Vida

he lyrics to "Viva la Vida" contain many Biblical references.[9] For example, "pillars of sand" is a clear reference to the Biblical parable given by Jesus about the fool who built his house on sand,and the wise man who built it on solid rock, while "pillars of salt" is a reference to Lot's wife, who was turned into a pillar of salt. "I know Saint Peter won't call my name" refers to the populartradition of St. Peter guarding the gates of Heaven. He is often depicted in art as holding the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven per the Petrine doctrine and the Biblical reference in Matthew 16:19. Heis also commonly depicted with the book of life reading off the names of those individuals who had believed in Jesus Christ as per Revelation 20. The term "... my head upon a silver plate" refers tothe beheading of St. John the Baptist when Salome demanded his head delivered to her upon a platter.

The song has inspired a great deal of debate about its meaning. People have claimed that the songmay be about various subjects, such as the French Revolution.[10] The band members themselves do not appear to have corroborated any of these claims, and have referred only to kings andrevolutionaries in general, rather than any particular king.

Martin has explained the song lyric "I know Saint Peter won't call my name" in an interview with Q magazine: "It's about ... You're not on the list. Iwas a naughty boy. It's always fascinated me that idea of finishing your life and then being analyzed on it. And this idea runs throughout most religions. That's why people blow up buildings. Becausethey think they're going to get lots of virgins. I always feel like saying, just join a band ... That is the most frightening thing you could possibly say to somebody. Eternal damnation. I know aboutthis stuff because I studied it. I was into it all. I know it. It's still mildly terrifying to me. And this is serious."[11] When asked about the song, bass guitarist Guy Berryman said: "It's a...