The song was used in an advertising campaign for Apple's iPod and iTunes Store while Coldplay performed the song live for the first time at the 2008 MTV Movie Awards. Two versions of the music video were released, one directed by Hype Williams, and the other, an homage to the music video for Depeche Mode's Enjoy the Silence, by Anton Corbijn.
Unlike the typical arrangement of Coldplay songs, in which the piano and/or guitar dominate, "Viva la Vida" mostly consists of a string section playing the song's upbeat riff, along with a steady bass drum beat, bass guitar, and Chris Martin's vocals.
Coldplay were the first British group to hit #1 on the Hot 100 for over ten years. The previous British group to top the US singles chart was the Spice Girls with Wannabe in February 1997. (See http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=11520 for plenty more trivia on "Viva La Vida"). The California based hip-hop/reggae band Dirtyheads cover this song.
The BBC reported on December 5, 2008 that Coldplay were being sued over this song by Joe Satriani for plagiarism of his tune If I Could Fly.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7766683.stm
"Viva La Vida" is the title track from Coldplay's hugely successful fourth studio album. It shot to the top spot in the UK charts on download sales alone scoring the band their first ever UK number one single in June 2008.
Viva La Vida
Cold Play 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
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 go there was never, never a 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 want to be king?
I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Calvary 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
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Calvary 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
The lyrics of Coldplay's hit song Viva La Vida describe the story of a former king or ruler reflecting on his downfall from power. The lyrics start off by explaining his past glory as a powerful ruler with the ability to control seas and cities, but now he is left alone sleeping and sweeping the streets he once owned. The second verse talks about how he became a prisoner, his key, or power, was taken away from him, and his castles were destroyed. The chorus highlights the ringing Jerusalem bells and Roman Cavalry choirs, calling for the king to be led by them as his mirror, sword, and shield. The king reflects on his once-powerful and dominating rule, but now he has fallen and will not be remembered as an honest man.
The lyrics of "Viva La Vida" reveal a deep analysis of power, greed, and glory that comes with being a ruler. The song portrays the realities of how quickly things can change, and the power one has can get lost in a moment. Everything the king once owned, controlled, and believed were secured on fragile foundations of sand and pillars of salt. The song's ending leaves the listener pondering about the honesty and truth of the individual's actions when they were in control.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to rule the world
I was in complete control of everything
Seas would rise when I gave the word
My power was so great that even nature followed my commands
Now in the morning, I sleep alone
I am no longer powerful or respected and am now lonely
Sweep the streets I used to own
I now work menial jobs, cleaning up the streets that I once owned
I used to roll the dice
I was a risk-taker with my power
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
I caused fear and terror in those who opposed me
Listen as the crowd would sing
I was once beloved and the people would sing my praises
Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!
After my downfall, a new ruler has taken my place
One minute I held the key
I had absolute power
Next the walls were closed on me
Suddenly, I found myself trapped and powerless
And I discovered that my castles stand
The foundation of my power was not as strong as I thought
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand
My power was built on unstable and unreliable foundations
I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
I am reminded of holy sounds and the presence of an authority greater than myself
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
I am reminded of military power and the danger of rebellion
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
I need something or someone to reflect my greatness, protect me, and help me fight battles
My missionaries in a foreign field
I need loyal followers to spread my ideology and enforce my power
For some reason I can't explain
I am unsure why my power faded so quickly
Once you go there was never, never a honest word
My reign was built on lies and deceit
And that was when I ruled the world
I was only powerful when I was able to manipulate and control everything around me
It was a wicked and wild wind
I was reckless and morally questionable
Blew down the doors to let me in
I forced my way into power through any means necessary
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
There was chaos and destruction when I took over
People couldn't believe what I'd become
My rise to power was shocking and unexpected
Revolutionaries wait
There are those waiting to overthrow me and take my place
For my head on a silver plate
They want my capture or death to be a sign of their victory
Just a puppet on a lonely string
I am no longer in control and am being manipulated by others
Oh, who would ever want to be king?
Being king is not worth the loss of power and respect, and the loneliness that comes with it
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
I will not be remembered as a good or holy person
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
A repeated chorus that emphasizes the feeling of loss and regret
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHRISTOPHER ANTHONY JOHN MARTIN, GUY RUPERT BERRYMAN, JONATHAN MARK BUCKLAND, WILLIAM CHAMPION
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rakiburrahmanayon754
And This is Coldplay,the biggest band of current world.
This is the band who writes their own music.
This is the band which produces beautiful deep lyrics and amazing melodies.
This is the band that doesn't fear trying out new patterns of music in every album.
And,Though they are so much famous and popular worldwide, all Band members are absolutely down to earth persons.
They teach you 'Love' and everything good in this world.. :)
Also, they are one of the very few bands without half naked girls on their video and still have so much popularity... Coldplay, "oh,You make me feel Alive again! Alive Again!!"
Who can hate them??!
Humanity needs more music from Coldplay.. :)
@indie414
+Ch. Rakib "biggest band of current world" No. There are more popular and WAY better bands than Coldplay out there.
"writes their own music" Most non-shit bands do this, too bad Coldplay is a shit band
"beautiful deep lyrics with amazing melodies" Listen to The Wall by Pink Floyd and get back to me
"doesn't fear trying out new patterns of music in every album" Pink Floyd, Phish, Primus, Panic! At The Disco and a million other bands do that
"Band members are absolutely down to earth persons" So are most people who aren't Kayne West
"Teach you 'Love' and everything good in the world" Love is a basic human emotion and many other bands teach lessons through their songs
"they are one of the very few bands without half naked girls on their video and still have so much popularity" Pink Floyd, Primus, Phish, Ozzy Osbourne, Beastie Boys, Cake and Daft Punk also don't do this, along with a ton of other bands
"Who can hate them" Me
"Humanity needs more music from Coldplay" We certainly do not.
@TyranoSir
This is one of those songs that gives you an indescribable feeling somewhere between comfort and sorrow
@gmcoleman56
Exactly!
@lex-jf8pt
True
@saaaai207
Couldnt have said it better myself
@TyranoSir
@Henrilitor I feel like nostalgia is only part of it. Like Fireflies makes me feel nostalgic but this has something else to it
@andragonex2006
I think the word you may be looking for is anemoia. Nostalgia for a world or time you've never known
@247sapphire
One of the most iconic and amazing songs of the 2000s in my opinion.
@thesunshinewrathhungabunga1845
so true.
@Brokeybrok3
yea i really love the chorus for this one
@florentinamarinescu4141
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