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.
Angels Don't Lie
Willy DeVille Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It was Sunday
And in my heart it will always stay with me
You had the face of a saint in the cathedral
Up on the steps you stood
And I on the street
I used to think I had friends and many
Funny how I can't think of one
And suddenly I think I feel slightly religous
Can i walk along beside you today
Angels don't lie, tell me why, did you leave heaven
What here on earth could make you leave
Tell me true, was it love, answer my question
Did you leave heaven for a love found in me
You left behind your family and money
All in town know your familys'name
Look at me ist plain to see
My pockets are empty
But brighter than gold
In my heart burns a flame
Angels don't lie, tell me why, did you leave heaven
What here on earth could make you leave
Now tell me true, was it love, answer my question
Did you leave heaven for a love found in me
The lyrics to Willy DeVille's song "Angels Don't Lie" describe the feeling of falling in love with someone so pure and good that they seem like an angel. The singer remembers the first time he saw this person on a Sunday, standing on the steps of a cathedral. He is struck by their beauty and the way they seem to radiate goodness. At the same time, he reflects on the superficial friends he used to have and how they pale in comparison to the person he now admires.
The chorus asks a series of questions, wondering what could have brought this heavenly being down to earth and into the singer's life. He wonders if it was love that brought them to him, and if so, is that love enough to sustain them, given that they've left behind family and money to be with him? The singer is both awed by and anxious about this person, questioning whether he is worthy of their love and whether it will be enough to keep them together.
Overall, the song captures the way that falling in love with someone who seems almost too good to be true can be both exhilarating and frightening. The singer is in awe of this person, but also aware of their own flaws and uncertainties. At the same time, the song hints at the possibility of redemption and the power of love to bring people together.
Line by Line Meaning
When I first saw your face
At the first sight of you
It was Sunday
On a beautiful, peaceful day
And in my heart it will always stay with me
You left a lasting impression on me
You had the face of a saint in the cathedral
You were angelic, beautiful, and pure
Up on the steps you stood
Standing tall and radiant
And I on the street
I felt small and unnoticed
I used to think I had friends and many
I once believed I had many friends
Funny how I can't think of one
Now, I can't remember a single name
Of their names
Of the people I once believed were my friends
And suddenly I think I feel slightly religious
In your presence, I feel a spiritual connection
Can I walk along beside you today
May I have the honor of your company today?
Angels don't lie, tell me why, did you leave heaven
Angels are honest beings, why did you leave paradise?
What here on earth could make you leave
What could possibly be better than heaven?
Tell me true, was it love, answer my question
Be truthful, did you leave for love?
Did you leave heaven for a love found in me
Did you sacrifice your place in heaven for me?
You left behind your family and money
You gave up everything you had
All in town know your family's name
Everyone knows your family's reputation
Look at me, it's plain to see
I have nothing to offer you
My pockets are empty
I have no wealth or possessions
But brighter than gold
My love for you shines brighter than any material possession
In my heart burns a flame
My love for you is strong and unwavering
Contributed by Ellie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Gabriele Stockhausen
Musik und seine Stimme haben sowas beruhigendes. Einfach schön !!!
Roger Pagotto
Beautiful song.
chaunez kalk
Yes, very lovely! It’s hard to express why he never made more. I have some ideas, but nothing as he is the only one to tell.
JHK Koenders
So beautifull
belladonna 13
❤️ luv it
Ineke inez rock blues prog metal world Snippe
💖
catherine velle
C'est donc Mink ..!!🌺
Steven peewee Penney
i think we or i missed some thing on the way
Ralf Wallat
Ich Schwebe