Back in high school, I had to do a thing called a “literary analysis.” At the time, I didn’t understand why it was necessary. But now I realize that it’s about recognizing how different people perceive things in their own way. When we do a literary analysis, we’re essentially trying to see the world from the perspective of the creator. Achieving this requires real empathy, which can only come through experience. From a scientific standpoint, certain parts of the brain are responsible for this. While I do believe in science, I also have a stronger belief in something beyond that—something I can’t real can explain and with me that simply magical. Music is a form of art, and in my opinion, this applies to all kinds of art, sometimes you “get” it, sometimes you don’t, and sometimes the message you interpret may differ from what the creator intended. But does that really matter? I don’t think so. It’s like a mirror that reflects the soul of the observer not the creator.
“Viva La Vida” is a Spanish phrase that translates to “Live the Life” or “Long Live Life” in English (I googled it). I gotta admit, I cried the first time I heard this song. Didn’t fully get why it was so emotional at the time, but anyway I’m not afraid to talk about my feelings, at least at my universe :v. Power, loss, and reflection this song really hits you with a sense of living life to the fullest while also reminding you how fleeting life can be ⇒ fulfilling life.
Lyrics
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
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
I hear Jerusalem bells are 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
Once you go there was never, never a 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 are ringing
Roman Calvary 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 won’t call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Calvary 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 won’t call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world