genre: Rock

"Viva la Vida" is both the second single released from and the co-title cut to the English alternative rock band Coldplay's 2008 album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends.

Unlike the typical arrangement of Coldplay songs, in which the piano and/or guitar dominate, "Viva la Vida" mostly consists of a string section playing the song's upbeat riff, along with a steady bass drum beat, bass guitar, electric guitar and Chris Martin's vocals. The string section with a combined with a common genre is similar to composed pieces by Brian Eno, who is one of the producers of this song.

Q magazine asked Chris Martin about the line "I know Saint Peter won't call my name" sung in "Viva la Vida". Martin replied: "It's about... You're not on the list. I was 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. Because they think they're going to get lots of virgins. I always feel like saying, Just join a band (laughs). That is the most frightening thing you could possibly say to somebody. Eternal damnation. I know about this stuff because I studied it. I was into it all. I know it. It's still mildly terrifying to me. And this is serious."

The video is directed by Hype Williams.