[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