<P> The album contains an array of different themes such as love, war, and revolutions . Unlike their previous releases it has a more universal approach, it deals less with personal problems and more with issues of humanity . Songs like an instrumental version of "Life in Technicolor II" (which didn't make it to the final track list) "Violet Hill" and "Death and All His Friends" talk about war and politics . Martin stated the lyrics of "Violet Hill" were a commentary on Fox News . "Violet Hill" also is the first anti-war protest song from the band . Other songs, such as the double track "Lovers in Japan / Reign of Love" and "Yes" are about love and desire . </P> <P> Revolutionary themes are also an important part of the album and its promotion . Coldplay used customized French revolutionary costumes through the Viva La Vida Tour and on the videos produced for the album's singles . Chris Martin said on an interview for The Sun "some say this album is brave - I just see us as being very lucky". Martin stated that a big inspiration for the album was the book Les Miserables by Victor Hugo . </P> <P> The work of The Beatles is apparent as an inspiration throughout the album . For instance, the song "Violet Hill" references the Beatles album Abbey Road, borrowing its rhythm from The Beatles . The song is named for a road which adjoins Abbey Road in London . </P> <P> The artwork for Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends was designed by Coldplay and Tappin Gofton; the latter designed the X&Y cover three years earlier . The design style for the album took months to be completed; it was initially developed from a set of large - scale sketches and paintings of expressive typo . Lyrics and song titles were boldly painted across old maps, books, copies of old paintings, newspapers and various sorts of second - hand things . The final work was photographed and later some additional typography was added by computer . </P>

Viva la vida or death and all his friends lyrics