Viva la vida
Bely Basarte Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own
I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
Listened as the crowd would sing
One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing
Roman cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
Once you'd gone there was never
Never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world
It was a wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People couldn't believe what I'd become
Revolutionaries wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh who would ever wanna be king
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing
Roman cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
I know St. Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing
Roman cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
I know St. Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
The song "Viva La Vida" by Bely Basarte offers a dramatic narrative with lyrics that paint a vivid picture of a once-powerful ruler who has now fallen. The song begins with the lines: "I used to rule the world / Seas would rise when I gave the word / Now in the morning I sleep alone / Sweep the streets I used to own." Here, the singer describes the power that they once held and their former position of authority. They were able to command the seas and make people follow their orders. However, now they are left to sweep streets, feeling lonely, and powerless.
The lyrics continue with the lines: "One minute I held the key / Next the walls were closed on me / And I discovered that my castles stand / Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand." This verse speaks to the fragility of power and how quickly it can be lost. The singer used to hold the key to their own kingdom, but then they found themselves locked out. Moreover, their castles were built on "pillars of salt and pillars of sand" - unstable foundations that ultimately led to their ruin.
The song's chorus and the recurring melody, "I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing / Roman cavalry choirs are singing," adds to the dramatic feel of the song, emphasizing the grandeur of the world the singer once "ruled." The rest of the lyrics continue with the theme of loss and how the singer still longs for the power and control they once had, but ultimately accepts their reality, realizing they never will be able to get it back.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to rule the world
There was a time when I had complete control over everything.
Seas would rise when I gave the word
My power was so great that even nature would obey my commands.
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Since losing my power, I am left alone to face the consequences of my actions.
Sweep the streets I used to own
I am now reduced to doing menial tasks in the very place that I formerly ruled.
I used to roll the dice
I was willing to take risks and use any means necessary to keep my power.
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
I was feared, and enjoyed seeing my enemies tremble before me.
Listened as the crowd would sing
Even the people I ruled over would express their admiration for me.
"Now the old king is dead! Long live the King!"
As soon as I lost my power, the people moved on to the next ruler and forgot about me.
One minute I held the key
I had complete control over my domain and the people within it.
Next the walls were closed on me
Suddenly, my power was gone, and I was trapped and vulnerable.
And I discovered that my castles stand
My power was built on a weak foundation, and I never realized it until it was taken away.
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand
My power was built on unstable and brittle foundations, and could easily crumble away.
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing
As I reflect on my past, I am reminded of my spiritual and religious beliefs.
Roman cavalry choirs are singing
I am also reminded of the great empires and powers of the past, and how they too fell from grace.
Be my mirror my sword and shield
I am asking for guidance and protection, as well as someone to reflect and share my struggles with.
My missionaries in a foreign field
I am reaching out to others who are also struggling and searching for answers.
For some reason I can't explain
Despite all of my power and knowledge, there are still things that are beyond my understanding.
I know St. Peter won't call my name
I am not confident that I will be welcomed into heaven or the afterlife.
Never an honest word
During my time of power, I was not truthful and honest with those around me.
But that was when I ruled the world
Despite everything, I still long for the power and control that I once had.
Writer(s): Coldplay
Contributed by Elijah B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.