The song and its parent album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends , were heavily influenced by iconic historical artwork:
The lyrics tell the story of a deposed monarch—widely interpreted as of France—reflecting on his lost glory as he awaits execution during the French Revolution. Coldplay - Viva La Vida
: References to "Jerusalem bells," "Roman Cavalry," and "Saint Peter" emphasize the king's search for redemption and the weight of his former authority. The song and its parent album, Viva la