Who's behind the notes? Discover Coldplay: The Complete Biography of the British Rock Band
"Viva la Vida" is one of Coldplay's most iconic songs, and it comes with a variety of interesting facts:
Meaning of the Title: "Viva la Vida" is Spanish for "Long Live Life" or "Live Life Strong." The song's lyrics explore themes of power, fame, and the fleeting nature of success.
Influences from Art: The song's title and some of its lyrics were inspired by Frida Kahlo's painting "Viva la Vida" (1954), which means "Live Life" in Spanish. The painting depicts a watermelon with a bold knife slicing through it, symbolizing both life and death.
Album Title Connection: "Viva la Vida" is the title track from Coldplay's fourth studio album, released in 2008. The album's full title is "Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends," emphasizing the contrast between life and death.
Historical Allusions: The song's lyrics contain historical references, including imagery related to the French Revolution and the reign of King Louis XVI. The line "I used to rule the world" alludes to the king's fall from power.
Brian Eno's Influence: Brian Eno, a renowned producer and musician, played a significant role in producing the album "Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends," including the song itself. His experimental approach contributed to the album's unique sound.
Sampling Controversy: In 2009, guitarist Joe Satriani claimed that "Viva la Vida" plagiarized parts of his instrumental track "If I Could Fly." The matter was eventually settled out of court, and Coldplay's members stated that any similarities were unintentional.
Commercial Success: "Viva la Vida" became one of Coldplay's most successful songs. It topped the charts in multiple countries and won numerous awards, including Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group.
Music Video: The song's music video features the band members in a variety of historical and surreal settings, such as a depiction of the painting "Liberty Leading the People." It was directed by Hype Williams and received critical acclaim.
Live Performances: Coldplay has performed "Viva la Vida" at many of their concerts and tours. The song often receives an enthusiastic response from the audience due to its catchy melody and meaningful lyrics.
Cultural Impact: "Viva la Vida" has been covered by various artists and featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials. Its popularity and distinctive sound have contributed to its lasting cultural impact.
"Viva la Vida" remains one of Coldplay's most recognizable and beloved songs, both for its artistic qualities and its exploration of thought-provoking themes.