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Introduction
Seven Spanish Angels: A Ballad of Love and Loss
“Seven Spanish Angels” is a timeless masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of the American West: a tale of love, loss, and the inevitable confrontation with destiny. Penned by the songwriting duo of Troy Seals and Eddie Setser, the song was originally conceived as a tribute to the iconic Western ballads of Marty Robbins.
Released in 1984 as a duet between the legendary Ray Charles and Willie Nelson, the song quickly ascended to the top of the country charts. The pairing of these two musical titans proved to be a match made in heaven. Charles’ soulful vocals and Nelson’s distinctive rasp created a haunting and emotionally charged performance that resonated deeply with audiences.
The song paints a vivid picture of a doomed romance set against a backdrop of violence. An outlaw and his lover, on the run from a relentless posse, find themselves cornered in a desperate showdown. The imagery of the “seven Spanish angels” serves as a poignant metaphor for both the lovers’ aspirations for a life beyond the law and their ultimate fate.
Beyond its narrative power, “Seven Spanish Angels” is a testament to the enduring appeal of country music. The song’s blend of traditional storytelling, heartfelt emotion, and rich musicality has solidified its place as a classic of the genre. It continues to captivate listeners with its raw beauty and haunting melody, ensuring its legacy for generations to come.
Video
Lyrics
He looked down into her blue 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 a-live.
—————————————-
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 [D]throne,
And seven spanish angels, took a-nother
angel home.
—————————————–
VERSE 2:
She reached down and picked the gun up,
that lay smokin in his h and.
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
Bflat
valley of the gun.
When the /battle stopped and the smoke cleared,
there was thunder from the throne,
Bflat
And seven spanish angels, took a-nother
Bflat
angel home.