I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own

I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
I would listen as the crowd would sing
"And now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"

One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand

I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs singing
Be my mirror, my sword, my shield
Missionaries in a foreign field
And for some reason I can't explain
Once you'd gone there was never,
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world

And for some reason I can't explain
I know St. Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
That was when I ruled the world...
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah...
Ooooh...

That was when I ruled the world...