Seven Spanish Angels

Willie Nelson, Ray Charles

About Seven Spanish Angels

"Seven Spanish Angels" is a song written by Troy Seals and Eddie Setser, and recorded by Ray Charles as a duet with Willie Nelson. It was released in November 1984 as a single from Charles' 1984 album Friendship. 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. It 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. Setser had suggested the title "Seven Spanish Angels" and he and Seals had written the song as a homage to the tejano flavored classic hits of Marty Robbins exemplified by Robbins' career record "El Paso": (Troy Seals quote:) "When we finished it we thought 'Who in the world's gonna do it?' because Marty was [deceased]." Within two days "Seven Spanish Angels" had been successfully pitched to Willie Nelson. Before Nelson was able to record it, producer Billy Sherrill happened to hear the demo and wanted the song for Ray Charles. Sherrill proposed that Nelson and Charles duet on the song after learning of Nelson's having reserved it. 


Year:
1996
3:49
2,908 
#6

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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

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Willie Nelson

Willie Hugh Nelson (pronounced /wɪli nɛlsən /; born April 30, 1933) is an American country music singer-songwriter, as well as an author, poet, actor, and activist. The critical success of the album Shotgun Willie (1973), combined with the critical and commercial success of Red Headed Stranger (1975) and Stardust (1978), made Nelson one of the most recognized artists in country music. He was one of the main figures of outlaw country, a subgenre of country music that developed at the end of the 1960s as a reaction to the conservative restrictions of the Nashville sound. Nelson has acted in over 30 films, co-authored several books, and has been involved in activism for the use of biofuels and the legalization of marijuana. more »

17 fans

Written by: Eddie F. Setser, Troy Harold Seals

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Songwriters
"Seven Spanish Angels" was emotionally penned by two talented songwriters - Troy Seals and Eddie Setser.
Release Information
The song was released in December 1984, as part of Ray Charles' studio album "Friendship."
Chart Success
The poignant ballad immediately struck a chord with fans and critics alike, and topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles for a week, marking Charles' highest peak on this chart.
Genre Crossover
Even though it's a Country song, "Seven Spanish Angels" expanded the popular appeal of Ray Charles and Willie Nelson, demonstrating their versatility.
Music Video
The song also has an engrossing music video that was popular on music TV channels in the '80s. It tells the tragic love story portrayed in the song.
Classic Collaboration
The song is one of the most notable duets between Ray Charles and Willie Nelson; their voices distinguishably merging beautifully together.
Tribute
"Seven Spanish Angels" was performed by Willie Nelson as a tribute to Ray Charles at the 2005 event "Genius & Friends: A Night of Ray Charles."
Interpretation
The song is often interpreted as a tale of a Mexican bandit and his lover being pursued by Texas Rangers. The seven angels refer to the couple's impending death and eventual ascent to heaven.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by multiple artists over the years, including Steve Hofmeyr, Heinz Winckler, and Brian Letscher, proving its timeless popularity.
Background Singers
The Jordanaires, a famous American vocal quartet, provided backup vocals for the song. This group was known for working with Elvis Presley for many years.
International Success
Although a country hit, the song also found popularity outside the United States, charting in several other countries, including Canada, where it peaked at number two on the RPM Country Tracks.

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