<P> The lyrics to "Viva la Vida" are narrated by a protagonist who says he "used to rule the world". 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," When asked about the song, bass guitarist Guy Berryman said: "It's a story about a king who's lost his kingdom, and all the album's artwork is based on the idea of revolutionaries and guerrillas . There's this slightly anti-authoritarian viewpoint that's crept into some of the lyrics and it's some of the pay - off between being surrounded by governments on one side, but also we're human beings with emotions and we're all going to die and the stupidity of what we have to put up with every day . Hence the album title ." </P> <P> Unlike the then - typical arrangement of Coldplay songs, in which either the guitar or piano is the prominent instrument, the track mostly consists of a string section and a digital piano playing the song's upbeat riff, along with a steady bass drum beat, percussion (including a timpano and a church bell), bass guitar, and Martin's vocals; there is limited use of electric guitar . All the strings are arranged and conducted by violinist Davide Rossi, who is one of the main collaborators of the album . Rossi's strings comprise the main driving force throughout the song, with a strong beginning loop that supports Martin's voice, until the choruses where the symphonic power of the orchestra takes its fullest shape . The prominent chords played by the string section throughout the song (and in the chorus of "Rainy Day," another of the band's songs) are very similar to those used by "Viva la Vida" co-producer Brian Eno in his piece "An Ending (Ascent)," meaning they could have been suggested partially for the song by Eno . </P> <P> The song is written in the key of A-flat major . </P> <P> "Viva la Vida" was initially released only with iTunes Store pre-orders of Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends on 7 May 2008--the "new edit" version of the song--which led to the song's temporary exclusion from the UK Singles Chart . It was released as a download - only single on 25 May 2008, and a physical CD single in Europe on 29 July 2008 to coincide with the release of the single's music videos . "Viva la Vida" was well - downloaded in the internet, becoming iTunes' best - selling song of 2008 . </P>

What is the song viva la vida by coldplay about