Lyrics of
Viva La Vida

Viva la Vida is a song by the band Coldplay, from the album Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends released in 2008. The song talks about a king who has lost his power and reflects on the transience of fame and success. The songs title, Viva la Vida, translates from Spanish as Live the Life, alluding to the idea of enjoying life to the fullest, regardless of the circumstances. The song was awarded and recognized in various award ceremonies, in ... cluding winning the Grammy for Song of the Year. See more [+]

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
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 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.
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 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
I know Saint Peter won't call my name,
never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world

Ohhhhhh Ohhhhhhh
Ohhhhhh Ohhhhhhh

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
I know Saint Peter won't call my name,
never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Oooooh Ooooooh
Oooooh Ooooooh