thazsar

Thazsar's opinion on the meaning of Viva La Vida I think this song is definitely religious based but I am not sure if it is focused on Christian or Jewish faith. This song reminds me of a person that has been converted to a follower of God. Here are my reasons: I used to rule the world Seas would rise when I gave the word Now in the morning I sweep alone Sweep the streets I used to own As famous musicians, Coldplay has gained superstar status and probably felt like they were on top of the world. Since becoming a believer, they realize that they must be servants to the world (sweep the streets I used to own) even though most of their friends do not know what it means to be a true believer (sleep alone). 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, pillars of sand -The ‘dice and enemy’ lines refer to the evil and careless lives they used to live. -Now that they are converted, though, the 'old king' (aka themselves) has been replaced by the 'new king' (aka God). -The term 'key' means that they used to think they knew everything but now realize that their ‘old’ world collapsed because their foundation was built upon salt/sand instead of rock (God). 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 know there was never, never an honest word That was when I ruled the world 1. -‘Jerusalem bells, Roman Choir’ symbolizes Heaven ringing its bells and the angels singing because a person has been saved! 2. -The ‘mirror’ refers to wanting to be a reflection of God unto the world 3. -The ‘sword’ is our tongue. They want to speak the truth about God 4. -The ’shield’ is for protection from evil 5. -Missionaries (self explanatory) 6. -“Once you know (the truth) there was never, never an honest word (‘an honest word” spoken as a nonbeliever) …when I (used to) 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 wanna be king? -The first three lines are speaking of the conversion process. Having your eyes opened to God/being saved makes you feel like the world is in motion! -“People couldn't believe what I'd become” means that his friends/family are surprised to find out he has converted. Also, most of these people do not understand what he has discovered. -The ‘head on a silver plate’ probably refers to John the Baptist (which makes me think this is Christian oriented) although it could also mean that he will be under a microscope to act according to his faith. The media LOVES to bash a Christian and they will certainly be watching for a popular Christian to mess up. -Again, ‘puppet/lonely string’ is about being amongst people that do not understand what it is to be a true believer. -Lastly, “Oh who would ever wanna be king?” is in regards to himself. In the past, he thought he was the king of his world but now sees that he can’t fix everything. *This is ironic since he previously thought he could ‘Fix You!’ Now that he sees this, why would he want to be king and try to clean up the mess we have created for ourselves? Instead, he finally understands that the only one that can fix everything is God. The remaining choruses say “Saint Peter won’t call my name.” I liked the comment about Peter denying Jesus 3 times but I think this verse is in regards to the singer. Since he knows that he has lived a sinful life, he thinks that he is not worthy enough for Peter to call him. In fact, Peter would be delighted to have him by his side. This was the only part of the song that gave me trouble when interpreting it. Originally, I thought it said that “St. Peter WILL call my name.” This would make more sense but whatever….this is just my opinion! Hope I didn’t bore you too much and God Bless! "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." PROVERBS 27:17