What’s Coldplay Getting at in “Viva La Vida”?
[For my reading of Violet Hill, click here].
I enjoy listening for spiritual/religious themes in pop culture, especially music. Mostly because its all over the place, and often in surprising places.
Coldplay has long been very fertile ground for this. Though I don’t believe they’ve made any particular profession of faith (like members of U2) much of Coldplay’s lyrics are absolutely DRENCHED in spiritual themes/imagery: Substitute “Jesus” for “Green Eyes” and you’ve got a worship song ready for many Christian settings (and I’ve heard it sung that way!). I believe that “In My Place” is about the substitutionary atonement of Christ’s death on the Cross for humanity’s sin. (Maybe I’m reading into that a bit, but not much. And I’m not alone). And my personal favorite, pointed out to me by my 4-year-old Samuel: “Swallowed in the Sea” is about Jonah. Think about it: “You belong with me/not swallowed in the sea.” Makes total sense if God is singing this to Jonah. That song is known AS “the Jonah song” in our family, and played repeatedly on car trips.
So it’s been with real interest that I’ve listened to the first two tracks from the new Coldplay album “Viva La Vida” (no, Ricky Martin is not involved, but I’m waiting for the mash-up. How funny/weird would that be?). The title track doesn’t lack for Christian imagery:
I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sweep alone
Sweep the streets I used to ownI 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
My first instinct is that this is an oblique protest song, and a commentary on the decline of American prestige abroad because of failed attempts at regime change (“the old king is dead”) and the resulting fallout. The first stanza may be a reference to Katrina–the seas didn’t obey that day, and left behind a big mess.
Who’s speaking? It’s in first person. I imagine Chris Martin putting these words in Dubya’s mouth. The whole song makes much more sense that way.
Despite the self-assuredness (in some sectors) that the US was carrying out God’s plan, we discovered that our castles were built on sand (allusion to Jesus’ parable in Matthew 7:24-29) and salt (Lot’s wife in Genesis 19:26).
Then we have what seems to be religious veneer covering up for unjust actions:
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 will call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Oooooh Oooooh Oooooh
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 will call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
(Ohhhhh Ohhh Ohhh)
That’s my take. I could be totally wrong. Your thoughts?
Hey! I just checked out this song after seeing an ad on TV (during american idol.. i voted archuleta… darn). The lyrics really did shock me.. i don’t know why… because i like POD.. and they’re mainstream. I can tell they’re decidedly religious… but CHRISTIAN? or CATHOLIC is MY question. i’d LOVE to purchase based on the strength of this song alone.. i LOVE it… tho it isn’t quite clear to me what they’re saying just yet.. the “I know st peter will call my name” line is keeping me at bay for now. I’d love some more input on this one though. I’ve been googling them to see what i can find.
I believe that the line is, “I know St. Peter won’t call my name”.
I will also point out that it is my opinion that this song is written as a first person retrospective narrative with the devil acting as the narrator, so to speak. Much in the same way that Sympathy for the devil approaches the issue. It is well known in Christian doctrine that Satan is the “King” of this world. Moreover, the role of Satan is believed to be encompassed by God, as are all things. Thereby, all bad that results from Satan’s actions only occurs because God has allowed/orchestrated it. Therefore, when we read the line, “just a puppet on a lonely string” we can understand that as referencing the truly powerless position of Satan. The argument and the structure that lies behind this interpretation is very deep and highly theological so I’m sorry if I lost anyone. However, I do believe that this song is an allegory for Satan’s miserable position. Moreover, you see the sophisticated perspective presented by Martin as showing a melancholy Satan who knows his own fate, “I know St. Peter won’t call my name”.
Btate,
thanks for commenting.
I’d recommend getting coldplay regardless of what the “st. peter will call my name” line means–its just good music.
If anyone’s calling my name in Heaven, it will be Jesus, not St. Peter. But it’s possible to enjoy things that we may not be in complete agreement with, and to enjoy them for their artistic and creative elements.
A greater appreciation of the artistic will open up new dimensions and new ways of seeing & hearing things, that goes beyond the immediate, literal, first-reading of the lyrics.
That’s what makes it fun!
I believe you may still be able to download their other free song from the new album, Violet Hill, at Coldplay.com. I recommend it!
these lyrics are mostly christian.
seas would rise – moses and the red sea
my head on a silver plate – st john the baptist had his head cut off and put on a silver plate
st peter to let me in – st peter is the guardian of the gates of heaven
blew down the doors – holy spirit blew down the doors where the apostles were hiding to let jesus in. (this isa maybe)
Thanks Matt. I like the connection to day of Pentecost and the Spirit blowing down the doors.
But “Christian” how? Not in the sense that this is a song for worship in a church setting, for example. And which type of “Christian?” The idea of St. Peter as the guardian of the gates of heaven is well-established in pop culture but has more to do with Roman Catholic tradition. It’s not in the Bible or part of Protestant tradition.
The lyrics don’t seem to fit any particular Biblical figure either.
They seem to be using Christian imagery as a motif, but not to express Christian belief, per se. I think they are playing off of George W.’s faith-based reputation and the results of his policies. It’s mean to be ironic.
Also, while the Gospels do say John’s head was brought on a platter, they do not say it was a silver platter.
You can look closer and see if I’m wrong, but I believe the lyrics say “I know St. Peter WON’T call my name.” I’m not 100% sure about this, but it sure sounds like it in the song. Also, I’m unsure if this changes any meaning in the song or that line in particular. Thoughts?
Hpsports,
yeah I’ve seen people wondering about the St. Peter lyric–will he or won’t he?
To me, it clearly sounds like he says “will,” and it also makes more sense in the context of the song. The one speaking also feels like he has religious/spiritual justification for his actions, but is wondering where he went wrong.
Lyric doesn’t make as much sense if it says St. Peter won’t call his name “for some reason he can’t explain.” He’s expressing confidence in the midst of confusion.
Though words concern me the song moves me. See WikiPedia for quote from Martin about “Saint Peter won’t” as well as its reference [5] on BBC, “It’s about… you’re not on the list,” Martin told Q magazine. Though one’s past is sin their future can by forgiven by loving truth, forgiving others, and trusting Jesus. May Coldplay hear and know the good news.
It’s the voices all the “kings” looking back at how their lives were lived. Each verse could refer to one or more historical figures, Louis XIV/Napoleon/etc, but the song is not about any particular one. It’s poetry not history. (And a “king” for this could be anyone who actually was a king or who just felt like they had it all.)
But the first half of the chorus is from the perspective of the “King of Kings”.
“I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing.
Roman calvary choirs are singing.”
Cavalry or Calvary? Mixing these two words up is a very common mistake. The Romans were known for their infantry legions not their cavalry, but they did crucify Jesus on Calvary Hill in Jerusalem.
“Be my mirror my sword and shield”
My missionaries in a foreign field.”
This directly echos the Paul in Ephesians who writes of “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” and the “shield of faith”. His disciples are his missionaries who he wants to continue on with his message.
But this is not a religious song as such. The second half of the chorus is more general about how those in power cannot trust the advice they receive nor can they be trusted to speak honestly themselves. And in the end, they will know if they have lived a life that would expect to be let into heaven for–and I think it’s more about the feeling of the “king” looking back on how he now judges his own life not about whether Saint Peter would literally let him into heaven.
Hey!Wow, I loved reading your thoughts on this and other little Coldplay moments of wonder. I was fascinated by them from the debut album and love following the prophetic stream that flows from them.I am totally fascinated by Viva la Vida, to me it seems to incorparate a mixture of different empires/revolutions. So for my money, I like to think of the character as a personification of Empire itself, especially where it’s religion tangled up with politics…Roman, British, American etc.
Viva la vida. Live the Life. Charles X, last king of France… put in place by Napoleon when he needed France to have a king so he could be Emperor of Rome. “In My Place” is Milton – Paradise Lost, Lucifer… Crossed lines he shouldn’t have crossed. And all he wants to do is get “home.”
Whups! That’s 3AM for you… Napoleon… Emperor of Rome! Nice trick since Napoleon died in 1821 and Charles was the King of France from 1825-1830… ending in the “July Revolution”… Never again did France have a king… his successor Louis-Phillipe was never “King of France”, but was coronated as “King of the French” (people)… Charles X tried to get his 10 year old grandson made king without any success. He was the end of the line… from King to Citizen in 5 years… Ended up bumming around Europe… spending time in England and eventually died in Czech. Oh how far he’d fallen.
As for the Milton Reference… Lucifer was the #1 “go to guy” with God… until He created an obviously flawed mankind… and Lucifer was happy to point that out to the Big Guy… At what point was Lucifer “evil?” When he caused Mankind to fall? Lucifer crossed boundaries across which he could never return. And that refrain, “You Are!” is the praise that the angels sing to God to his claim, “I am.” Lucifer was In His Place… then put into his place… and can never return. And the communion/song with God is gone… and that’s more torture than any creation should ever have to face. The song can make you cry.
are you sure it’s not Roman CATHOLIC choirs are singing? that makes way more sense to me.
this is an interesting article about some Christian influences in Coldplay. Never thought about them this way before.
yea i think it does say that
and wow i always wondered about this song..i work at ross and they would play it a lot and i would be like hmm.that st. peter line always got to me..always made me wonder what this song was talking about..
I’m not sure Coldplay are Christians. It seems they like to use Christian imagery, partly due to their upbringing and partly because they are big fans of U2, but I’m not sure they believe. U2 are a different story. There is clearly deep faith there, albeit with a lot of highs and lows.
I recommend reading Rolling Stone’s exclusive interview with Chris Martin. He references how he was brought up with a very strong religious background and the idea of heaven and hell looming over him. It sounds as though his notion of religion and Christianity is very much a “hellfire and brimstone” perspective, which seems to have turned him off to the relational aspect of Christianity… which who blames him? But yes, from what he said it sounds as though much of Coldplay’s music is influenced by Martin (and probably all of the band’s) strong religious upbringing. But as to whether they still hold to that, it’s not really clear. But Rolling Stone’s interview with Chris gives alot of insight into the reason’s behind the spirituality often seen in Coldplay’s music.
He says he refused to cover the Rolling Stones “Sympathy for the Devil” for an entire year because he was convinced that if he sang it he would go to hell.
I THINK ITS ALL ABOUT ISRAIL HOW IT WAS JEWISH AND NOW GETTIN ATTACKED BY ARABS!!
I read along the lyrics with the song I just got the album yesterday, It is a fact he says, will call my name, the word could be confused because of his slight accent. but I hadn’t realized of how much of a Christian overtone there was to the song, I liked it to begin with, but having such a major overtone in a mainstream song is honestly shocking to hear, in a good way. it seems in this country if you have any belief whatsoever (short of global warming) and express that belief you are scorned and scoffed.
good for coldplay
i know thats what i thought as well when i heard it at ross…i was like no way are they letting it play here..lol i would think people would sue or something..but yup good for them
people cant think “deep” lolz..
Steve, this is a nice examination of some music. As a visual artist, I can appreciate the time you took to look at it, and then share it further with others. (same as the Violet Hill song — though admittedly, I haven’t heard either song)
Although not particularly in with pop culture, another band to look at is Thrice – a hard rock* band introduced to me by Scott. Some of their lyrics have Scriptural themes but manage to remain ambiguous with impressive creative abilities… especially if you’re not a person in tune with Scripture. They’re not a Christian-label band and as far as I know don’t make it a point to say they are believers. Their latest album, Alchemy Index: Air & Earth, is what I’m most familiar with and is particularly noteworthy is ‘Come All You Weary’.
* Also worth noting that Thrice’s older albums are a mix of the singing and screaming, so while musically a lot of their stuff is not what I’d listen to, lyrically they are amazing. The Alchemy Index albums are more my style.
Excellent read of the song Steve! Makes perfect sense. Thanks for the insights.
Actually, the line is: “I know Saint Peter WON’T call my name.”
Shelly, I’ve also read the Rolling Stone article and I can clearly see how someone would be able to associate Coldplay’s lyrics to thos of religions. Chris Martin was brought up in a Christian household. He practiced abstinence and was even called ‘gay’ at his schools– he even once wondered if he was gay as he questioned his own sexuality (Thank God for Gwen).
I know Saint Peter won’t call my name: Jesus himself speaking? Peter denies him three times.
Many of the lines make sense as coming from Jesus–
Be my mirror my sword and shield/my missionaries in a foreign field:
Mirror: to reflect Jesus (we are made in the image)
Sword/Shield: Ephesians 6:10, the Whole Armor of God
Missionaries in a foreign field: Matthew 28:19-Go therefore and make disciples of all nations
People couldn’t believe what I’d become: many had a hard time believing Jesus to be the Messiah because Messiahs aren’t supposed to die, especially not on crosses.
the comments on this post make me chuckle…isn’t it funny how we can try and decide which lyrics are “christian” and which are not? Is “christian” music event the appropriate term here? (I appreciated the author’s original use of the term “spiritual” as it seems much more appliciable. Semantics I know, but it does matter somewhat). Does being on a Christian record label make your music “Christian”? Just as in nature, we find truth and meaning all around us, and when something is true, it leads back to One who created truth. (some have said, “all truth is God’s truth…” And besides, have you listened to some CCM lately? For real?) But just because someone uses religious imagery, it doesn’t mean that they are singing about God. For example in the song above, the phrase “missionaries in a foreign field” is overtly Christian, but we cannot forget that they are the king’s missionarys…sent to advance HIS agenda. Notice that field is also a battle site…likely that the king’s missionaries in a foreign field are his armies advancing his kingdom. What do you want to bet that their perspective on the Iraq war is? Just some more food for thought…I really enjoyed reading through this discussion
Ryan,
thanks for your post. We talked about what we meant by Christian in earlier comments in this post. I haven’t claimed its a “christian” song in the CCM sense, but it is clear that they are using heavily christian imagery to make their case. Kings don’t properly have “missionaries” anyway. The point he’s making is that the “king” has co-opted religion for his own ends.
I do think we can discuss whether a concept is Christian or not–does it line up with Biblical truth, is it consistent with Christ’s teachings, etc. I agree, “all truth IS God’s truth,” which opens up a great deal to us in terms of interpretation of things like this.
Yes, I do see this as a protest song, against the Iraq war.
To it seems to me that this song is about finding some way in the life, probably finding a way to God, about changing the view of what the world really is.
A person used to have a view of the world which seemed so complete, he used to think he was the only one who had power ower his life (“I used to rule the world”) he thought he, a human, was so strong he could make sees rise and have power over other people (“Feel the fear in my enemy’s eyes”). He thought he “held the key” that unlocked the mistery of life. But then some dramatic change happened (“the walls were closed on me”) and he “discovered that my castles stand Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand ” and the building of his view of the world crumbled, he realised he was just a human, not the biggest power in the universe, realised there was something much bigger. and now he sees the truth – “I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing Roman Cavalry choirs are singing “, he relies on God to be his ” sword and shield”, he lets God speak for him (“Be My missionarie in a foreign field”). And he cant even explain why he belives in Higher power, he just feels what he belives now is right (“For some reason I can’t explain I know Saint Peter will call my name ” – meaning “I dont know what makes me so confident i’ll be in heaven. i just belive.”) while his human-as-the-highest-power (sorry for this word, just dont know how else to call it) point of view was wrong (“Never an honest word But that was when I ruled the world”). In the 2nd verse he mentions that change as a “wild wind” that “Blew down the doors to let me in” – something really huge happened and it opened his eyes. In the end he says he has no regret about not thinking to be the biggest power in the world any more by saying “who would ever want to be king?”. And the lines “I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing Roman Cavalry choirs are singing” explain it was God who he found, not some other belief.
Hope my explanation was not too messy for other people to understand my meaning) i dont claim thats the very meaning Chris ment or the only possible explanation but it seems to make sense. Bless you)
First, the line is, “i know St. Peter won’t call my name”. Emphasis on the won’t. I know this to be true from a direct quote from Martin that I just read a moment ago. So, reassess your interpretation on the grounds that Martin feels his salvation through God. There is nothing in this song that alludes to that being the case. Instead, the motif of this song is a melancholy wail that declares a realization of ones evilness and that St. Peter won’t call his name. Moreover, try this on for size. I believe this song is written from the perspective of Satan, retrospectively, that is. Remember, Satan is just a puppet on a string controlled by the almighty God. Reassess the song with this in mind, I feel you will find it very revealing. There’s tons more I could go into about it but I’ll spare you. Just think about it.
What if it is about re-incarnation. and he is telling about a past life . Now he sweeps the streets he used to rule!
Fascinating blog
I’ll put my two cents in.
Seems to me its just a generic song about a ruthless mans rise to power and ultimate fall, a timeless story.
I don’t see how you can tie the story to any specific individual.
The classical and religous referances just seem to indicate whoever wrote the song is educated. It’s very refreshing.
Love the song and video
Well, the idea behind St. Peter calling his name merely seems to be pop culture thing. It is NOT a Catholic belief that St. Peter guards the gates of heaven. He recieved the “Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven” from Jesus when He said, “I give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven… What ever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” The belief of the Catholics is something much different than this. Catholics don’t believe in crazy un-biblical traditions.
I think its funny that people consider Catholics to be something other than Christian. Like there are Christians and then Catholics. We are one in the same believing in the same thing. Every Christian faith is a branch coming from Catholicism.
I dont think the line Roman Cavalry…or Calvary makes sense. I think it’s Roman Catholic Choirs are singing. When I read the words to this song. I felt it could be the words of God sing to us. and the chorus could be us singing. I think the line…the old king is dead…long live the king could refer to how things of this world now grab us more than God. God the old king…the world and things of this world being the new king.
I believe you are close on your interpretation of this line. However, let me spin if for you just a bit. Perhaps what is being referenced is the rise of Nihilism (God is dead) and then supplementation of the godless void with the material, secular world. An interesting approach to be sure, but I think at this point I might be pushing it further than Martin conceived it. But who knows. Once again, this interpretation is in accord with my belief that the whole song is written from the first person perspective of the Devil in a retrospective manner, fused with a great deal of melancholy. Almost like a Devil Hamlet.
and the “this” that they believe differently than is the idea that St. Peter guards the gates of Heaven. Catholics do not believe that, rather Catholics believe what Jesus actually told him.
Despite having obvious Christian allusions, I think this song is nothing more than a brilliant uplifting anthem for anyone who after achieving greatness fell to nothingness. “I know St. Peter won’t call my name” is basically saying that despite everything going wrong, it’s not the end. We still get another chance at achieving something.
One of the best records of the decade.
This was quite an interesting forum on the song and its meaning, but with all the debate of whether he says “will” or “wont call my name”, let me put it to rest if I may. I am copying and pasting it right now DIRECTLY from the coldplay.com website.
Viva La Vida
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
Listened 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
Missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can’t explain
Once you’d gone there was never
Never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world
It was a 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 St Peter won’t call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
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 St Peter won’t call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
All I can add is that I dont feel alone in thinking that this song has spiritual overtones. Tones that only make believers think, but more importantly non-believers take notice. Despite whether your cup of tea is rock, country or even classical. This song I’m sure has put if not God in their hearts, certainly in their minds and on their lips, and that’s a good start !!!
The song is about Napolean in his final hours in exile. Napolean fought and defeated almost every military in the western hemisphere, including the Holy Roman Empire, Italy, Switzerland, etc. He used many forms of deception to conquer (Never an honest word, but that was when I ruled the world). The Saint Peter won’t call my name is referring to all of the atrocities of war and such he created (He enslaved many men, women children. Looted. Executed thousands of prisoners at once). Hence, he doesn’t believe Saint Peter will call his name. He was said to have an amazing ability to be able to know when to strike, or attack his enemies. He was actually quite famous for that. (I use to feel the fear in my enemies eyes.) He was captured and exiled.
Right you are Ray. The song is song from the point of view of a fallen emperor (Napolean) reminiscing about when he “used to rule the world”. While there may be some religious overtones in the song, I do not believe that is the main theme of the piece.
The song is a metaphor for all people in power everywhere, the difficulties of leadership, and the “form-twisting” that the stresses of leadership and attempts at appeasement of the mob that political leadership often inflicts personally upon the leader.
This song brings to my mind a number of political/historical figures almost simultaneously which in that confusion makes me think of it as a general historical statement rather than a specific message (about for example the Bush administration). For example:
“Feel the fear in my enemy’s eyes”: any despot
“roll the dice/a wicked and wild wind/Blew down the doors to let me in”: often uneasy political undertakings to keep/hold power through history, most leaders underwent great risk to establish themselves and relied to some degree on luck
“never an honest word, but that was when I ruled the world”: simultaneous feelings of superhuman political power causing feelings of transcendance above morals, and the need to appease the angry mob that could easily remove any leader from power
“be my mirror, my soul, my shield”: With great power the leader has lost any moral standard off of which to judge him/herself because there is noone to whom he/she feels equal or accountable
“missionaries in a foreign field”: Again, the leader needs guidance in an emotional state where reality has become “foreign” to him
“I know St Peter won’t call my name”: despite all his power, the one standard that still exists is that which has power even ABOVE him, God, and he knows that his earthly power dominance won’t extend into the spiritual realm during death.
“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”: The leader in being deposed finds just how weak his falsely perceived power really was.
“Just a puppet on a lonely string/Oh who would ever want to be king?”: Again, in having feelings and being treated as if he is above everyone to a point of almost not being human in such power, what occurs is actually loneliness, not fulfillment.
I know that was long but I can’t stand people saying this song is about Bush. Ya, the Bush administration sucked, we got it, but this song is to good for that, and has such a wider, greater, and more powerful meaning about the historical, eternal, and philosophical characteristics of leadership.
It seems to me that this song is about Pontius Pilate, the military governor of Judea, who unenthusiastically presided over the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In the Apocrypha, Pilate is cursed with immortality for having permitted Jesus to be crucified,while having profound doubts regarding His guilt. In my view, the song describes Pilate’s fate,having forsaken any chance at salvation.
Thanks for your take on this song, Steve. I hadn’t thought of it as a protest-Bush song. Here was my take on it:
Throughout the song, there is a clear indication that the character understands what philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche called “the will to power,” that most of us will often allow our need for achievement to outweigh our desire to be good to our fellow human beings. Our ambition and our striving to reach the highest possible position in life often does incredible damage to the harmony and love that should be the standard for our human existence. The main character understands this. It was not right that he took power; it was also not right that he lost power. It was not right that he once ruled the world; it was also not right that he now sweeps the streets alone. It was not right that there was “never an honest word” while he “ruled the world.” And now, “for some reason,” he knows that St. Peter won’t call his name.
Here is my post in its entirety: http://vanguardchurch.blogspot.com/2009/07/coldplays-viva-la-vida-will-to-power-vs.html