About the song
Ray Charles and Willie Nelson, two iconic figures in the world of music, joined forces in 1984 to create a timeless masterpiece, “Seven Spanish Angels.” This haunting ballad, penned by Troy Seals and Eddie Setser, tells a tragic tale of love, loss, and the supernatural.
The song’s narrative unfolds with a sense of urgency and drama. An outlaw and his lover find themselves on the run from a relentless posse, their love story set against a backdrop of danger and despair. As their options dwindle, they make the fateful decision to face their pursuers head-on. Before the inevitable confrontation, the couple shares a poignant moment of intimacy, their faith in God unwavering despite their perilous situation.
The ensuing gunfight is a heart-wrenching climax, ending tragically with the deaths of both the outlaw and his beloved. In the aftermath of this devastating loss, a celestial presence intervenes. Seven Spanish angels, messengers of the divine, descend upon the scene, offering prayers and solace to the fallen lovers. The song concludes with a chilling image: the couple, reunited in the afterlife, riding across the clouds, their eternal love story forever intertwined with the supernatural.
“Seven Spanish Angels” is a testament to the power of storytelling through music. The evocative lyrics, combined with the soulful vocals of Charles and Nelson, create a truly unforgettable experience. This classic duet, a blend of country and soul, continues to resonate with audiences today, reminding us of the enduring themes of love, loss, and the mysteries of the beyond.
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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