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Viva La Vida
Catherine Papworth Lyrics
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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
Listen 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 are 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're gone there was never
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
It was the 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 want to be king?
I hear Jerusalem bells are 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 Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Woahahahah oh, woahahah oh
Woahahahah oh, woahahah oh,
Woahahahah
I hear Jerusalem bells are 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 Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
ooooooh ooh oooooh oh ooooooh oh oooooh ooh.
The song “Viva la Vida” by Catherine Papworth is a powerful anthem about power and how it can both rise and fall. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a once powerful leader who had control over everything, from the seas to the streets, and how that power faded away. The song introduces us to the character who once ruled the world and describes how the seas would rise and people would listen in awe as he spoke. However, we soon find out that this character is no longer as powerful as before and now he can only sweep the streets that he used to own. The song also mentions how the character once held the key but now finds himself locked up inside.
The lyrics also touch on themes of betrayal and how the world works in mysterious ways. The once powerful leader is now facing a rebellion, and the revolutionaries are waiting for his head on a silver platter. The song also mentions that there was never an honest word, suggesting that the character might have been dishonest when he ruled, and that it’s only now that he realizes how empty and fleeting it all was. The chorus, with its haunting melody, echoes throughout the song and reminds us of the once mighty character who has now fallen from grace.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to rule the world
I had immense power and control over everything
Seas would rise when I gave the word
My influence and authority were so strong that even nature would obey me
Now in the morning I sleep alone
After losing my power and prestige, I feel lonely and isolated
Sweep the streets I used to own
I am now reduced to performing menial tasks on streets I once owned and controlled
I used to roll the dice
I took risks and gambled with my life and power
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
I intimidated and instilled fear in my opponents
Listen as the crowd would sing
I was once so popular and well-liked that crowds would sing my praises
"Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"
My reign has ended, but the crowd cheers for the incoming king
One minute I held the key
I was once in control and had the power to alter events
Next the walls were closed on me
My privileges were taken away and doors of opportunity were shut in my face
And I discovered that my castles stand
My empire was built on unstable foundations
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand
All I built crumbled because it was not built on firm ground
I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
I sense a call to action and change
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
The choir represents the voices of the powerful and those in authority
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
I long for guidance, strength, and protection to overcome my struggles
My missionaries in a foreign field
I need those who are loyal and staunch supporters in my adversity
For some reason I can't explain
I cannot account for or articulate why things turned out the way they did
Once you're gone there was never
Once someone loses power, the respect and loyalty of others disappears
Never an honest word
People may not tell the truth or be genuine when dealing with the powerful
But that was when I ruled the world
I had to learn that power and influence do not last forever.
It was the wicked and wild wind
My fall from grace was sudden and chaotic
Blew down the doors to let me in
My sudden ascendancy was just as chaotic
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
The excitement of my rise scared and confused people
People couldn't believe what I'd become
The success I achieved was so great that it was hard for people to comprehend
Revolutionaries wait
Those who oppose me and want to overthrow me are waiting for the right moment
For my head on a silver plate
These revolutionaries want to eliminate me and take over my power
Just a puppet on a lonely string
I realize that my apparent control over my circumstances was an illusion
Oh who would ever want to be king?
I recognize that power comes at a significant cost and wonder why anyone would seek it
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
I'm aware that my legacy will not be remembered well
ooooooh ooh oooooh oh ooooooh oh oooooh ooh.
The mournful tone of the song captures the despondency and regret of the singer
Contributed by Jake L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.