Two Songs About The Demise Of The British Empire

Coldplay has never said what "Viva La Vida" is "about" but if they wanted to do a song about the collapse of The British Empire they could not been more on target. Perhaps that is a testimony to the universality of art. The descriptors just fit the context perfectly. The observer sees something familiar regardless of the creator's intent.

What I find disturbing is the matter of fact attitude concerning the decline of something marvelous. This is familiar Leftist "everyone thinks they are exceptional/all cultures are created equal/who are we to celebrate our greatness?" territory. The fall is just one more occasion for theatrics. Indifference dressed up with violins.

One line always bothers me. Around 2:33 "For some reason I can't explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name." This reminds one of the absurdly inarticulate Occupy Wall Street crowd. They cannot explain their condemnation of Wall Street or America or capitalism or the very premise of free will, but they are certain of the irredeemable evil that resides at the core of these things. Coldplay, being eggheads by comparison, can add British colonialism to the list of the damned.

COLDPLAY: VIVA LA VIDA


Supertramp's "Fool's Overture" has so much more feeling than "Viva La Vida." Progressive rockers are sometimes accused of producing work more clever than heartfelt. Then when they express genuine feeling they are dismissed as prissy or wimpish by their heavy-heavy counterparts. "Fool's Overture" is both cerebral and visceral.

There is real sadness in the singer's voice. He is mourning "how great the fall can be." The Winston Churchill samples leave no doubt as to the song's lyrical theme. This is a sad song. It is also a masterpiece.


SUPERTRAMP: FOOL'S OVERTURE (VIDEO OPTIONAL. AUDIO MANDATORY)


I hope to never hear songs about the passing of America. If such songs are written I hope they will be more Supertramp than Coldplay. Unfortunately, I think there are plenty of Americans who cannot wait to dance on her grave. Viva La Vida.