This song has gotten excellent position in all charts all over the world. Until now, the peak position reached are: number thirteen at United World Chart, number one on iTunes Top 100 Songs, number seventy-four into Brazil Hot 100, number three at Hot Canadian Digital Singles and number eight at Australian ARIA Singles Chart. Viva La Vida was performed at the first time at the 2008 MTV Movie Awards which took place in California the last June 1st, 2008. The album will be available the next June 17th, 2008 in United States and in two days in UK.
I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sweep 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:
“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 go there was never, never an honest word
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 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 Saint Peter will call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Ohh ohh ohhh, Ohh ohh ohhh,
Ohh ohh ohhh, Ohh ohh ohhh,
Ohh ohh ohhh,
I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing
Ohh ohh ohhh,Ohh ohh ohhh,
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Ohh ohh ohhh, Ohh ohh ohhh,
Be my mirror my sword and shield
Ohh ohh ohhh, Ohh ohh ohhh,
My missionaries in a foreign field
Ohh ohh ohhh, Ohh ohh ohhh,
For some reason I can’t explain
Ohh ohh ohhh,Ohh ohh ohhh,
I know Saint Peter will call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Also, Get the song lyrics from:
Lost
Violet Hill
Album: Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
June 12th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
What do the lyrics mean in the song by coldplay, Viva La Vida?
June 12th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Bravo to Coldplay. I hate this band with a passion but this song alone makes me love them… until I listen to their other songs anyway.
June 17th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
How many despots do you know who end up sweeping the streets they used to own? They either end their days sh*gging nubile young whores or hanging from a rope. Portentous nonsense.
June 22nd, 2008 at 5:22 am
DAmn! Coldplay is Gooooood, and F***k all yall who say otherwise!
June 26th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
i love this song even tho its hard to understand
June 30th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
I just LOVE this song.
I love the melody, vocals, harmony, etc.
I can’t say truly what the song is trying to say. However, it does have a lot a religious overtones or references in it. I usually like a song primarily on the sound of it rather than the words. I found myself “trying” to sing along with it, tapping my fingers to its rhythm,etc.
July 1st, 2008 at 6:26 am
This song is awesome. What I get out of it is he’s talking about Jesus and when he ruled the world. I am a Catholic and to me it sounds like that.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:57 am
The song is about the last king of france Louis xvi. Here i expouse the reasons because i think that:
- The cover of the album
- The phrase “One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me”. Louis XVI just “ruled the world” one year.
- The revolutionaries end his government because they saw in his government a symbol of the ancien regimé
-Suspended and arrested during the 10th of August 1792 Insurrection, he was tried by the National Convention, found guilty of treason, and executed on 21 January 1793. “Revolutionaries wait For my head on a silver plate” (indeed he was guillotined).
Well i expect some comentary maybe i’m wrong.
Ah, and correction to the lyrics:
I know Saint Peter will call my name
in the song chris said:
I know Saint Peter won’t call my name
It’s a little different
July 6th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I CANT EXPLAIN WHY I LIKE THIS SONG BUT FOR SOME REASON I DO…I FEEL LIKE THE SONG HOLDS A DEEP MEAINING TO ME AND JUST WAITING FOR IT TO BE UNCOVERED…COLDPALY WASNT ALWAYS IN MY LIST OF FAVORITE BANDS BUT THAKS TO THIS SONG, I APPRECIATE THEM A LOT MORE…
July 26th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
I love this song…and like some of you here, I was never much of a coldplay fan, not that I disliked them…I was never gung hoe about their music though.
Anyway, usually I find that when I have a certain attunment to a song, its more for its symbolic reasons (especially since I dont usually know the words of a song after only hearing it once…but I can tell you right away whether its one that resonates with me or not).
all in all…I thought it over a little and I think this song has more to do with george bush than any thing else, although thats just an oppinion, but it seems to line up very nicely with how his presidency has been going.
“wicked and wild wind that let me in” (the descrepencies that happened during his first election)
“I used to roll the dice, feel the fear in my enemies eyes”~ how he decided to go to war on a whim with iraq…
“Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world” umm yeah…sounds like bush to me! “Just a puppet on a lonely string”~Poor george, no one wants to be friends with a mean man who lies…
“Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!”~ refering to how people are so over him and really into obama, and common…how many people do you know that want his head on a silver platter because I know I few
July 29th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
WHOA this song has been stuck in my head for days and i had no idea what it was but i JUST FIGURED IT OUT. im so proud of myself. good song, by the way.
July 31st, 2008 at 3:25 am
The lyrics are fantastic! This song is deep spiritual realization which can be applied to all the rulers in this world, and to all people in general.The title Viva la Vida - according to the painitng of the Mexican artist Frida Callo, she painted it 8 days before her death.
About the lyrics - this is the emeperor’s soul talking after his death - he realized that his attachment to the power and wealth mean nothing, it is only attachment to the material world, to the illusion.The only thing that matters is the soul.His soul is perfecty aware that all these categories (power and wealth) are transient, and when the death comes - the only thing that counts is - how many good deeds you made during the life. And mentioning St. Peter who will not call his name in front of the gates of Paradise - obviously his life was not fulfilled with good deeds.
Jesus is the ruler of our hearts, these lyrics are full of metaphores, do not comprehend them literally.Why would Jesus regret something?This king in the song is repenting for his improper and unjust life!
July 31st, 2008 at 3:36 pm
no im pretty sure that they are singing about Jesus and the last days of His life.
“I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sweep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own”
Jesus ruled the world, everyone worshiped Him, then in the last week everyone turned against Him
“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!”
He would feel the fear in the demons He drove out and look at Palm Sunday the week before His death, everyone was cheering and whatnot.
“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”
one minute everyone adored Him and the next everyone hated Him. Jesus discovered His followers weren’t very strong spiritually
“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 go there was never, never an honest word
That was when I ruled the world”
Jerusalem and the Roman Calvery gave this one away. Jesus also told us to be missionaries in all four corners of the earth.
August 5th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Don’t be so daft! Its about his dishonest lover. When he was with her, life was like being a king - all was good and everyone was happy. But now she has left, he sleeps alone and life is bad, lonely and he sees all the worst in everything.
Give Coldplay some credit - they wouldn’t be so obvious as to write a about Jesus or some King.
It’s a metaphor.
August 8th, 2008 at 5:48 am
Never been a big Coldplay fan, (never disliked them either), but this song is one of the best songs I’ve ever heard. As for the meaning of the words I feel it’s a definite fall from grace for someone, possibly a Mafia boss or old gangster who has now been overthrown and is left out in the cold, alone, living on the streets and forced to reflect on his life.
August 10th, 2008 at 6:16 am
I ran across this comments section when I searched “Viva la Vida” and “George Bush,” because this infectious song (I actually downloaded it on iTunes) started seeming to me to be about George Bush and his presidency. Let’s face it, his acts as president will have an effect (mostly adverse) on the world for a long time, turning the world all around, and that would make it an appropriate subject for a British band.
It really does seem to describe Bush’s rise and fall, especially since he himself appealed to religious imagery so often.
On the other hand, I think the case could be made that this is not only about Bush but about many leaders who rose to power with promises to the people but utterly failed in the end. Power corrupts. In fact, this could be about popes and churches, too. Maybe it’s specifically about Bush AND about “leadership” in general.
I think the idea that it’s about Jesus is an intriguing one. I don’t know how “I know Saint Peter won’t call my name” fits into it, since that sounds like the speaker thinks he will be denied entrance to heaven for bad deeds.
Anyway, it is a great song. Brilliant lyrics, whatever they mean. I like the video, too.
August 14th, 2008 at 2:42 am
ummm.. dont u think this song got kinda luciferian meaning?
August 16th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
This song is not about Jesus. Jesus lived eternally after he died, so why would he regret his life? What the speaker meant by his castle was built on pillars of salt and sand was that everything he thought was important was really not important at all. The only thing Jesus thought was important was God. So why would he say that? Jesus never felt fear, which makes it impossible for him to feel his enemys’. No one wanted to cut his head off, so why would he say “my head on a silver plate”? This song is based on a painting by a mexican artist, Frida Callo, who finished it 8 days before she died. It was called “Viva la Vida”. Look at the album cover. Duhh. Think folks.
August 18th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
the video came on and i was caught in a trance…the words, the melody, i’m hooked… i’m writing comments on a lyrics page!!!!
August 20th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
I think this song is a metaphor for fame and all the sin and trappings that come with that - about how when you are on top you are worshipped and seen as better than everyone else; you’re given whatever you want, no one around you is honest they just pay you lip service, basically you’re treated like a god or a king. And how quickly your fame can collapse and then you are just a nobody again.
August 21st, 2008 at 12:38 pm
The song could be about depression, specifically manic depression.
August 25th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
This is a wonderful example of good songwriting… it appeals to everyone because it means something different to everyone
genius… these guys are the kings of the decade
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:23 am
I think it maybe about the Devil, or maybe Ezekiel or a fellow fallen angel.
Reminds me of the Stones Paint it Black in terms of lyrics.
September 6th, 2008 at 10:52 am
I agree with Megajester, fantastic song and lyrics. I have toyed with the idea it was religious (about Jesus) and about any leaders in battle..and it does not matter. The song is fantastic and so is the album. One or two songs reminiscent of the Moody Blues (They were probably before most of your time). All I can say is that I had this particular song on repeat for several hours while I prepared the food for my daughter’s 21st birthday. I could listen to it all day. I love it.
September 18th, 2008 at 2:34 am
guys, this song is talking about his life,,, It’s a metaphor,,, he is taking about some staff in his life doing a parallelism with Jesus, kings, bush and who ever you want!
The good thing about songs like this is that they have a lot of meanings and obviously only he can say what it means,,, but that is what it make it so good!!!
September 20th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Well, songs can have more than one meaning. Lots of websites like this refer to this or that French King. Seems a bit of a stretch. The song is indeed full of direct and indirect Biblical references (pillars of salt, pillars of sand, “Roman Cavalry Choir”, Jerusalem, St. Peter, heaven, missionaries, be my sword and shield). To me, seems it’s talking about the futility of power when it impoverishes one’s inner life.
September 25th, 2008 at 11:47 am
I think its meaning is broader than the facial political story. Anyone who has “peaked,” whether in sports, professionally, socially, etc., can identify with these lyrics.
October 2nd, 2008 at 10:57 am
This song is really awesome… i love it also… but i think that for all of the ideas all have expressed…. “to each his own” is fitrting. ^_^
October 2nd, 2008 at 9:14 pm
I love this song…… this is literally the only song i listen to while im riding on my sport bike…. GREAT SONG!!!!!!
October 15th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Clearly much of the song references “W”. I’ll bet if it had been released earlier, Oliver Stone would have used it in his movie! Note how even 9-11 is woven into the song via ’shattered windows’. This is truely a swan song for a lame duck leader that leaves us with more than just a huge financial deficit.
October 22nd, 2008 at 4:44 pm
i agree that this song is addictive and because of it i listen now to other songs for coldplay like speed of sound , i believe this one is about an emperor’s soul talking after his death
November 1st, 2008 at 12:38 am
The song is about a man who finds faith in God.
It has many Biblical references.
In the beginning, the man thought he was in total control of his life… he could control the seas and his enemies…
Matthew4:8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”
He felt he was “king” of his domain. Once he found his faith, he was able to see through his materialistic life, that it was built on pillars of salt (Biblical reference- lack of obedience to God, pillars of sand- instability) and that his “people” were all liars.
Once the wicked and wild wind (from his dark side) blew down the “doors” of his resistance to allow God into his heart, he was then able to believe.
Now that he has faith, he is telling others. For this, some want his head on a silver plate. (the fate of John the baptist -whose head was actually put on a silver plate)
Now too, he is able to “hear” (understand) the meaning behind the (Christian) choirs and (Jewish) bells, and the need for missionaries to spread faith to others.
Sword and shield- more Biblical reference…
Ephesians6:13-17 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[d] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.[e] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Now that he believes in God, he knows he will be able to enter the kingdom of Heaven when he dies.
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
November 15th, 2008 at 1:23 am
I believe it’s loosely based on all tyrants and despotic rulers…i somehow believe it’s got something to do with saddam hussein
November 18th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
All I can say about this song really makes me cry. May GOD bless you for this song. I wish I could sing this song you with you just once.Praise the lord.Maybe more people will find GOD from this song.Excellent job my friend.You deserve a gift for this one.
November 25th, 2008 at 7:03 am
I listen to this song over and over again. I can’t get enough of it. It is great.
December 29th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
I’m pretty sure the song was written about Louis XIV, but you have to wonder about the modern parallel with George W Bush, especially since at the end of their Saturday Night Live performance of it, Chris Martin shouted “Obama!” (kinda like, “here’s the solution!”). The old king is already dead metaphorically, and everyone wants the new king in place ASAP.
January 21st, 2009 at 7:43 pm
This song obviously refers to the downfall of the American republic, or the wish for the downfall of America. Easy. Typical anti-American Eurotrash garbage. But I do like the song.
February 27th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Straight from the band members themselves, read on:
Bassist Guy Berryman explained to Q magazine July 2008 about this song that features lyrics about cavalries, missionaries and kings: “It’s a story about a king who’s lost his kingdom, and all the album’s artwork is based on the idea of revolutionaries and guerrillas. There’s this slightly anti-authoritarian viewpoint that’s crept into some of the lyrics and it’s some of the payoff between being surrounded by governments on one side, but also we’re human beings with emotions and we’re all going to die and the stupidity of what we have to put up with every day. Hence the album title.”
Q magazine asked Chris Martin about the lyric on this song “I know Saint Peter won’t call my name.” The Coldplay lead singer replied: “It’s about… You’re not on the list. I was a naughty boy. It’s always fascinated me that idea of finishing your life and then being analyzed on it. And it’s that runs through most religions. That’s why people blow up buildings. Because they think they’re going to get lots of virgins. I always feel like saying, Just join a band (cackles head off). That is the most frightening thing you could possibly say to somebody. Eternal damnation. I know about this stuff because I studied it. I was into it all. I know it. It’s still mildly terrifying to me. And this is serious.”
Drummer Will Champion told Q magazine February 2008 that many of the tracks on the album share a theme of “trying to remember what’s important in your life, rather than being carried away by the trappings of other things.”
March 28th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
do not be decieved by these lyrics. ive been around music all my life and am a dediacted christian. if coldyplay wanted to right a song about jesus, they would do it plain out straight, they would not make you think about it. trust me.
March 31st, 2009 at 8:15 am
These lyrics might very well be about Louis XVI but it also applies to today’s corruption in powerful places. Powerful people make decisions that affect millions of lives, while they are in power they can’t do no wrong an people are just at their becking call. When they fall, they fall hard, end up in prison doing menial jobs, friends dissapear and the question is, was it worth it? the power they once held was based on lies and it all came crashing down. It’s all happening right now Madoff, AIG, people want their heads in a silver plate allright
October 28th, 2009 at 8:34 am
Viva La Vida has been a challenge to me since the day I first heard it, and here is my (probably miguided) impression of its meaning. I believe that this song figures heavily today in our economic mess, where so many successful business people have lost everything they have on Wall St. Their fancy jobs are gone; their coffers are empty; their lavish lifestyles are no more - they no longer hold the “key” to anything. When they were on top, everyone cared what they had to say; everyone welcomed them. Now, they are just lonely “puppets” - victims of their own recent socio-economic decline - no money and no future. Their ability to “rule” those streets is gone. Now, all those streets are good for is looking for another job. I believe the references to another place and time (Jerusalem, Roman Cavalry) is a kind of delusion of grandeur, where he likens situation to something great and historic-perhaps this is a small measure of comfort now that he is “nothing”. The reference to St. Peter not calling his name is one of disappointment; he wants to die - there is nothing left here for him, but after the ruthless way he lived his life before, he KNOWS that he isn’t getting in. He may not be going to Hell, but he’s probably going to spend some time in “midtown”, as it were (sorry, you know us Catholics with our Purgatory and all). Anyway, that’s my take on the song - I believe it is about failure, loss, and hopelessness in these horrible economic times.