Viva la Vida - Presentation

Songs as Poetry

PRESENTATION

Viva la Vida Coldplay

Sarah LE CORRE

• power
• downfall

Theme

- I used to rule the world- Now the old king is dead, long live the king- People couldn't believe what I'd become

• power
• downfall

Rhymes

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

• Type of rhyme: AA-BB

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

• Type of rhyme: AA-BB-CC-DD

= something organised, thought ahead

Allusions

I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringin'

• In medieval Europe, when the enemy attacked a city unexpectedly, all the church bells would ring to alarm people.

Roman Cavalry choirs are singin'

• Symbol of victory

I know Saint Peter won't call my name

• 1 of the 12 Apostles of Jesus, has the"Keys of heaven"

Revolutionaries wait For my head on a silver plate

• French revolution, guillotine, end of an era

Metaphor

Be my mirror, my sword and shield

= be like

• Show me the truth, defend me and protect me

Hyperbole

Personification

I know St Peter won't call my name

= He won't go to heaven

• It amplifies the feeling of regret

It was a wicked and wild wind Blew down the doors to let me in

• Helps him
• Blew down the doors on purpose

Conclusion :

• the rise and fall of a leader
• possibility of redemption and a new beginning