Viva la Vida

Song Meaning of Viva La Vida by Coldplay, and what it is about

The song's lyrics make both historical and Christian allusions.

A artwork by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo from the 20th century served as the inspiration for the song's Spanish title, Viva la Vida translation is "Long Live Life".

The artwork captures the artistic irony of celebrating life despite physical misery. Lead singer Chris Martin responded as follows when questioned about the album's title, which alludes to Frida Kahlo's bravery in overcoming polio, a broken spine, and ten years of severe pain: "She went through a lot of pain, of course, and then she started a big painting in her house that said 'Viva la Vida.' I just loved the boldness of it."

Making a successful commercial and critical debut. "Viva la Vida" was the band's first number-one hit in both the United States and the United Kingdom, peaking at number one on both the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100. At the 51st Annual Grammy Awards in 2009, the song took home the Song of the Year Grammy Award.

Viva La Vida lyrics by Coldplay

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

I used to roll the dice

Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes

Listened 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

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 [5x]

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