Viva la Vida
Eight Beat Measure 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 Eight Beat Measure tells the story of a fallen king reminiscing about the times when he used to rule the world. The opening lines of the song speak of the time when the king was at the peak of his power and influence, and everybody followed his orders without any question. The next line of the song speaks of the king’s fall from grace, and how he no longer has control over the world that he once ruled. The king now sleeps alone, and he has to sweep the same streets that he used to own.
The next few lines of the song speak of the king’s regret and realization of his mistakes. The king used to roll the dice and take risks, and he reveled in the fear of his enemies. The crowd used to sing for him, but now, he is no longer a figure of admiration. The king realizes that his castles stand on pillars of salt and sand – a metaphor for his foundation being weak and unstable. The song then goes on to speak about the king’s thirst for redemption and his realization that he needs help. The clever use of the metaphor “missions in a foreign field” suggests that the king is at a loss, and he needs help from his trusted allies.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to rule the world
Once upon a time I was the king of everything
Seas would rise when I gave the word
My power was so extensive that even natural resources abided by my command
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Since I've been dethroned, I have no one to turn to
Sweep the streets I used to own
The very streets that I used to control now need to be cleaned by me
I used to roll the dice
Life was just a game and I was the dealer
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
My opponents trembled at the thought of facing me
Listen as the crowd would sing
The masses celebrated and praised me
"Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"
But quickly changed their tune once I became powerless
One minute I held the key
At one point in time, I held all the answers and solutions
Next the walls were closed on me
But then fate took a turn, and my power was stripped away
And I discovered that my castles stand
However, I realized that the foundation of my rule was not as strong as I thought
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand
It was built upon a fragile foundation that would easily crumble
I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
I am still searching for my purpose and identity
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
The world around me continues to spin even though my power has diminished
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
I need something or someone to reflect back and protect me
My missionaries in a foreign field
I must rely on strangers to help me navigate unknown territories
For some reason I can't explain
There are things I cannot understand about my own downfall
Once you're gone there was never
Looking back, things were not what they seemed
Never an honest word
Truth is hard to come by in a world where power is everything
But that was when I ruled the world
Those were the days when I held maximum control and authority
It was the wicked and wild wind
The same wind that carried me to the top took me down as well
Blew down the doors to let me in
I was given opportunities with ease before, but now, nothing comes to me for free
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
The beauty of my past was interrupted by the realization of my current state
People couldn't believe what I'd become
Others were shocked at my downfall
Revolutionaries wait
My own people now desire to overthrow me
For my head on a silver plate
To the revolutionaries, I am nothing more than a reward waiting to be claimed
Just a puppet on a lonely string
I am now powerless and insignificant
Oh who would ever want to be king?
Looking back, being a ruler was not worth the consequences that followed
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
I have strayed too far from the path of righteousness to be granted redemption
ooooooh ooh oooooh oh ooooooh oh oooooh ooh.
(Instrumental)
Writer(s): WILLIAM CHAMPION, JONATHAN MARK BUCKLAND, GUY RUPERT BERRYMAN, CHRISTOPHER ANTHONY JOHN MARTIN
Contributed by Jake L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@noidentity4095
THAT GUY HAS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VOICE BRO
@lesleympf7
lead singer is brilliant and the whole group is just out of this world..I respect this work.
@StunXPlayz
We are 14 days into the year 2024 and this is amazing!
@Lightavion
These guys are coming to my high school to teach us, and I'll be able to sing a concert with them! I'm excited, this is my first time hearing what they sound like!
@TariqKhan-xt5qs
I hate it when people scream like idiots during concerts
@joshtagert4376
I agree, this video would be way better without that!
@Thebigdog_1984
my theory is it was a stray cat that was taken by suprise
YEEEOOOOWWWWW
@jooklet
Thank you. So much. Finally! Somebody can do this song justice!
@corpretorius9765
Awesome I can listen all day.
@user-ms6ws7rl8u
I’m proud of all of you ❤❤❤❤