The legendary duet “Seven Spanish Angels” by Willie Nelson and Ray Charles stands as a poignant narrative within country music’s rich tapestry. Originally penned by Troy Seals and Eddie Setser, the song was released in November 1984 as part of Ray Charles’ album Friendship before Willie Nelson included it in his 1985 compilation album, Half Nelson.
According to the songwriters, the evocative title was the brainchild of Setser, while the theme was crafted by Seals as a heartfelt homage to the Tejano-flavored classic hits like Marty Robbins’ famous El Paso. The lyrics tell a tragic, heartbreaking story of an outlaw and his lover desperate to escape armed men dispatched to bring them back to Texas. In a heartrending moment before their final gunfight, the couple embraces, placing their faith in God to spare their lives. Yet fate delivers a cruel verdict: the outlaw is fatally shot, and his lover soon follows.
At the time of the song’s creation, Seals and Setser were uncertain about who would bring their composition to life, especially since the original inspiration, Marty Robbins, had passed away. However, just two days later, country music icon Willie Nelson expressed his immediate interest, reserving the song. Before recording could begin, veteran producer Billy Sherrill heard the demo and wished the song for Ray Charles. Since Nelson already had rights reserved, Sherrill proposed the innovative idea of a duet.
The resulting collaboration became a masterpiece of vocal blending. Nelson and Charles alternated verses stunningly, with Charles taking both the first and second choruses, while Nelson added his voice during the emotive outro. The song thrilled fans, earning Charles one of his most successful chart-topping hits on the country charts.
In a touching moment decades later, in 2015, artists Alison Krauss and Jamey Johnson performed this iconic duet during the Gershwin Prize Awards Ceremony, honoring Willie Nelson’s monumental six-decade career. Nelson was visibly moved by this heartfelt tribute, marking one of the song’s most emotional performances.
The lyrics themselves capture the solemn and powerful imagery:
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
This haunting ballad continues to resonate deeply with older generations, blending themes of love, sacrifice, and fate with the sounds of classic country music legends. The duet remains a testament to the enduring power of storytelling through song, marking a milestone not only in the careers of Nelson and Charles but also in the hearts of countless fans worldwide.