Viva La Vida - Coldplay

I caught this catchy song on the television and found out it was an ad for Coldplay's new album. The song was "Viva La Vida." One poster claimed it was an expression from a Mexican artist who lived in constant pain. It's supposed to mean "Long live life." Another poster claimed Brian Eno produced this album. This song does sound like his handiwork. The lush, ethereal production is definitely Eno.



Here's the awesome video:



The lyrics are excellent. Here it is. Now there's the typical interpretation of the song. Not just the meaning but what Chris Martin the singer actually sang. There's Christian references which is interesting. Apparently it's about a deposed king.

VIVA LA VIDA
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 sand, 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 not explain
Once you go there was never,
never an honest word
That was when I ruled the world
(Ohhh)

It was the wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in.
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People could not 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 not explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world
(Ohhhhh Ohhh Ohhh)

Hear Jerusalem bells are ringings
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can not explain
I know Saint Peter will call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Oooooh Oooooh Oooooh"


Listen to the song for free courtesy of www.lastfm.com: