Are you an artist? Make the most of your lyrics with Musixmatch Pro!

Lyrics of Viva La Vida by Coldplay

verse

I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the mornin′, I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own
I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
Listened as the crowd would sing
"Now the old king is dead, long live the king"

pre-chorus

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

chorus

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
Once you′d gone, there was never
Never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world

verse

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

pre-chorus

Revolutionaries wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh, who would ever wanna be king?

chorus

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 St. Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
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 St. Peter won′t call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Writer(s): Jonathan Mark Buckland, Christopher Anthony John Martin, William Champion, Guy Rupert Berryman

Contribute

To-do

Completed

Lyrics
Verified by Musixmatch
Structure Tag
Identify the song's sections
Performers Tag
Identify who's singing what
Meaning
The song 'Viva La Vida' by Coldplay reflects on the rise and fall of power and fame. The lyrics describe the loneliness and loss of authenticity that can come with success, symbolized by the imagery of castles on pillars of salt and sand, and the longing for a past when the singer felt in control and respected.
Show more
Themes
Loss of power
• Now in the mornin', I sleep alone • Next, the walls were closed on me • I used to rule the world
Regret and reflection
• Never an honest word • But that was when I ruled the world • For some reason, I can't explain
The burden of leadership
• Just a puppet on a lonely string • Oh, who would ever wanna be king?
Show more
Moods
Nostalgia, reflection, heartbreak, angst, solitude
Rating: PG
Lyrics to be enjoyed with parental supervision
Show more

Contributions

Last edit about 1 month ago
Show 32 contributors
Are you an artist? Distribute your lyrics!
Take full control of your lyrics. Curate, sync, and distribute your lyrics on Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
Explore Musixmatch Pro