The words do not fit any one head of state. Yes the cover does depict the French Revolution. But, Viva la Vida, Long Live Life, is Spanish. And, Louis xvi never ruled the world. Seas or naval fleets did not rise upon his word. Louis xvi inherited a France heavily in debt from the Seven Years War, a non existant army, and a decimated Navy. Nearly all French Colonial territories ceded to Great Britain and Spain before Louis xvi was coronated. Louis xvi had the unenviable task of rebuilding a war battered empire, and although well liked, intellegent, and well educated, he lacked the means and confidence to do so. He, and the queen became easy targets of rumors and "libelles". "Never an honest word" fit the period of Louis xvi, but the deceit was not from the throne, but against it. In the context of the French Revolution, the song more closely resembles Maximilien Robespierre, who rose to power from the revolution. In one rear of terror 40, 000 French men and women were executed under Robespierre. Although he commanded no Navy, seas of spies rose up upon Robespierre's word. But, there were no crowds singing "Long Live the King" under Maximilien Robespierre. That transgression would get them executed. Maximilien Robespierre and the Revolution paved a road to hell with good intentions. Ultimately Robespierre himself was guillotined. Louis xvi may have felt "For some reason I cannot explain, I know Saint Peter won't call my name". But, that would more likely be due to his clinical depression than to any mortal sins. On the other hand, Robespierre did not comprehend his guilt for complicity in the genocide of 40, 000. For him, the end of the monarchy was a rationalization for his brutality and terrorism. He would not have been able to explain why Saint Peter would not call his name.

The song seems more specific to Great Britain, but applies to all superpowers that use their strength with doses of tyranny around the world, only to be overthrown by revolutionaries. Superpowers wield their might with the best intentions at first, but get intoxicated with power, and are led astray with deceit. "never an honest word". Ultimately, The means does not justify the ends. That is why the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I am not sure if Coldplay says "I know Saint Peter will call my name" or "won't call" my name. I've seen both on different lyric sites, and the first verse sounds like "won't" while the second sounds like "will". "will" call my name makes more sense in the context of the entire song. In the end, it is realized where things went astray, and a plea for forgiveness is implied. The road to hell can be paved with good intentions, but good intentions, good deeds, and contrition can get you off the hook, and earn a nod from Saint Peter. Viva la Vida is references superpowers, "Long live the King", but ultimately the song is a metaphor for how we apply the power given to our own lives. Are we tyrants with good intentions? Do we acknowledge our errors? It's just too simple, but if we, everyone in the world, could all treat each other better in our own lives, the problems of the world would not exist. But, God knows it ain't that simple, and I am as guilty as anyone. But, "For some reason I cannot explain, I know Saint Peter will call my name".