Abouut the song
“Seven Spanish Angels,” performed by the legendary Willie Nelson, is a classic country ballad that continues to resonate with fans across generations. Released in 1984, this poignant song was a duet with the soulful Ray Charles, showcasing a beautiful blend of Nelson’s distinctive voice and Charles’ emotive delivery.
The song was written by Eddie Setser and Troy Seals, who crafted a narrative steeped in romance and tragedy. It tells the story of a Mexican bandit and his beloved, who, after being cornered by a posse, choose to face their fate together. The vivid storytelling and emotional depth of the lyrics captivate listeners, drawing them into the haunting tale of love and loss.
“Seven Spanish Angels” was featured on Willie Nelson’s album “Half Nelson,” a compilation that included duets with various artists. This particular track stood out not only for its powerful lyrics and melody but also for the profound collaboration between Nelson and Charles, two giants of the music industry.
The song achieved significant success on the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. This achievement marked a milestone, particularly for Ray Charles, who became one of the few artists to have hits across multiple genres. The collaboration highlighted the versatility and wide appeal of both artists, bringing together fans of country music and soul.
Over the years, “Seven Spanish Angels” has been covered by numerous artists, further cementing its status as a timeless classic. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the masterful songwriting, the evocative performance by Nelson and Charles, and the universal themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny.
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Lyrics
He looked down into her brown eyes
And said “Say a prayer for me”
She threw her arms around him
Whispered “God will keep us free”
They could hear the riders comin’
He said “This is my last fight
If they take me back to Texas
They won’t take me back alive”
There were seven Spanish Angels
At the Altar of the Sun
They were prayin’ for the lovers
In the Valley of the Gun
When the battle stopped and the smoke cleared
There was thunder from the throne
And seven Spanish Angels
Took another angel home
She reached down and picked the gun up
That lay smokin’ in his hand
She said, “Father please forgive me
I can’t make it without my man”
And she knew the gun was empty
And she knew she couldn’t win
But her final prayer was answered
When the rifles fired again
There were seven Spanish Angels
At the Altar of the Sun
They were prayin’ for the lovers
In the Valley of the Gun
When the battle stopped and the smoke cleared
There was thunder from the throne
And seven Spanish Angels
Took another angel home
There were seven Spanish Angels
At the Altar of the Sun
They were prayin’ for the lovers
In the Valley of the Gun
When the battle stopped and the smoke cleared
There was thunder from the throne
And seven Spanish Angels
Took another angel home
Alright ya’all help me now
There were seven Spanish Angels
At the Altar of the Sun (Oh I believe)
They were prayin’ for the lovers (Yeah they was)
In the Valley of the Gun (Well, well, well)
When the battle stopped and the smoke cleared
There was thunder from the throne (Oh, yeah)
And seven Spanish Angels
Took another angel home