Viva La Vida

by Coldplay
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How to Play This Song

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

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Sing this song instead — backing track for “Viva La Vida”
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Other arrangements of Viva La Vida

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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 — Simple Sheet Music

70 people have learned this song

"Viva La Vida" in simplified sheet music format — the bridge between beginner modes and real sheet music. Color-coded notes with lyrics scrolling horizontally. Perfect for learning to read music. 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”

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "Viva La Vida"?
Simplified Arrangement keeps the melody and chords on a simplified staff with lyrics, color-coded for easy recognition. It's a learner-bridge between Beginner mode and the classic engraved Sheet Music — same song, less visual density.
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.
Is Simple Sheet good for learning to read sheet music?
Yes! Simple Sheet bridges the gap between beginner color-coded modes and traditional notation. Notes are displayed on a simplified staff with colors, lyrics, and chords — helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "Viva La Vida". Key of Ab, 133 BPM.
What's the difference between Simple Sheet and Lead Sheet?
Simple Sheet shows a more streamlined, horizontally scrolling view with color-coded notes on a staff and lyrics below — like a simplified version of real sheet music. Lead Sheet shows melody with chord symbols above and full lyrics. Simple Sheet is the next step toward reading traditional notation.