Viva La Vida

[Paige]

I really like this song. The title is Spanish, and means "Live the life."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-Nrrr62uEc&feature=related

Here are the lyrics:


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 enemies 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 know 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

From what I found out, this song was written about the crusades. I'm curious as to the message of it. Possibly about what becomes of "institution" in pursuit of power?

******UPON FURTHER RESEARCH*******

It seems there is a lot of contention as to what this song is really about. Some people are saying it is about England's glory days, and then her fall. Some people are saying "French revolution." Here is a quote from one commenter:


It's about Charles the tenth who was dethroned during the French Revelution after he defeated Napoleon. And line where he says 'I Know Saint Peter Won't Call My Name' Chris is talking about hisself. He's saying that he has done bad things in his life and he knows he won't be on Saint Peter's list.

Someone else said,

This song is basically dedicated to Alexander the Great of Rome, Italy because he was the only one who ruled the world.

So...I'm still really curious as to what this song is about, and it seems I have no answers...