You are all right, yet you are all wrong.
This post is pretty old...I just wanted to state my opinion real quick.
The song, to me, could mean about anything.
If I were to pin it down to a historical reference, I would choose Napolean because the cover is about the French Revolution.
The song could mean that once upon a time, you ruled the world. Not really ruled it, but you know, a lot of people looked up to you.
Seas would rise when I gave the word.
I reference this line to people.
But then the great life went down hill, the end.
Goodness, wouldn't it be easier if Coldplay just posted what the song was about?