Kevin
September 15, 2021
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Do you know the definition of viva la vida? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the word viva la vida, including its definition, etymology, usage, example sentences, and more!
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According to Medium, Viva La Vida is a song by the UK band Coldplay. The translation of the title is Long Live Life in Spanish. This was on the 2008 album title Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, the fourth studio album by the band. This song is a retelling of the French revolution and the death of King Louis XVI. The album cover is a portrayal of the 1830 historical painting known as “Liberty Leading the People” which was painted by French artist Eugène Delacroix, and depicts French revolutionaries marching and waving the French flag. They are led by the human manifestation of Lady Liberty. King Louis was to be publicly executed via guillotine, and the song features lyrics about cavalries, missionaries and kings to tell the story of a king who has lost his kingdom. The song’s lyrics feature references to France, guerrillas, world seas, eternal damnation and the Bible. The idea of revolutionaries led to features in Rolling Stone, Grammy awards, and even a Song of the Year award.
The song’s lyrics to Viva La Vida are below, from Genius.
Woah, oh, oh-oh, oh
Woah, oh, oh-oh, oh
Woah, oh, oh-oh, oh
Woah, oh, oh-oh, oh
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
I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand
(Chorus)
I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Calvary choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
Missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can’t explain
Once you go there was never
Never an honest word
That was when I ruled the world
It was the wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in
The shattered windows and the sound of drums
People couldn’t believe what I’d become
Revolutionaries wait
For my head on a silver plate
I’m just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh who would ever want to be king?
(Chorus)
Now I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Calvary choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
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
That was when I ruled the world
Woah, oh, oh-oh, oh
Woah, oh, oh-oh, oh
Woah, oh, oh-oh, oh
Woah, oh, oh-oh, oh
Woah, oh, oh-oh
(Chorus)
I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Calvary choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
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
That was when I ruled the world
Woah, oh, oh-oh, oh
Woah, oh, oh-oh, oh
Woah, oh, oh-oh, oh
Woah, oh, oh-oh, oh
Woah, oh, oh-oh, oh
Woah, oh, oh-oh, oh
Woah, oh, oh-oh, oh
Woah, oh, oh-oh, oh
Coldplay is a band made up of Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Will Champion, Jonny Buckland, and Phil Harvey. They have released upwards of 100 songs, listed below from NME.
Overall, the song Viva La Vida by Coldplay is a retelling of the French Revolution. The song and the album’s artwork put it on the map.
