Viva La Vida has been my favorite song for over a year now, just since it came out. I don’t know why but I never wondered what the exact meaning of the song was until just lately. Since reading the ‘Outlander’ series, I’ve had a new interest in European history. Right now I am on the 2nd book of ‘The Tudor Series’ by Philippa Gregory and am very fascinated with their history as well.

I decided to Google the meaning of ‘Viva La Vida’ today to find out exactly what the song was about. I was suprised when at first it seemed like everyone was just guessing the meaning which ranged from Napolean to Jesus,, a then even further that it symbolized drug abuse. I knew it had to have something to do with the ‘French Revolution’ from the album cover, but then the words Viva La Vida are spanish, meaning ‘Live the Life’ or if you are born and raised in Mexico the phrase translates to ‘Long Live Life’.

The answer finally came to me in my google search, Chris Martin, in an interview revealed the true meaning of ‘Viva la Vida’. It is the story of ‘Louis XVI‘ the King of France and Navarre. Husband to Marie Antoinette. He lived from 23 August 1754 – 21 January 1793. He was the only King of France to be executed.

The title of the song is from the painting by Frida Kahlo that is also titled ‘Viva la Vida’. The painting is the cover art on this album.

Here are the words to the song and the music video to go along with it… enjoy and Viva la Vida!!!

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 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 go there was never
Never an honest word
And 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 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

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