Viva La Vida
University at Buffalo Buffalo Chips 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
Listened 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 a-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'd gone there was never
Never an 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 a-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 St Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh Hear Jerusalem bells a-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 St Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
The lyrics of "Viva La Vida" by University of Buffalo Buffalo Chips' tells the story of a fallen king who used to rule the world and had ultimate power. He reflects on his past life when the seas would rise when he gave the word, and people used to sing in his honor, but now he sleeps alone and sweeps the streets he once owned. The song expresses how the king's reign quickly ended, and he discovered that his castles were built on weak foundations, pillars of salt, and pillars of sand, and it ultimately collapsed. It seems that he was overthrown by a revolution that shattered windows and created chaos. The chorus then shifts to the sound of Jerusalem bells ringing and Roman cavalry choirs singing, creating a nostalgic and mournful sentiment. The lyrics also allude to religion, with the mention of St. Peter, who the singer thinks won't call his name.
There is a sense of regret and longing throughout the song, as he reflects on how much he has lost, and how he misses being a king, even though he understands that he wasn't an honorable one. The song seems to be a commentary on power and how fleeting it can be, and that everything in life is temporary and can quickly change. It is a cautionary tale, warning people not to take what they have for granted.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to rule the world
In the past, I had immense power and control over everything
Seas would rise when I gave the word
My command alone could cause massive changes and disruptions
Now in the morning I sleep alone
I am now alone and isolated after losing my power
Sweep the streets I used to own
I now work menial jobs on the same streets I once ruled
I used to roll the dice
I used to take risks and make bold decisions
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
My enemies were once afraid of me
Listened as the crowd would sing
The people cheered for me and praised my name
Now the old king is dead long live the king
My reign has ended and a new ruler has taken my place
One minute I held the key
I had the power to unlock any door or opportunity
Next the walls were closed on me
Suddenly, all of my opportunities were gone and I was trapped
And I discovered that my castles stand
I realized that the things I had built were unstable and could crumble at any moment
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand
Everything I built was flawed and unstable and could not withstand the test of time
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing
I hear religious bells ringing, perhaps as a reminder of my past power
Roman cavalry choirs are singing
I hear victorious and powerful music, but it is not for me
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
I look to reflections of myself and wish for protection and strength
My missionaries in a foreign field
I hope that my people and followers can spread my message in lands far away from me
For some reason I can't explain
There is a mystery behind my downfall, and I cannot understand it
Once you'd gone there was never
After losing those who were important to me, I could never trust another person fully
Never an honest word
People were not truthful with me and hid their true intentions and feelings
And that was when I ruled the world
During my reign, people respected and feared me, but now it is gone
It was a wicked and wild wind
The force that brought about my downfall was unpredictable and chaotic
Blew down the doors to let me in
The same wind that ended me once helped me in
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
During my downfall, there was chaos and destruction all around me
People couldn't believe what I'd become
Others were shocked and dismayed at how far I had fallen
Revolutionaries wait
Those who want to overthrow me are waiting for their chance
For my head on a silver plate
They want to see me defeated and humiliated
Just a puppet on a lonely string
I am now at the mercy of others, with no control over my fate
Oh who would ever want to be king?
Being a king is not as glamorous as it seems, and the power is fleeting
I know St Peter won't call my name
After everything I've done, I don't deserve to be remembered or recognized in heaven
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh Hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing
These bells are a constant reminder of what I once had but lost
Contributed by Audrey W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
SailorMoon5555
These guys came to my school and preformed for us. They are awesome!
Edwin Stevens
Best arrangement of this tune I've heard. Like the Oasis quotes. Nice job guys
Kate Holt
This was awesome. Great job guys!
Inimicu
Wow, took a Party Ben Mashup and turned it into and a cappella. Awesome job with the Boulevard of Broken Songs, as it's so rightly called.