This analysis summarizes and annotates the lyrics of the Coldplay song "Viva La Vida". It breaks the song into 7 stanzas and identifies literary devices and biblical allusions used. The overall theme is about a king who has lost his power and kingdom, reflecting on how power corrupted him when he ruled the world and caused his downfall.

1. L Y R I C A N A L Y S I S B Y A N N A B E L L E E S E S S O M S
Viva La Vida
by Coldplay

2. 1st Stanza
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
 Allusion
 God
parting the
Red Sea
 Assonance
 “sleep”, “sw
eep”, and
“streets”
 Lost Power

3. 2nd Stanza
 Gambled with
power
 Hyperbole
 Showing
his original
fame
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!”

4. 3rd Stanza
 Allusion
 Genesis
19:26
 Matthew
7:26
 Lost power
quickly
 Did not
build a
solid
foundation
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

5. 4th
Stanza/Chorus
 Allusion
 God sends
missionaries
out to do his
work for him
 Did not put the
effort into ruling
 Had other
people do
his work
I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field

6. 5th Stanza
 Lied to keep his
power
 Lost his
integrity
 Tone:
 reflective
For some reason I can't explain
Once you go there was never
(I know Saint Peter won’t call my name)
Never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world

7. 6th Stanza
 Alliteration
 “… wicked
and wild
wind”
 Power took
control of him
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

8. 7th Stanza
 Allusion
 Matthew
14:8
 Realizes others
control his
power
Revolutionaries wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh who would ever want to be king?

9. P O W E R C O R R U P T S
Theme: