I think it's more about Jesus than anything, which kinda suprised me, Coldplaying christian rock? lol.
But yeah, my analysis, line for line:
I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sweep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own
Jesus, being God incarnate in a humanly form was given the ability to control the world.
He was able to control the seas.
I'm not too sure on this but I think this is a reference to his betrayal by Judas.
I think the last line is a reference to any catholic, someone giving god authority over them.
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, pillars of sand
Lines 1-2 is a bit esque, and I don't think has any importance but outlined in my last verse analysis. I think lines 3-4 is something to do with the courts and king of Jerusalem.
Next few lines, figuratively represent his loss of influence over people in Jerusalem, because of the propaganda from the Jews and King. Literally, I think this is a reference to the story told by Jesus of a wise man building his house on gravel and rock whilst the foolish man built his house on sand and it was washed away by the sea.
Overall this verse is meant to be seen as the decline of Jesus' influence, his leadership, etc. Basically his decline.
I hear Jerusalem bells a 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 know there was never, never an honest word
That was when I ruled the world
This is where it clicked, where I started analyzing it from a biblical point of view, as it has clear biblical ideologies. Line 3 I think is a catholic's depdendance on God, and a reference to the Prayer. The next line I think is about Jesus' desciples and followers spreading the word of God in foreign lands, example; the influence of christianity on Emporeror Nero in the 5th century, thereby making the Empire of Rome a strictly Christian nation. The last 2 lines, again I think is a reference to Jesus' betryal and that the world was full of exchanges of false promises and lies, resulting in his death.
It was the 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 wanna be king?
I know for a fact this is a reference to the new testament, John the Baptist and The Book Of Mark. Though I can't really be assed to explain -.-
Oh and a line I missed somewhere about Saint Peter, that means Jesus being accepted into Heaeven (Saint Peter at the gates of heaven).
Nice song, really like it.
