As a teenager, DeVille had a band named Billy and the Kids. He moved to London looking to form a band, but was unsuccessful in finding like-minded musicians. Eventually he landed in San Francisco where he formed a band with bassist Ruben Siguenza and drummer Tom "Manfred" Allen. The band played under the names Billy DeSade & the Marquis and the Lazy Eights before settling on the name Mink DeVille. Later, DeVille took the band to New York City, where they helped to pioneer punk rock music and were one of the original house bands at CBGB, the New York nighclub where punk rock music was born in the mid-1970s.
The typical DeVille song -- if any of his songs can be called "typical" -- is filled with romantic conviction and yearning. Latin rhythms, Blues riffs, and strains of country music can be heard in DeVille songs. Spanish Stroll was a hit in the U.S. and the UK in 1978; Storybook Love (nominated for an Academy Award in 1987) is the theme song of the movie The Princess Bride.
DeVille suffered from drug addiction for many years, which stifled his career. Among fellow musicians and songwriters, he was widely respected. Songwriter Doc Pomus said about Deville, "He knows the truth of a city street and the courage in a ghetto love song."
DeVille died of pancreatic cancer during the night of August 6, 2009 in a New York hospital.
DeVille had homes in New Orleans and Mississippi.
09. Stand by me
Willy DeVille Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No, I won't be afraid
No, I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand
Stand by me
So darling, darling
Oh, stand by me
Oh, stand
Stand by me
Stand by me
If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Or the mountains should crumble in the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry
No, I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand
Stand by me
So darling, darling
Stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Oh, stand
Stand by me
Stand by me
The lyrics to Willy DeVille's song "Stand By Me" are a testament to the power of love and support. The opening lines convey a sense of darkness and uncertainty, but the singer declares that they will not be afraid as long as their loved one stands by them. The repeated refrain of "stand by me" reinforces this idea, emphasizing the importance of having someone to rely on during difficult times.
The second verse introduces the possibility of great upheaval, with the sky tumbling and the mountains crumbling. Despite this potential disaster, the singer remains resolute and steadfast, declaring that they will not shed a tear as long as their loved one is by their side. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the singer asserting that they can overcome any obstacle with the support of their partner.
Overall, "Stand By Me" is a powerful declaration of love and commitment. It highlights the importance of having someone who will stand by you through thick and thin, and emphasizes the strength that can come from such a partnership. The song has resonated with audiences for generations, and remains a beloved classic to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
When the night has come
At the end of the day when everything is dark
And the land is dark
When there is no light to be found anywhere around us
And the moon is the only light we'll see
And the only thing visible in the darkness is the moon
No, I won't be afraid
I will not be scared or frightened
No, I won't be afraid
I will not be scared or frightened
Just as long as you stand
As long as you are with me and don't leave me alone
Stand by me
Stay with me and support me
So darling, darling
My love, my beloved
Stand by me
Stay with me and support me
Oh, stand by me
Please stand by my side
Oh, stand
Please stand and don't go away
Stand by me
Stay with me and support me
Stand by me
Stay with me and support me
If the sky that we look upon
If we witness something as extensive as the sky
Should tumble and fall
If that sky tumbles and falls apart
Or the mountains should crumble in the sea
Or even the mountains crumble and collapse into the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry
I will not cry or be brought down by calamity
No, I won't shed a tear
I will not shed a tear and stay strong
Just as long as you stand
As long as you stay with me through thick and thin
Stand by me
Stay with me and support me
So darling, darling
My love, my beloved
Stand by me
Stay with me and support me
Oh, stand by me
Please stand by my side
Oh, stand
Please stand and don't go away
Stand by me
Stay with me and support me
Stand by me
Stay with me and support me
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RALEIGH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: Ben King, Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eric Hannedouche
Une merveille , cette version avait disparue, et c est vraiment un réel plaisir de réécouter ce duo , et willy DE VILLE !!!!!!Le talent c est tout !!!!!
Michael Marciano
Un des meilleurs duo de Vanessa Paradis je trouve. Une tuerie cette reprise 🔥🔥🔥
Thierry Macel
J'ai eu la chance de passer une petite heure juste à côté de Willy De Ville (en terrasse d'un pub) et quand je disais à mes potes..: Wouhaou, c'est Willy De Ville !! Ils ne comprenaient pas la chance que nous avions !! Mes potes ont continués à discuter entre eux. A un moment, Willy a tourné la tête vers moi, je l'ai salué, il m'a rendu mon salut. Et j'ai savouré ce pur moment de bonheur musical !!! R.I.P. Willy !
Marie V
Je vous comprends ! Mdr
Nora chipie
@Thierry Macel C'est triste merci pour l'info
Nora chipie
Il est mort?😱
Theo Mouraud
Une véritable chance en effet !
Beaucoup ici aurait rêvé l'avoir aussi
Olivier DRONNE
J'en ai des frissons, c'est un moment de magie.
Ursula Rogeaux
J'adore Vanessa Paradis 💯 Dès qu'elle a changé Joe le Taxi, j'ai senti qu'elle allait avoir Un Grand Avenir 🎶🎵 ... Elle a son propre Style 💙 Cette Version est Parfaite 👍🔥 #restezchezvous 🙏
Maëva Volland
Exact une vrai pro !