QUESTION: Someone said that you view of history inspired Chris Martin, the English singer and songwriter of the rock band Coldplay, in his hit sone “Viva La Vida” and that this fit the last emperor of China, Puyi right down to him sweeping the streets he use to own. It is certainly a song of revolution and the cyclical rise and fall of nations.
Pete
ANSWER: That is one of my favorite songs. Yes, it fits Puyi almost perfectly.
He ruled as a child emperor.
He lost his throne after the Xinhai Revolution.
He later became the Japanese-backed ruler of Manchukuo.
He ultimately lived as an ordinary citizen after the Communist victory.
I never met Chris Martin nor communicated with him. The song is generally understood to be about a deposed ruler reflecting on the loss of power. I do not believe that he has said it was inspired by by Puyi. From what I know, it is clearly the cyclical nature of power surrounding kings and revolutions rather than a specific historical figure. I don’t think the Biblical references, especially the line “I know Saint Peter won’t call my name,” suggesting judgment after a fall from power, would apply to China. I believed this is more about the broadly, the universal theme that even the most powerful rulers eventually lose their kingdoms. This is what we face by 2032. I am certain we can apply the words to many parallels to other fallen rulers besides Puyi such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Nicholas II, Louis XVI of France, and partially to George III of England. But these are interpretations rather than confirmed inspirations.
Perhaps I should invite him to sing one time at one of our WECs.