Viva La Vida

by Coldplay
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Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Lyrics

I used to (Db5)rule

the (Eb7sus)world.

Seas would (Ab)rise when I gave the (Fm)word.

Now in the morn ing I (Db5)sleep

a (Eb7sus)lone,

sweep the (Ab)streets I used to (Fm)own.

I used to (Db5)roll

the (Eb7sus)dice,

feel the (Ab)fear in my en e mies’ (Fm)eyes.

Lis ten as the (Db5)crowd would (Eb7sus)sing,

“Now the (Ab)old king is dead, long (Fm)live the king.” One min ute I (Db5)held

the (Eb7sus)key,

next the (Fm)walls on were closed on me.

And I dis cov ered that my (Db5)cas tles (Eb7sus)stand

up on (Ab)pil lars of salt and pil (Fm)lars of sand.

I (Db5)hear Je ru sa lem (Eb7sus)bells a ring ing, (Ab)Ro man cav al ry (Fm)choirs are sing ing.

(Db5)Be my mir ror, my (Eb7sus)sword and shield, my (Ab)mis sion ar ies in a (Fm)for eign field.

(Db5)For some rea son I (Eb7sus)can’t ex plain.

I (Ab)Once you’ve gone there (Fm)was nev er, nev er an hon

est (Eb7sus)word.

And that was (Ab)when I ruled the (Fm)world.

It was a wick ed and wild

(Eb7sus)wind

blew down the (Ab)doors to let me (Fm)in.

Shat tered win dows and the (Db5)sound of (Eb7sus)drums.

Peo ple (Ab)could n’t be lieve what (Fm)I’d be come.

Rev o lu tion (Db5)ar

ies (Eb7sus)wait

for my (Fm)head on were sil ver plate.

And Just a pup pet on a (Db5)lone ly (Eb7sus)string.

Ah, on (Ab)who would ev er na be (Fm)king?

of sand.

I (Db5)hear Je ru sa lem (Eb7sus)bells a ring ing, (Ab)Ro man cav al ry (Fm)choirs are sing ing.

(Db5)Be my mir ror, my (Eb7sus)sword and shield, my (Ab)mis sion ar ies in a (Fm)for eign field.

(Db5)For some rea son I (Eb7sus)can’t ex plain.

I (Ab)know Saint Pe ter (Fm)won’t call my name, nev er an

est (Eb7sus)word.

But that was (Ab)when I ruled the (Fm)world.

It was a wick ed and wild

(Eb7sus)wind

blew down the (Ab)doors to let me (Fm)in.

Shat tered win dows and the

Oh,

oh,

oh,

oh,

oh.

(Db5)hon est (Eb7sus)word.

But that was (Ab)when I ruled the (Fm)world.

(Db)Ooh.

(Db)Ooh.

Viva La Vida — Piano Lead Sheet

70 people have learned this song

"Viva La Vida" lead sheet with chords, melody, and lyrics. Play the melody while following chord symbols above. Perfect for sing-along or accompaniment. Key of Ab, 133 BPM.

Tip: Use the speed control to practice at 70% tempo first. Focus on tricky chord transitions before attempting the full arrangement.

About “Viva La Vida”

Where are the chord symbols for "Viva La Vida" displayed?
Lead Sheet shows chord symbols (like Am, G7, C) above the melody line with lyrics below. Every chord change highlights in real time as the song plays, so you can play the melody with the right hand and follow chord shapes with the left. "Viva La Vida" is in Ab.
What key is "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay played in?
Viva La Vida is arranged in the key of Ab on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Viva La Vida"?
The arrangement plays at 133 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Viva La Vida" easy to play on piano?
This is a medium-difficulty arrangement. Most players can learn it within a few practice sessions using the speed control.
Can I download sheet music for "Viva La Vida"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Viva La Vida"?
"Viva La Vida" was originally performed by Coldplay. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "Viva La Vida"?
This arrangement uses 9 chords: Ab, Ab6, Abmaj7, Db, Db6, Dbpow, Eb7, Eb9, +1 more.
What other songs by Coldplay can I play here?
Try "Everglow", "HYMN FOR THE WEEKEND", "FIX YOU". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Does "Viva La Vida" have chords and lyrics?
Yes! The Lead Sheet shows the melody with chord symbols (like Am, G, C) and full lyrics. Perfect for singing along or playing with a band. "Viva La Vida" is in the key of Ab at 133 BPM.
What chords are in "Viva La Vida"?
Open the Lead Sheet to see all chord symbols displayed above the melody line. The song is in the key of Ab, so you'll find chords common to that key. Each chord highlights in real time as the song plays.