Who's behind the notes? Discover Coldplay: The Complete Biography of the British Rock Band
"Viva la Vida" is a song by the British rock band Coldplay, released in 2008 as the second single from their fourth studio album, "Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends." Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Inspiration for the Title: The title "Viva la Vida" is Spanish for "Live the Life." The phrase was inspired by a painting by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo called "Viva la Vida, Watermelons."
Production Team: The song was produced by Brian Eno and Markus Dravs, who also worked on the rest of the album. Brian Eno is known for his work with several iconic musicians and bands, including U2 and David Bowie.
Chart Success: "Viva la Vida" became a massive commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making it Coldplay's first song to do so.
Grammy Awards: The song won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2009, and the album "Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends" won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album.
Sampling Controversy: The band faced some controversy regarding the song's similarities to the 1990s song "If I Could Fly" by Joe Satriani. Coldplay denied any intentional plagiarism, and the matter was settled out of court.
Cello Solo: The song features a prominent cello solo played by Guy Berryman, Coldplay's bassist. The cello adds a unique and distinctive element to the song's sound.
Cultural Impact: "Viva la Vida" has been widely used in various forms of media, including films, TV shows, and commercials. Its anthemic and orchestral sound contributed to its widespread popularity.
These facts highlight the success and impact of "Viva la Vida" both commercially and culturally, making it one of Coldplay's most celebrated songs.