Viva la vida

Coldplay started recording Viva la vida in November 2006, after the bassist had a child. The band went on tour and then focused on working in the studio. The song was released as part of an album called Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, which was recorded in several locations, such as London, New York and Barcelona. The name of the album comes from a Spanish phrase related to a painting by Frida Kahlo. The band drew inspiration from different cultures and places outside the Anglo-Saxon world, such as Mexico and Spain. The album cover shows an image of La Liberté guidant le peuple, by Eugène Delacroix. Viva la vida was one of the most widely spread tracks from the album, which was released in 2008.