Plato

Sorry if someone has said something along these lines already, but here's my idea: I think that the Coldplay song ‘Viva la Vida’ directly refers to the July Revolution of 1830 in France, which led to the abdication of Charles X. Here’s why: 1) Charles X “used to rule the world” – he was the ruling “King” over a large French Empire, and the “seas would rise” when he gave the word due to the strength of the French Navy. 2) He came to power following the death of his brother (Louis XVIII) – “the old king is dead, long live the king!” 3) He was presented the “Key” to Paris by the Compte de Chabral, whom stated; “Proud to possess its new king, Paris can aspire to become the queen of cities by its magnificence, as its people aspire to be foremost in its fidelity, its devotion, and its love”. Thus, he “once held the key”, during a period when the outlook for his reign was bright, and he was popular (“the crowd would sing”). 4) One of the reasons he became unpopular (and the most prominent) was his pandering to the Catholic Church, and notably the Anti-Sacrilege Act. He was seen to be destroying the equality of religious belief. This accounts in part for Jerusalem Bells and Roman Cavalry Choirs. 5) Furthermore, towards the end of his reign he sent troops to invade Algeria in an attempt to increase his popularity. Algeria is predominantly Muslim, and this act also accounts for Roman Cavalry Choirs, the sword and shield etc, and his missionaries (similar to the crusades). 6) He knows Saint Peter won’t call his name, but he doesn’t understand why. I think this means that although he believes in his actions that he also realises that he has done something wrong. He may not be sure what he has done wrong, or is not fully prepared to admit it to himself, but he has some realisation of it. 7) The song is reflective – he is still alive (Charles abdicated, he was not executed – although during rioting in Paris and political revolutionaries did want his “head on a silver plate”. 8) “Shattered windows and the sound of drums” represents the rioting in Paris that occurred. 9) The cover art of the album (which is obviously also the song title) is La Liberté guidant le people (Liberty leading the people) by Eugene Delacroix – a piece of artwork painted specifically to commemorate the July Revolution of 1830. Clearly this is all fairly self-explanatory, and there are clear links to today’s political and religious climate, particularly; the erosion of religious and societal equality in numerous states across the world; the misuse of power by those who truly believe what they are doing is right yet cannot understand why they are not heralded; and the ultimate realisation that the world is fluid and things can and will change quickly in reaction to such injustices, hence pillars of salt and sand. As such I do not think the link to Charles X is of particular significance in its own right (although I do believe that is what the song directly refers to), more the lessons that can be drawn from this example and how they remain relevant 170 years on.