Martin tells Rolling Stone that the album title was inspired by a painting by Mexican artist Frida Khalo. Viva la Vida translates to the rather redundant statement "long live life". However, when taken in the context of Khalo's battle with polio, a broken spine and chronic pain, the words do convey a stronger message and that connected with Martin. "She went through a lot of sh*t, of course, and then she started a big painting in her house that said 'Viva la Vida,'" says Martin. "I just loved the boldness of it."
"Viva la Vida" is not to be confused with "La Vida Loca", though Martin says some may make that mistake and it's ok with him, "Everyone thinks it comes from Ricky Martin, which is fine. I have absolute respect. I've been through this before, naming something or someone (his children are named Apple and Moses) and everyone saying that 'That's a terrible name.' But then saying, 'Well, f**k you, that's what it's called and I'll be proved to be right eventually'. - Read the Rolling Stone article for more
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