ColdPlay Viva La Vida A Review

One of the world's greatest songs written, sang and produced by the group Coldplay hit the charts as a second single in 2008. With over two million hits currently on youtube the song Viva La Vida climbed the charts becoming Coldplay's first number one single in both the United States and the United Kingdom back in 2008. At the 51st Grammy awards in 2009 the song won song of the year. With over 5 million copies sold in the United States since 2008 and reaching over 4 million in paid downloads, the song became the second song ever sang by a British group to reach this historical milestone.

With over a million hits alone on multiple youtube videos, Viva La Vida continues to intrigue those who are trying to determine what the song itself is about. Arguments, shouting matches and removal of offensive words on youtube.com makes a person wonder what the meaning of the song is. Sitting for multiple hours and listening to the song many times, I was curious and determined to figure the lyrics out. Looking up history of the lyrics, there isn't much that has been explained so here is my perspective on the meaning of the song.

Meaning

When groups begin to rise to the top, they tend to forget where there roots actually began. They embrace the power of who they are as a star and look down on others, forgetting the people beneath them are the ones who supply there lavish lifestyle. Some believe they are a God and others manifest themselves into larger then life characters that many are mesmerized by. There are millions of followers who idolize the ground they walk.

Coldplay rose to the top, realizing they were missing something in their lives. Raised with the belief of God, deep inside the spirit was rattled. They realized that although they had fame and fortune they were lacking the love of God. When they rolled the dice, the took a walk on the Worldly side of life, which created havoc and destruction. When they spoke to friends and family, the people who were close to them were appalled by their actions and couldn't believe what they had became. They asked themselves who would want to become King? They heard God calling them (Jerusalem bells are ringing) asking him to protect them from anymore harm. Saint Peter would not call there name, but that was when they ruled the World.

Certain there are many other opinions on what the lyrics mean, I have provided the words for all to review, what do you believe the lyrics mean?

Viva La Vida Review

What an exemplary song carefully orchestrated and written from the heart. The lyrics read like poetry. Flowing perfectly among the masses and creating questions to millions about what the songs meaning really is. Performed, written and sang by an outstanding group known as Colplay. One could listen to this song over and over again, never growing tired of the instrumental orchestrated rhythm. Christopher Martin along with the group takes there song to an entirely new level. The song will never grow old and will be popular for years to come. Hats off to Coldplay for a song superbly written and performed.

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
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 are 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
And 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 are 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 won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world

I hear Jerusalem bells are 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 won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world

Songwriters: Guy Berryman, Christopher A. Buckland, Will Champion and Jon Buckland

Viva La Vida Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Company