Viva La Vida
by Coldplay
What is “Viva La Vida” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
Coldplay's 'Viva La Vida' expresses the poignant reflections of a fallen ruler, navigating the ironic shift from immense power to deep isolation and obscurity.
So… what’s this song really about?
Coldplay’s 'Viva La Vida' offers a narrative of an unnamed protagonist, presumed to be an erstwhile sovereign, as they come to terms with their loss of power and the fleeting nature of their reign. The imagery in the song conjures a dramatic fall from grace — from a time when 'Jerusalem bells' rang and 'Roman cavalry choirs' sang in their honor to feeling unseen and unheard by divine forces. It explores the heavy burden and loneliness often associated with leadership. The lyrics delve into the historical and emotional weight of leadership, layering religious and historical references that speak of destiny, betrayal, and ultimate redemption beyond the worldly trials, suggesting a struggle not just for political power, but also for spiritual and moral reckoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the meaning of 'Jerusalem bells' and 'Roman cavalry choirs' in 'Viva La Vida'?
These are symbolic references that heighten the sense of historical and spiritual grandeur, linking the ex-ruler's past power to significant, almost mythical, times and places.
Q: Why does the singer mention not being called by Saint Peter in 'Viva La Vida'?
This line indicates a feeling of spiritual unworthiness or exclusion from heaven, reflecting the protagonist's internal moral and existential reckoning.
Lyrics to “Viva La Vida”
278 ContributorsTranslations
[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?
[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
[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
[Outro]
Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm
Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm
Mmm, mmm