“Seven Spanish Angels” is a song written by Troy Seals and Eddie Setser, and recorded by Ray Charles as a duet with Willie Nelson. It was released in November 1984 as a single from Charles’ 1984 album Friendship. Charles and Nelson split the verses, with Charles singing the first and Nelson the second, Charles sang the first and second choruses with Nelson joining for the outro. It was also included on Nelson’s 1985 compilation album Half Nelson. “Seven Spanish Angels” was the most successful of Charles’ eight hits on the country chart. The single spent one week at number one and a total of twelve weeks on the country chart.

From the album Friendship
B-side “Who Cares”
Released November 1984
Genre Countrygospel
Length 3:39
Label Columbia
Songwriter(s) Troy Seals Eddie Setser
Producer(s) Billy Sherrill

Ray Charles – Seven Spanish Angels Lyrics Lyrics
(duet with Willie Nelson)

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 smoking 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.