Coldplay changed my world when I first heard their Viva la Vida lyrics. It all started in 1996 when these British college friends formed a band.

Chris Martin’s voice hits differently – it’s raw and real. The way they mix pianos with deep words gets me every time.

“Yellow,” “Fix You,” and “Viva La Vida” stay on repeat in my head.

But what makes me love them more? They care about our planet. Their green concerts show they mean it.

That’s why they’re not just big – they’re special.

About the Song

“Viva La Vida” tells the story of a fallen king reflecting on lost power and glory, questioning past choices, and accepting a new reality.

It became one of Coldplay’s signature hits and won the 2009 Grammy for Song of the Year.

Viva la Vida Lyrics by Coldplay

Verse 1: Chris Martin

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

Verse 2: Chris Martin

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

Chorus: Chris Martin

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 3: Chris Martin

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 (Mmm, mmm)
Aw, who would ever wanna be king?

Chorus: Chris Martin

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 Saint Peter won’t call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world

Bridge: Brian Eno, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland & Will Champion

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh

Chorus: Chris Martin, Brian Eno, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland & Will Champion

(Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh)
Hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin’
(Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh)
Roman cavalry choirs are singin’
(Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh)
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
(Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh)
My missionaries in a foreign field
(Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh)
For some reason, I can’t explain
(Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh)
I know Saint Peter won’t call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world

Outro

Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm
Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm
Mmm, mmm

Live Performances of the Song

Viva La Vida: Live In São Paulo

Viva La Vida: Live at Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball 2022

Viva La Vida: Live From Central Park

Viva La Vida: Radio 2 In Concert

Viva La Vida: Fan poll choice: Live at the Amman Citadel, Jordan

Similar Songs like Viva la Vida by Coldplay

• Paradise – Features grand orchestral elements and tells a story of escapism and lost dreams, with similar sweeping emotional crescendos
• Fix You – Shares the emotional depth and builds from a gentle piano opening to a powerful instrumental climax, exploring themes of redemption
• The Scientist – Though more stripped down, it carries similar themes of reflection and regret, with Chris Martin’s vulnerable vocals at the forefront
• Yellow – Includes similar romantic and nostalgic undertones, with a building instrumental arrangement that creates an uplifting atmosphere
• Clocks – Features the distinctive piano-driven melody and powerful crescendos, with lyrics exploring themes of reflection and time
• Sky Full of Stars – Contains comparable orchestral elements and uplifting energy, though with a more electronic influence
• Adventure of a Lifetime – While more upbeat, it shares similar orchestral arrangements and themes of transformation
• Magic – Carries similar emotional weight in its lyrics about loss and hope, with a gradual build in instrumental intensity

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Viva La Vida Based on a true story?

“Viva La Vida” isn’t based on a single true story. It’s a fictional narrative about a French ruler who loses their throne, power, and authority.

Is there any alternative music video for this track?