Viva La Vida

Upon first hearing it, I was really struck by this song and intrigued by it's meaning. On the internet I was able to find many different theories from many different people, but none from the artist, Coldplay. Although I can't speak for the band's personal beliefs, I am determined that this song is their interpretation of Jesus Christ's experience on earth. Their interpretation of what it was like for him to "live the life" as a human being. A very interesting one, at that. Here is the man we believe to be the true king and yet, when He came to rule, He was born in a stable, lived His life virtually homeless and was eventually betrayed, tortured, and crucified.

For example, the song says "I know Saint Peter won't call my name." In one night alone, Peter denied Christ 3 times, and pretended not to know Him. The video starts with an image of a red rose blooming and dying. Many religions believe the rose to be a symbol of Christ and His divinity. The lyrics stating that, "People couldn't believe what I'd become." I think they are talking about when the Savior was filled with fury and cleansed the temple. Jesus Christ's popularity was such that even John the Baptist, the man who prepared the people for Christ to come, ended up with his head on a silver plate. In the end of the video the artists all fade away like their turning to dust, which seems an appropriate way to end, the artists themselves are simply presenting their views but really, all they are is dust. . . in the wind :) These are just some of my thoughts and although it's not Gospel Doctrine, the song has given me some things to contemplate. . . at 5 a.m. this morning.

With that in mind, pause the Josh Groban music below, read the lyrics below and then watch the video. What do you think?

Viva La Vida lyrics
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

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 and pillars of sand

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 go there was never
Never an honest word
And that was when I 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 want to be king?

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
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world

(Repeat Chorus)