[Verse 1: Liam]

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

[Verse 2: Zayn, Niall]

I used to roll the dice

Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes

Listened as the crowd would sing

"Now the old king is dead, long live the king"

One minute I held the key

Next the walls were closed on me

And I discovered that my castle stands

Upon pillars of salt, pillars of sand

[Chorus: Louis, Zayn & Harry]

I hear Jerusalem bells ringing

Roman cavalry choirs are singing

Be my mirror, my sword, and shield

My missionaries in the foreign field

For some reason I can't explain

Once you go, there was never, never an honest world

But that was when I ruled the world

[Bridge: Niall, Zayn, and Liam]

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh

[Chorus: Louis, Zayn & Harry, Liam]

I hear Jerusalem bells ringing

Roman cavalry choirs are singing

Be my mirror, my sword, and shield

My missionaries in the foreign field

For some reason I can't explain

I know St. Peter won't call my name

Never an honest world

But that was when I ruled the world