SONG #22: Coldplay - Viva La Vida

Inducted on June 5, 2014

I'm playing catchup, and hopefully will get to the point where I'm writing an entry on the day that I actually induct a song. But as of now the Hall of Fame has 42 songs in it, so I'm 20 behind. No worries.. I'm plugging along. Anyway, of the 42 songs inducted.. only three bands have more than one Hall of Fame song. I think that's an indicator of my love for such a wide variety of artists and genres.

"Viva La Vida" is Coldplay's second song in my list and by the time I take my last breath, they'll probably have 4-6 songs on the list. I have a strong connection to their music.. as do so many other people. They are my generation's U2, both in style and scope (I'm sure some U2 fans are thinking "not even close", but hey it's my blog.. I can make whatever comparisons I want to make!).

Anyway, this song is catchy from the opening hook to the final, haunting "ooohs" (which I don't believe are on the radio edit). The rhythm to start the song sucks you in, and quickly moves you to the opening lyric "I used to rullllle the world"..

While the music is fantastic, I think the real shining point of this song is the story it tells. I was never very good at interpreting poetry, and sometimes music lyrics can have the same effect on me. But with this song, it doesn't take more than a listen or two to come up with a strong interpretation of what's happening. A "king" (real or figurative) has lost his kingdom, and he's reminiscing what he had and mourning(?) what he's lost. The "king" could have been a real jerk but as the listening I can empathize with losing something that you once had. Great concept here.

I don't have any particular memories about this song, although it was released during the summer we bought our house, and I remember getting excited every time I heard it.

By the way, the church bell in the refrain of this song may very well be the best use of non-drum percussion since "Don't Fear the Reaper's" cowbell.