Viva La Vida
C. Martin Lyrics

I used to rule the world
I was once in control of everything and everyone around me

Seas would rise when I gave the word
I had immense power and my commands would be followed without hesitation

Now in the morning I sleep alone
Since losing my power and influence, I am left feeling isolated and alone

Sweep the streets that I used to own
I have lost ownership of the things that were once under my control and now have to do menial tasks to get by

I used to roll the dice
I enjoyed taking chances and risks in order to maintain my power and control

Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
I relished in the fear and intimidation that my enemies felt when they were in my presence

Listen as the crowd would sing:
People would cheer and praise me, feeling like I was worthy of their admiration and devotion

"Now the old king is dead!
I had successfully taken over the previous regime and had become the new leader

Long live the king!"
People were hopeful about my reign, and wished for me to have a long and prosperous time in power

One minute I held the key
For a brief moment in time, I held all the power and control in my hands

Next the walls were closed on me
Suddenly, those in power turned against me and I found myself imprisoned and cut off from the rest of the world

And I discovered that my castles stand
I realized that the foundations on which I had built my empire were weak and unstable

Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand
My empire was built on a weak foundation, with nothing solid or reliable to support it

I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
I hear the sounds of a new beginning, a call to action that could potentially bring me back to power

Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
The armies of my enemies are celebrated for their victory over me

Be my mirror my sword and shield
I need a reflection of myself that is strong and victorious, able to fight off anyone who tries to take me down

My missionaries in a foreign field
I need loyal followers who will fight for me and spread my message wherever they go

For some reason I can't explain
I am not sure why I am so drawn to power and control, or why I find it so difficult to let go

Once you go there was never, never an honest word
Once you gain power, it becomes difficult to be truthful and transparent with others, and you start to lose sight of what's really important in life

That was when I ruled the world
Back when I had everything, I was able to mold the world according to my own desires and whims

It was the wicked and wild wind
Things changed suddenly and unexpectedly, resembling a powerful and destructive force

Blew down the doors to let me in
This force enabled me to enter places that were previously unavailable to me

Shattered windows and the sound of drums
There was chaos and destruction all around me as I made my way into power

People couldn't believe what I'd become
Many people were shocked and horrified by the things that I did in order to maintain power

Revolutionaries wait
There are people opposing me and waiting for the chance to overthrow my reign

For my head on a silver plate
These revolutionaries are hoping to capture or kill me, and make an example out of me

Just a puppet on a lonely string
Despite being in power, I am being controlled and manipulated by others for their own benefit

Oh who would ever want to be king?
Being a king or ruler may seem desirable, but the reality is often isolating and full of danger

I know Saint Peter will call my name
I am aware that I will be held accountable for my actions after I die

Oooooh Oooooh Oooooh
A repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the themes of power, control, and the desire for a new beginning