`` Viva la Vida '' is a song by the English band Coldplay from their album , Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends . `` Viva la Vida '' , is a song by the English alternative rock band Coldplay . It was written by all members of the band for their fourth album , Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends ( 2008 ) , and was released as its lead single .