Live the Life: A Critique of Coldplay’s ‘Viva la Vida’

Debuting to the acclaim of critics and fans worldwide, Coldplay’s ‘Viva la Vida,” was an international success, forever immortalizing itself as one of the greatest anthems of the modern era.

The song’s Spanish title, borrowed from a portrait by 20^th century Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, acts as a stark reminder of the satire nature of life, and the worries and sufferings were all are subject to.  

The track opens against a blurry, warped version of Eugène Delacroix's painting ‘La Liberté guidant le peuple’ and a sweeping string arrangement, sonically detailing the hero’s fall from grace. The chime of bells and orchestral swells riddle the chorus and lyrically, the pain of the protagonist is evident. However the sweep of words in relation to Jerusalem’s bells, Roman cavalries, and Saint Peter proffer, 'Viva La Vida' an air of intelligence rare amidst today's most popular songs.

Riddled with Biblical references, the song’s lyrics shed light on the social groups represented in the song and those marginalized. At the outset, "pillars of sand" makes allusion to the biblical parable given by Jesus about the fool who built his house upon sand, and the wise man who built it upon stone, while "pillars of salt" acts as a reference to Lot's wife, who was turned into a pillar of salt. The lyrics 'Be my mirror, my sword and shield' allude to Ephesians 6:17 and James 1:23 while, "I know Saint Peter won't call my name" refers to the popular tradition of St. Peter guarding the gates of Heaven. Furthermore St. Peter is traditionally depicted as the holder of the book of life, reading off the names of those individuals who had believed in Jesus Christ and therefore eligible to enter Paradise. More obviously the church bells and background vocals are given away in the chorus' first two lines "I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing" and "Roman Cavalry choirs are singing", respectively. The protagonist's lament of St. Peter not calling his name because "there never was an honest word" when he "ruled the world" is suggestive of the popular belief that all wrongdoers will be condemned to eternity in hell.

Despite the heavy religious connotations the lyrics advocates, the song has continued to inspire a great deal of debate in regards to its true meaning.

In an interview with Q magazine, Chris Martine expounded on the song lyric, “I know Saint Peter won't call my name."

He stated: "It's about ... not being on the list. It's always fascinated me that idea of finishing your life and then being analyzed on it. And this idea runs throughout most religions…I always feel like saying; just join a band ... That is the most frightening thing you could possibly say to somebody. Eternal damnation. I know about this stuff because I studied it. I was into it all. I know it. It's still mildly terrifying to me. And this is serious.

When asked about the song, bass guitarist Guy Berryman commented: "It's a story about a king who's lost his kingdom, and all the album's artwork is based on the idea of revolutionaries and guerrillas.”

Regardless of the anti-authoritarian or religious views it may pose, 'Viva La Vida,’ ultimately stands as a metaphor of mankind’s existence. As humans we are physical, emotion driven creatures, destined to rise and fall. Despite this we are to endure whatever life may throw our way and live everyday to it’s fullest, hence the spirit and the title of the song, 'Viva La Vida’…‘Live the life.’