
next the walls were closed on me
I lost my power and became trapped, unable to move or make changes
And I discovered that my castle stands upon pillars of salt, pillars of sand.
Everything I believed in and built my life around was fragile and unsustainable, and ultimately crumbled beneath me
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing
Despite my loss of power and influence, I still sense the call of something higher
Roman calvary choirs a-singing
My past accomplishments and deeds still echo through the world, even though I may no longer wield influence
be my mirror, my sword, my shield
I am looking for guidance and support in the face of my own failure and loss
my missionaries in a foreign field
I am in need of help and guidance from others, who may be from different backgrounds and cultures than my own
For some reason I can't explain
Despite my best efforts, I am unable to fully comprehend the reasons for my downfall and loss of power
once you go there was never
Once you lose something, it is very difficult or impossible to regain it
never an honest word
People around me were not truthful or open with me, leading to my ultimate failure and loss of power
But that was when I ruled the world.
Despite everything, I still hold onto the memory and sense of power and control that I once had
It was a wicked and wild wind
The events and circumstances that led to my downfall were chaotic, unpredictable, and uncontrollable
blew down the doors to let me in
Despite the harsh and unwelcoming conditions, I was still able to gain some measure of power and influence
shattered windows and the sound of drums
The events that led to my downfall were violent and tumultuous, causing destruction and chaos
and people couldn't believe what I'd become
My rise to power was unexpected and surprising, causing confusion and disbelief in those around me
Revolutionaries wait for my head on a silver plate
My downfall was caused in part by those who opposed and sought to overthrow me, and who are now seeking revenge
Just a puppet on a lowly string
Despite my previous power and influence, I am now at the mercy of others and unable to control my own destiny
"Who would ever wanna be king?"
Despite my desire for power and influence, I now question its value and whether it is worth the price
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Despite my former power and influence, I do not believe that I will be granted entry into heaven
Ooh-ooh But that was when I ruled the world X2
I continue to hold onto and cherish the memory and sense of power that I once had
Contributed by Jordyn F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
HH
on Poison and Wine
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