Music Video
Viva La Vida
Coldplay Lyrics
"Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" is a song rich in historical and personal meaning, deeply resonating with themes of power, loss, and redemption. The title, translating to "Long Live Life" in Spanish, encapsulates a celevration of life's fleeting beauty and the humility that comes with the fall from power. The song narrates the story from the perspective of a fallen monarch, reflecting on the impermanence of authority and the introspective journey from omnipotence to humility.
The song's lyrics weave a vivid narrative of a ruler who once commanded the worlf, only to find himself stripped of power, pondering over his past actions and their consequences. This figure reflects on his now-crumbled empire, built on unstable foundations ("pillars of salt and pillars of sand"), signifying the fragile nature of power and glory. The juxtaposition of past and present in the lyrics reveals a profound realization of the true value of life beyond the throne.
Intriguingly, "Viva La Vida" draws parallels with historical events, particularly the French Revolution and the reign of King Louis XVI, portraying the king's introspective apology to his people before his execution. The imagery of "Jerusalem bells a ringing" and "Roman Cavalry choirs are singing" adds layers of religious and historical symbolism, enriching the song's narrative complexity.
The artwork for the album "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends" features Eugène Delacroix's "Liberty Leading the People," further tying the song to revolutionary themes. Additionally, the song title was inspired by Frida Kahlo's artwork, symbolizing a triumphant embrace of life amidst suffering.
In essence, "Viva La Vida" is a powerful reflection on the cyclical nature of power, the inevitability of change, and the enduring human spirit. Coldplay's masterful storytelling, combined with the song's orchestral arrangements, captures the essence of life's triumphs and tribulations, inviting listeners to ponder their own legacy and life's transient beauty.
Viva La Vida Lyrics
Viva La Vida by Coldplay
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 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
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 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 won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
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 won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
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