Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan (JIP) STKIP Kusuma Negara
Vol 17 No 1 (2025): Collaborative Learning Tools and Practices

Multimodal Semiotic Analysis of Coldplay’s Viva La Vida: Lyrical, Visual, And Intertextual Meaning

Pudjiati, Danti (Unknown)
Mawarni, Venti (Unknown)
Urassa, Bariki (Unknown)
Hamdani, Haris (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study analyzes Viva La Vida by Coldplay to explore the deeper meaning behind its lyrics and music video.The song tells the story of a fallen king and expresses themes like power, loss, regret, and hope. As a multimodal text, it combines music, words, and visuals to deliver its message. Using a qualitative method, the researcher closely examined the lyrics and visuals.The analysis is based on three main theories: Barthes’ semiotics, Kristeva’s intertextuality and Kress & van Leeuwen’s multimodality. Barthes’ theory helps explain how words like “crown” and “puppet” carry not just literal meaning, but also feelings and cultural ideas. Kristeva’s intertextuality shows how the song connects with older stories from history, the Bible, and literature, such as the French Revolution and Shakespeare. These references give the song deeper emotional value.The music video supports the story through strong visual symbols like a dying rose, broken television, and gestures of surrender. According to Kress and van Leeuwen, these elements add to the overall meaning. In the end, Viva La Vida gives a clear message: power does not last forever, but people can learn and reflect.The song is also useful for learning English grammar, vocabulary, and critical thinking

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jip

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Mathematics Other

Description

Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan (JIP) STKIP Kusuma Negara is a multi-disciplinary national academic publication with internet access followed by peers qualified to disseminate state of the art knowledge in education, teaching development, instructional projects and inventions, learning methodologies, and new ...