Coldplay: When I Ruled The World Meaning

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When I Ruled The World Lyrics

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I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own
I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemies' eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing
"Now the old king is...

1.  

   anonymous

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   Jun 9th, 6:47am report

   
   

   Could be about someone with bipolar and in his manic state he ruled the world in his delusions of grandeur. But now life pretty much sucks in his depressed state...
   I've always just loved this song for some unknown reason - no matter its meaning!

   
   
   
   

2.  

   anonymous

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   Jun 5th, 6:21pm report

   
   

   I believe it has to do with Power and how those in positions of authority handle power, fame and authority.
   Those in authority will NOT be there forever.....it is all standing on pillars of salt and sand.
   We all have to be humble and have perspective in any position we are occupying.

   
   
   
   

3.  

   anonymous

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   Mar 3rd, 3:42am report

   
   

   My belief is that it's based on what Jesus' perspective probably was like right before His death on the cross. The parallels between the Bible story and the song lyrics are clear(to me anyway) and it causes me to wonder what made a non Christian band write and perform a song that parallels the Bible. Who knows! No matter what it means, I love the song! :)

   
   
   
   

4.  

   anonymous

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   Feb 8th, 2018 2:28am report

   
   

   It about Lucifer who once ruled the world the Jesus came was killed by Rome

   
   
   
   

5.  

   anonymous

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   Feb 2nd, 2018 2:51pm report

   
   

   My earlier interpretation was about the British Empire, but I‘ve since read, with interest, the one about Louis Xiv, and it‘s very good. The French Hoi Poloi at the time, though, wouldn‘t have wanted his head on a silver plate, rather a plain wooden spike - the whole point of the Revolution - but didn‘t Salome ask for the head of John the Baptist on a silver platter? Maybe the song is about religion in general, with pillars of salt reference etc, or the Roman Empire?? Now there‘s an idea.... Anyway, this site is great, so I‘m looking forward to more interpretations! Cheers! Edvardus.

   
   
   
   

6.  

   anonymous

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   Feb 1st, 2018 2:50pm report

   
   

   It‘s absolutely clear to me that this song is about Britain ( moreover, England ), and her once great Empire which used to rule the world. Some Crusades imagery in there too, with Jerusalem. Now Britain sleeps alone, and Britons sweep the streets they used to own. Cool, eh?

   
   
   
   

7.  

   anonymous

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   Oct 24th, 2017 10:12am report

   
   

   It could be about anyone who once held a position of power or prestige and now finds themselves at the other end of the spectrum. Maybe a vulnerable old man in a nursing home that used to be a CEO or a General of an army that no longer has command. We all find ourselves there, if we are fortunate enough to live that long.

   
   
   
   

8.  

   anonymous

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   Sep 19th, 2017 9:00pm report

   
   

   I believe the song is referring to the singers/ persons life and how he use to be in control of it with all the love and fame like a "king". But now he believes he's alone with no one there and that no one should go throw this. (Example: "Now in morning I sleep alone", "Just a puppet on a lonely string. Oh...who would ever want to be king".)

   
   
   
   

9.  

   anonymous

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   Jun 3rd, 2017 6:54pm report

   
   

   I think its about Tony Blair's time as Prime Minister.

   
   
   
   

10.  

    anonymous

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    May 11th, 2016 5:10am report

    
    

    He's talking about Satan's position on earth also makes mention of roman armies and St Peter who they murdered and ironically and disgustingly made THEIR first pope hence the lyrics that " I know St. Peter won't call my name. good ol' roman catholic church ..... with that said PRAISE JESUS

    
    
    
    

11.  

    anonymous

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    Feb 7th, 2016 2:37pm report

    
    

    He is talking about Jesus when he was on earth, and how he is represented now by religion, now he is not on earth. And maybe intermingling it with his feelings.

    
    
    
    

12.  

    anonymous

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    Jun 28th, 2014 6:22am report

    
    

    I think it means that he could rule his world and control his inner feelings and now he has lost control.