The ambient sounds in Coldplay’s masterpiece “Viva la Vida”

“Viva la Vida” – which is Spanish for “Long Live Life” and is derived from Frida Kahlo’s 20th-century painting – is arguably one of Coldplay’s greatest-ever releases. Having been made available in June 2008, it received critical acclaim and would go on to achieve commercial success.

The track – written by all four members of the band – became a UK Number One and a US Number One. This was the first song that Coldplay in which the band had achieved this. At the same time, it won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2009.

It has also managed to set records regarding its digital release, with its success fuelled by this method. “Viva la Vida” has been certified as a five-time platinum track in the US, with more than 6.1 million sales and a further 3 million in the UK.

The song has continued to remain popular despite being 15 years old, with it being widely played on commercial radio stations, as well as for numerous sporting events and other entertainment shows.

The sounds have made “Viva la Vida” a success

While the story behind the lyrics perhaps resonates with many who have listened to it (which will be dissected imminently), there is no denying that the sounds have also greatly impacted its commercial success.

“Viva la Vida” has been built and composed as a musical track that features a looping string section. Numerous special effects have been incorporated, too, with various instrumental sounds helping to add even more layers to the sounds that have been generated.

It is possible to hear a digitally processed piano in the track, which helps to give the song the ambient sound that has made it popular. Many can try to replicate or create their own unique audio through the availability of platforms that offer free sound effects, as there are resources that can be downloaded and used.

Throughout the track, though, it is also possible to hear a bass drum beat, percussion instruments and a bass guitar throughout the musical arrangement, as well as Chris Martin’s recognizable vocals. Interestingly, there is a lack of an electric guitar.

The song is played in the key of A-flat major, which is interesting. According to data, it is believed this key is among the least popular and least used. A study of over 300,000 songs found that A-flat major was used on just 5% of occasions, whereas C major is the most popular at 16%. Given its unfamiliarity with listeners, this may have helped “Viva la Vida” to be as successful as it was as it provided an element of uniqueness.

The story of “Viva la Vida” might be a major reason for its success

As alluded to already, a story is being told in Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida” track that may have contributed to its success. While the ambient sounds that were created will have been what caught the attention of many, the lyrics that are sung will likely have resonated with many.

The song features a mixture of history and the Christian religion, which will connect with many listeners emotionally. The track tells the story of the French Revolution and King Louis XVI. “Viva la Vida” provides an overview of what happened from the King’s perspective as he reflects on his past power and the events that had ultimately led to his fall from grace, his overthrowing and his eventual execution.

The sounds do match the story that has been told, though, as the drums can be symbolic of the revolutionaries’ march, while shattered windows can be heard in the background that highlights the chaos that is being experienced and his downfall.

The Last Word

Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida” is a powerful song that combines its story with several ambient sounds that help portray it in an imaginative manner. It is not a surprise that it became one of the band’s most successful songs of all time and that it received success in the charts when it was initially released in 2008.

An interesting side note might be that the actual title of the song does not appear anywhere in the lyrics. Chris Martin, however, confirmed that he was inspired by Kahlo’s courage to face life head-on and with boldness, hence why it was titled with the phrase.