Viva La Vida: Song Allusion

Jordan and Bri 

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

Listened 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 a-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'd gone there was never

Never an honest word

And that was when I ruled the world

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

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 a-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 St Peter won't call my name

Never an honest word

But that was when I ruled the world

Oh oh oh oh ohh oh [x5]

Hear Jerusalem bells a-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 St Peter won't call my name

Never an honest word

But that was when I ruled the world

The song represents allusion directly to the bible, and the men who fought in the crusades. It reflects specifically on religion because it is such a controversial topic about the rise and fall of many men. the song is about a king who loses power "the higher you are, the harder you fall." Feeling that even though you are faithful, there are people that will let you down. "I know St. Peter wont call my name." In the bible Jesus was faithful to Peter, yet in the face of adversity, Peter didn't call his name, but denied him and say he didn't know him. Therefore, Coldplay linked this song reminds us that through religion and warfare, we as humans we are very vulnerable with our spiritual beliefs and trust and faith is fragile.