“Seven Spanish Angels” is a poignant duet between country legend Willie Nelson and the iconic Ray Charles. Released in November 1984 on Charles’ album Friendship, the song was written by Troy Seals and Eddie Setser, drawing inspiration from the classic Tejano storytelling of Marty Robbins, particularly his hit “El Paso.”
The song narrates the tragic tale of an outlaw and his lover, desperately trying to escape from armed pursuers sent to bring them back to Texas. Before a final showdown, the couple embraces, believing that divine intervention will save them, but the outlaw is shot, and his lover follows him in death.
Although Seals and Setser were unsure who would record the song after the passing of Marty Robbins, the demo eventually made its way to Willie Nelson, who eagerly reserved it. However, producer Billy Sherrill, upon hearing the demo, suggested the song be recorded as a duet with Ray Charles. The collaboration resulted in a powerful blend of Nelson’s and Charles’ voices, with Charles taking the lead during the choruses and Nelson joining for the outro.
The song became a massive hit, with Charles earning his most successful country chart performance. In 2015, “Seven Spanish Angels” was performed by Alison Krauss and Jamey Johnson in a heartfelt tribute to Willie Nelson at the Gershwin Prize Awards Ceremony, evoking deep emotion from the artist himself.
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
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 homeAdvertisementAdvertisement
