* A battle: "I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing, Roman cavalry choirs are singing. Be my mirror, my sword and my shield." The song describes a battle, with Jerusalem bells ringing and Roman cavalry choirs singing. This could be a metaphor for a personal struggle, or for a conflict between two forces.
* A revolution: "Viva la vida! The party's here, viva la vida!" The song ends with a call to revolution, with the phrase "Viva la vida!" This could be a metaphor for a personal transformation, or for a social or political change.