This song can be interpreted effectively by two lines: "For some reason I can not explain Once you know there was never, never an honest word" and "People could not believe what I'd become." The entire song is a metaphor for fame. The lyricist is comparing the power, influence and ultimate corruption of power and royalty or politics to becoming famous and losing one's right mind. Obviously one can compare the rise and inevitable fall of countless rulers, presidents, kings and emperors to the lyrics without thinking very much. There are also strong biblical tones--its their obvious presence that makes the song not about Christianity or literally 'ruling the world'. Coldplay would be pretty stupid to release a mainstream 'christian' single--as a large part of America would not only be annoyed but mildly offended. The depth of the lyrics are clever, songs and poems are almost never literal. Coldplay wrote a song about the hazards of fame and power.