Have you guys ever heard of the song Viva la Vida by Coldplay? Well, if you haven’t it’s one of the best selling albums + near the top selling song on itunes and it’s one of my favorite songs EVER!!! I love it so much, so far I’ve played it 20 times in a row. However, there is some controversy over this song, and I am here to try to settle it using my awesome blogging skills.
The first thing that people debate about is whether the song, Viva la Vida, is original or not. I don’t know about you, but on Wikipedia, it states, “Coldplay were accused of copying portions of “The Songs I Didn’t Write” by American alternative band Creaky Boards, for the melody of “Viva la Vida”.[4] Creaky Boards’ lead singer Andrew Hoepfner claimed that Chris Martin had heard the track at one of their shows. Coldplay have denied the claims; band spokesperson Murray Chambers says “Chris was working in AIR Studios in London” at that time.[5] Creaky Boards have since retracted the accusations.[5]“
I do not think Coldplay intentionally copied this song, but I do think they may have had it locked at the back of their heads, which may have caused them to use it without meaning to. I think everyone does this, and it is not entirely their fault. Yet, I DO think they should take some responsibility for it if they finally realize this. However the melodies do sound somewhat different, and it could be mere coincedence.
Another thing people wonder about it the meaning to the song. 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 a ringing
Roman cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword, my 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 (Ooooh)
Ah, 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 Saint Peter won’t call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Ooooh Ooooh Ooooh Ooooh Ooooh
(repeat with chorus)
I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing
Roman cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword, my 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
Oooooooh Oooooooh Oooooooh
After reading these lyrics, it is seldom one does not get confused, but here is my interpretation on it…
I think these lyrics represent growing up, or looking back at the past. A lot of things looked better in the past, and when one gets old they realize how lucky they were back then compared to now. I also think it’s about the revolutionary war and how things are still like that today.
Thanks for reading my explanation of Viva la Vida.
By the way, if you were wondering what that meant, it means, “Live the Life”. So sign off your computers and live your life!!!
