About the song
“Seven Spanish Angels,” a poignant and enduring country classic, is a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring legacy of musical legends. This timeless ballad, penned by Troy Seals and Eddie Setser, found its true voice in the remarkable duet between the incomparable Ray Charles and the legendary Willie Nelson.
The song’s genesis lies in a desire to pay homage to the late Marty Robbins, whose iconic song “El Paso” had deeply influenced Seals and Setser. They crafted “Seven Spanish Angels” with a similar spirit, weaving a narrative of a dying outlaw seeking redemption and finding solace in the company of seven celestial beings.
The pairing of Charles and Nelson proved to be a stroke of genius. Charles, the blind genius of soul and jazz, brought his soulful vocals and unparalleled piano artistry to the forefront, while Nelson, the quintessential outlaw country icon, added his distinctive voice and melancholic guitar. Their voices, though distinct, blended seamlessly, creating a harmonious tapestry of emotion that resonated deeply with listeners.
“Seven Spanish Angels” achieved remarkable success, topping the country charts and solidifying its place in the annals of country music history. It remains a beloved and enduring classic, a poignant reminder of the power of music to transcend boundaries and connect with the deepest human emotions.
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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
