The Willie Nelson Seven Spanish Angels song was released in November 1984 as a single from Charles’ 1984 album Friendship. Ray Charles and Nelson split the verses, with Charles singing the first and Nelson the second, Charles sang the first and second choruses with Nelson joining for the outro. This song was also included on Nelson’s 1985 compilation album Half Nelson. “Seven Spanish Angels” was the most successful of Charles’ eight hits on the country chart. The single spent one week at number one and a total of twelve weeks on the country chart.
Watch the Willie and Ray performance and see the written lyrics below.
Willie Nelson Seven Spanish Angels Music Video
The song tells the story of a gunfight between a group of outlaws and the law, where the outlaws are ultimately killed but are escorted to heaven by seven Spanish angels. The lyrics evoke a sense of tragedy, as the two protagonists face a bleak and violent fate. The melody of the song is mournful and soulful, with a prominent use of acoustic guitar and harmonica.
Willie Nelson’s vocals are emotional and expressive, conveying the sense of loss and despair that permeates the song. The duet with Ray Charles is particularly poignant, as the two legendary singers trade verses and harmonize on the chorus.
This song was written by Troy Seals and Eddie Setser,
Willie Nelson Seven Spanish Angels 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
“Seven Spanish Angels” has become one of Willie Nelson’s most iconic songs, and it is considered a classic of the outlaw country genre. Its themes of love, redemption, and sacrifice have resonated with audiences for decades, and it remains a powerful and moving piece of music.
Remember to “share” the Willie Nelson Seven Spanish Angels performance with other Country Music fans.
