Viva La Vida
Robert Mendoza Lyrics

I used to rule the world
I was once in charge of everything

Seas would rise when I gave the word
I had authority and power to control the natural world

Now in the morning I sleep alone
Today, I am alone and disconnected from my former glory

Sweep the streets I used to own
Instead of ruling, I am now someone who works on the streets

I used to roll the dice
I once took risks and made decisions impulsively

Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
I could intimidate those who opposed me

Listen as the crowd would sing:
People would cheer and celebrate my victories

"Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"
My reign has ended, but a new leader has taken my place

One minute I held the key
For a brief moment, I had control and authority

Next the walls were closed on me
Suddenly, I lost my power and influence

And I discovered that my castles stand
I realized that my empire was nothing more than a temporary illusion

Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand
My empire was built on a fragile foundation, unsustainable and ultimately doomed to fail

I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing
I hear a sound that reflects my own origins and memories

Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Religious levels of power still sing of my accomplishments

Be my mirror, my sword and shield
May I find strength through my successes/failures and successes of others

My missionaries in a foreign field
In distant and unfamiliar lands, I have people working on my behalf

For some reason I can't explain
Although I lost my power, I cannot understand why

Once you go there was never, never an honest word
Once my power was gone, none of those who were once loyal to me were truthful

And that was when I ruled the world
It was at my peak of power that I ruled the world