Viva La Vida
Vivid Reigns: A Tale of Power, Loss, and Redemption
Lyrics
I used to rule the world
I used to be in control of everything
Seas would rise when I gave the word
The seas would obey my commands
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Now, in the morning, I am alone and isolated
Sweep the streets I used to own
I now sweep the streets that were once under my dominion
I used to roll the dice
I used to take risks and make decisions
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
I could see fear in the eyes of my enemies
Listen as the crowd would sing
I remember the crowd singing about the death of the old king and the rise of the new
"Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"
Acknowledgment of the transition of power
One minute I held the key
Once, I held the key to power and authority
Next the walls were closed on me
Suddenly, the walls closed in, trapping me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Realization that my achievements were fragile and built on unstable foundations
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand
A metaphorical description of the fragility of success
I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing
Sounds of religious significance, possibly regret or longing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Imagery of war and religious elements
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
Desire for guidance and protection
My missionaries in a foreign field
Metaphorical representation of supporters or allies
For some reason I can't explain
An unexplainable reason for the loss of power
Once you go there was never
Once someone leaves, there is never honesty
Never an honest word
A lack of sincerity and truth in relationships
And that was when I ruled the world
Reflection on the time when I had control
It was the wicked and wild wind
The destructive and unpredictable forces that changed my life
Blew down the doors to let me in
Doors opened by a powerful force
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
Destruction and chaos caused by the force
People couldn't believe what I'd become
Public disbelief in the transformation
Revolutionaries wait
Those seeking change await my downfall
For my head on a silver plate
The desire for my demise is strong
Just a puppet on a lonely string
A puppet manipulated by external forces
Oh who would ever want to be king?
A reflection on the burdens of kingship
I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing
Repetition of religious and war-related imagery
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Continuation of the theme of war and conflict
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
Desire for guidance and protection reiterated
My missionaries in a foreign field
Representation of loyal supporters in foreign lands
For some reason I can't explain
Unexplained loss of power and authority
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Doubt about being accepted in the afterlife
Never an honest word
A lack of honesty in words and actions
But that was when I ruled the world
Reflecting on the past when I had control
I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing
Repetition of religious and war-related imagery
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Continuation of the theme of war and conflict
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
Desire for guidance and protection reiterated
My missionaries in a foreign field
Representation of loyal supporters in foreign lands
For some reason I can't explain
Unexplained loss of power and authority
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Doubt about being accepted in the afterlife
Never an honest word
A lack of honesty in words and actions
But that was when I ruled the world
Reflecting on the past when I had control
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