Read the lyrics Viva La Vida lyrics-Coldplay. Is Its Classy Lyrics Are Written By Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland & Will Champion. Is Its Official Music Video Has been Released May 25, 2008. And Present On The YouTube Channel. And lyrics can be seen above here.
The song” Viva La Vida” by Coldplay is a reflection on the rise and fall of power, sung from the perspective of someone who used to be in a position of authority. The lyrics tell a story of a leader who formerly controlled the world, but now finds himself insulated and no longer in command. The title,” Viva La Vida,” translates to” Live the Life” in Spanish, and the song explores themes of power, remorse, and the transitory nature of success.
Viva La Vida lyrics-Coldplay
[Verse 1: Chris Martin]
I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning, I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own
Explanation of Verse 1:
In the first verse, the narrator reflects on a time when they” ruled the world.” The imagery of swell rising at their command suggests a god- suchlike authority. still, the tone shifts as the narrator confesses to sleeping alone in the morning and having to sweep the thoroughfares they formerly possessed, indicating a loss of power and influence.
[Instrumental Interlude]
Explanation of Instrumental Interlude:
The necessary interim provides a musical break and sets the stage for the transition to the alternate verse. It allows the listener to absorb the feelings conveyed in the first verse.
[Verse 2: Chris Martin]
I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy’s eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing
“Now the old king is dead, long live the king”
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
Explanation of Verse 2:
The alternate verse describes the narrator’s once conduct, including rolling the bones and feeling the fear in their adversary’s eyes. The crowd’s shift in constancy is apparent with the proclamation,” Now the old king is dead, long live the king.” The lyrics convey a unforeseen change in fortune, with the narrator losing the key and chancing their castles standing on unstable foundations.
[Chorus: Chris Martin]
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin’
Roman cavalry choirs are singin’
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
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Explanation of Chorus:
The chorus introduces religious and literal imagery with references to Jerusalem bells, Roman cavalry choruses, and the plea for a glass, brand, and guard. The missionaries in a foreign field may represent abettors or sympathizers. The narrator expresses confusion and an incapability to explain the reasons behind their downfall.
[Instrumental Interlude]
Explanation of Instrumental Interlude:
Another necessary interim follows the chorus, furnishing a musical transition and allowing the listener to reflect on the narrative.
[Verse 3: Chris Martin]
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 (Mmm, mmm)
Aw, who would ever wanna be king?
Explanation of Verse 3:
The third verse describes a” wicked and wild wind” that blows down doors and leads to the narrator’s metamorphosis. The fractured windows and the sound of cans emblematize chaos and bouleversement. The lyrics suggest that the narrator is now perceived negatively, with revolutionaries staying for their demise. The idea of being a poppet on a lonely string questions the true nature of leadership and power.
[Chorus: Chris Martin]
I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin’
Roman cavalry choirs are singin’
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
Explanation of Chorus (Duplication):
The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the echoes of Jerusalem bells, Roman cavalry choruses, and the desire for a glass, brand, and guard. The reference to Saint Peter not calling the narrator’s name suggests a lack of redemption or remission.
[Bridge: Brian Eno, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland & Will Champion]
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh
[Chorus: Chris Martin, Brian Eno, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland & Will Champion]
(Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh)
Hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin’
(Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh)
Roman cavalry choirs are singin’
(Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh)
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
(Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh)
My missionaries in a foreign field
(Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh)
For some reason, I can’t explain
(Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh)
I know Saint Peter won’t call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Explanation of Bridge:
The ground consists of wordless declamations and serves as a musical interim. It contributes to the emotional intensity of the song and complements the overall narrative.
[Outro]
Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm
Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm
Mmm, mmm
Explanation of Chorus (Final Duplication)/ Outro:
The final chorus reprises the central themes, with the addition of background lyrics from the band members. The outro consists of repetitious declamations, leaving the song on a reflective and reflective note.
Overall:
Viva La Vida lyrics explores the rise and fall of a leader, using pictorial imagery, literal references, and introspective lyrics. The song captures the complex feelings of someone who formerly applied immense power but is now scuffling with the consequences of their conduct. The blend of introspective lyrics, grandiose instrumentation, and Chris Martin’s emotive lyrics makes” Viva La Vida” a compelling and study- provoking piece.