Has Coldplay Turned Christian? (Part 1)
Music Buzz
Could it be true? Has Coldplay turned Christian? It’s not a secret that most of the band members have previously professed in interviews some sort of acknowledgment and understanding of God and Christianity. Also, they’ve already used biblical imagery and themes to express their musical artistry in their previous albums. So it’s not a complete stretch of the imagination that it’s possible that they could have either already taken the dive into the ocean of salvation, or maybe they’re just tiptoeing at the edge of the diving board contemplating life and eternity. Somebody give them a shove?
Coldplay’s newest album, Viva La Vida, is undeniably bursting at the seams with spiritual essence, but is still masked with that artistic elusiveness that always leaves broad pastures for the mind to roam. This album in its entirety seems to be either the bold proclamation of a newfound faith, or the cries of a soul lost in the confusion of sitting on top of the world. This is the chorus of the feature song of the album:
» I hear Jerusalem bells are 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
» I know Saint Peter won’t call my name
» Never an honest word
» But that was when I ruled the world
To try to gain an understanding of what the lyrics in the album mean, it should be important to try to understand the album cover. 
What does Viva La Vida mean? It’s literally translated “Live the Life,” but the meaning can be “Long Live the Life” (like viva la resistance!). The title is taken from a painting of the same name of watermelons by Frida Kahlo, who was an acclaimed 20th century Mexican artist.
Who is that woman holding the French flag on the cover? There are some who believe it is Joan of Arc, and they try to interpret the album with her in mind. It is not her. 
Joan of Arc lived in the 15th century (1412 – 30 May 1431) and brandished quite a different sort of weapon than what is portrayed on the album cover; think swords and castles. The album cover is taken from a classic painting by a French Romantic painter named Eugène Delacroix in 1830 called “Liberty Leading The People” (La Liberté guidant le people). It depicts a woman personifying Liberty in the French Revolution leading the army in their march 
over dead bodies while holding the French tricolor flag aloft. It’s currently on display at the Louvre in Paris. The French Revolution was in the 18th century (1789–1799), which was only several years after the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783); think muskets and bayonets.
- MyJesusRocks
February 10th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
This is not about god or Jesus, it’s about the French Revolution. ‘Nuff Said
February 10th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
bob thinks he has it all figured out, the french revolution. the french revolution only dealt with france, nothing to do with jerusalem bells or roman cavalry choirs or swords and shields or missionaries in a foreign field. or saint peter for that matter. have you even listened to the lyrics? youd have to throw out the entire song. you’re getting confused about the album cover, theres a much higher mark chris martin is aiming at, obviously.
March 24th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Bob has just hit the tip of the iceberg, but Snook brings an apparently viable argument to the table. Yes, the album does very obviously allude to the French Revolution. As the album name refers to it, it can be assumed that it is the overarching theme. Snook is wrong, however, in that this does not correlate whatsoever to Jerusalem bells or St. Peter. The French Revolution was the largest move away from Christianity in history. Charles Dickens’ novel Tale of Two Cities describes that La Guillotine–the most distinct symbol of the revolution–”superseded the Cross. Models of it were worn on breasts from which the Cross was discarded, and it was bowed down to and believed in where the Cross was denied.” The lyric in Viva la Vida, “I know St. Peter won’t call my name,” confirms that the band’s connection to the Revolution is one of affirmation. Also, the tone of Viva la Vida (song) is jubilant and happy, not regretful that St. Peter won’t call his name. (St. Peter is generally thought to hold the key to the gates of heaven) The album name “Viva la Vida,” may be common to the referenced Frida Kahlo painting, but her translation does not correlate to the album. “Long Live the Life,” would directly contradict the prevailing themes of the Revolution: death and slaughter. “Live the Life” creates a puzzle piece that fits all previously presented evidence perfectly. Coldplay, in titling their album “Live the Life” is asserting that one must not wait in faith for God, in doing so possibly sacrificing the most thrilling, enriching experiences of life, and he or she ought instead to break free of mainstream religion and live life to the fullest.
June 7th, 2010 at 12:43 am
May your Christmas be filled with special moment, warmth, peace and happiness, the joy of covered ones near,