Taylor Swift - Viva La Vida Cover Chords

INTRO: Cadd9 – Dsus4 - G – Em7    x2

(Em7)     Cadd9    Dsus4
I used to rule the world 
           G                    Em7
Seas would rise when I gave the word 
                     Cadd9   Dsus4
Now in the morning I sleep alone 
          G                 Em7
Sweep the streets I used to own

Cadd9 – Dsus4 - G – Em7    x2

(Em7)     Cadd9     Dsus4
I used to roll the dice 
          G                 Em7
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes 
              Cadd9        Dsus4
Listen as the crowd would sing: 
          G                 Em7
"Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"


(Em7)        Cadd9    Dsus4
One minute I held the key 
         G                    Em7
Next the walls were closed on me 
                          Cadd9    Dsus4
And I discovered that my castles stand 
     G                    Em7
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand 

  Cadd9          Dsus4
I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing 
G             Em7
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing 
Cadd9            Dsus4
Be my mirror, my sword, and shield 
   G                 Em7
My missionaries in a foreign field 
Cadd9             Dsus4
For some reason I can't explain 
G                     Em7             Cadd9  Dsus4
Once you go there was never, never an honest word
         G                Em7
That was when I ruled the world 

Cadd9 – Dsus4 - G – Em7    x2

(Em7)                  Cadd9 Dsus4
It was the wicked and wild wind 
              G               Em7
Blew down the doors to let me in. 
                          Cadd9    Dsus4
Shattered windows and the sound of drums 
       G                    Em7
People couldn't believe what I'd become

(Em7)    Cadd9  Dsus4
Revolutionaries wait 
        G               Em7
For my head on a silver plate 
                   Cadd9  Dsus4
Just a puppet on a lonely string
   G                         Em7
Oh who would ever want to be king? 


  Cadd9          Dsus4
I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing 
G             Em7
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing 
Cadd9            Dsus4
Be my mirror, my sword, and shield 
   G                 Em7
My missionaries in a foreign field 
Cadd9             Dsus4
For some reason I can't explain 
  G                     Em7             
I know Saint Peter will call my name ,
   Cadd9       Dsus4
never an honest word
              G               Em7 
But that was when I ruled the world  

Cadd9 – Em7 x3
Dsus4 x2


Cadd9  - Dsus4 - G – Em7    x2
(Ohhhhh Ohhh Ohhh)

  Cadd9          Dsus4
I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing 
G             Em7
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing 
Cadd9            Dsus4
Be my mirror, my sword, and shield 
   G                 Em7
My missionaries in a foreign field 
Cadd9             Dsus4
For some reason I can't explain 
  G                     Em7             
I know Saint Peter will call my name ,
  Cadd9        Dsus4
never an honest word
              G               Em7(once)
But that was when I ruled the world  




How to play "Viva La Vida" (Cover by Taylor Swift) on guitar

Chords used: Cadd9, Dsus4, G, Em7

Intro:
- Play Cadd9, Dsus4, G, Em7 in sequence twice.
- Focus on smooth transitions between chords.

Verse 1:
- Em7 to Cadd9: Use a soft downstroke, then transition to Dsus4.
- For "I used to rule the world," strum G and let it ring, then move to Em7.
- Repeat similar strumming for "Seas would rise when I gave the word."

Chorus:
- Emphasize Cadd9 and Dsus4 with strong downstrokes.
- "I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing," strum G and let it resonate.
- Transition to Em7 with a smooth down-up strumming pattern.

Verse 2:
- Repeat the strumming pattern from Verse 1.
- "I used to roll the dice" follows the same chord progression.
- Maintain a steady rhythm to match the vocal line.

Bridge:
- "It was the wicked and wild wind": Play Em7 to Cadd9 with a firm downstroke.
- "Revolutionaries wait": Emphasize each chord change, adding slight pauses for effect.
- Use light strumming on G to Em7 for "Oh who would ever want to be king?"

Final Chorus:
- Intensify strumming on Cadd9, Dsus4, and G.
- Focus on clear, ringing chords for "Roman Cavalry choirs are singing."
- End with Em7 (once) to conclude the song.

Common mistakes:
- Rushing transitions between chords. Practice slowly at first.
- Not letting chords ring out clearly. Ensure each note is heard.
- Strumming too hard or too soft. Find a balanced, consistent strumming strength.

Song Facts:
"Viva La Vida" by Coldplay, covered by Taylor Swift, reflects themes of power,
loss, and redemption. The lyrics narrate the rise and fall of a ruler, inspired
by historical and biblical references. Taylor Swift’s cover adds a personal touch,
showcasing her unique style while staying true to the song's emotive core.

Taylor Swift is a renowned American singer-songwriter known for her narrative
songwriting, which has received widespread media coverage and critical praise.
Her discography spans various genres, including country, pop, and rock, making her
one of the best-selling music artists of all time.