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Song Stories

“Viva la Vida”

Coldplay | 2008

With its sweeping arrangement, "Viva la Vida" became an insta-hit, giving Coldplay their first Number One song in both the United States and United Kingdom. The Spanish title, translated as "long live life," makes reference to an artwork by Frida Kahlo. With its many historical and religious references, it alludes to themes of pain, strength and anti-authoritarianism. At the time, Chris Martin felt it was a make-or-break endeavor for the band. “This could be our last shot at the big time," the singer admitted. "It's something in my head, as in artistic relevance."

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“Coffee Spoon”
Cold War Kids | 2010
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“I Wanna Sex You Up”
Color Me Badd | 1991

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Song Stories

“1999”

Prince | 1982

“I don’t consider myself a great poet,” Prince told Rolling Stone. “I just know I’m here to say what’s on my mind.” In the case of the apocalyptic party anthem “1999,” he was worried about then-president Ronald Reagan’s foreign policies. The song’s melody is based on a riff borrowed from the Mamas and Papas’ “Monday, Monday,” and Prince originally envisioned the first verse with three-part harmony but later split the vocals between himself and members of the Revolution. Because Warner Bros., with whom Prince was locked in a contractual battle, owned the original’s masters, Prince rerecorded the song and appropriately released that version in 1999.

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