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.
Could You Would You
Willy DeVille Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And show me all your charms?
Or make me sad or make me blue?
Could you love me like I love you, like I love you.
Could you, would you squeeze and hold me tight.
Love me all through the night?
And ever let me go?
Everytime I see you walking down my avenue
I say: 'Hey are you all right'
You just say how do you do, just like you always do
But if I had you in my arms tonight.
Mmm could you, would you hold me oh so near?
While I whisper in your ear?
The sweet words you long to hear?
Could you love me like I love you, like I love you.
Could you, would you hold me oh so near?
While I whisper in your ear?
The sweet words you long to hear?
Could you love me like I love you, like I love you
Just like I love you
Just like I love you
Just like I love you
The lyrics of Willy DeVille's song "Could You Would You" describe the desire for a reciprocated love. The singer is asking if the person they love would be willing to hold them in their arms, show them affection and love them the way they love them. The repetition of the phrase "Could you love me like I love you" emphasizes the central theme of the song, which is the yearning for love and affection from the person the singer is addressing. The singer is willing to give their all to this person and wants them to reciprocate.
The verse "Everytime I see you walking down my avenue, I say: 'Hey are you all right' / You just say how do you do, just like you always do / But if I had you in my arms tonight" depicts the singer's constant desire to be near the person they love. They express their concern for the person's well-being when they see them but the person responds with a simple greeting, which is not enough for the singer. They imagine what it would be like to hold this person in their arms and have their love reciprocated.
Overall, the lyrics of "Could You Would You" convey a sense of yearning for love and affection from someone who is not reciprocating. The singer is hopeful that the person they love will feel the same way and asks if they could love them like they love them.
Line by Line Meaning
Could you, would you hold me in your arms?
Would you be willing to embrace me?
And show me all your charms?
Would you be vulnerable with me and show me your true self?
Or make me sad or make me blue?
Are you willing to accept all parts of me, even the sad parts?
Could you love me like I love you, like I love you.
Would you reciprocate my love and affection?
Could you, would you squeeze and hold me tight.
Would you be affectionate with me?
Love me all through the night?
Would you stay with me through the night?
And ever let me go?
Would you hold onto me and never let me go?
Could you love me like I love you so, like I love you so?
Would you love me with the intensity that I feel for you?
Every time I see you walking down my avenue
I notice you whenever you pass by
I say: 'Hey are you all right'
I ask if you're doing okay
You just say how do you do, just like you always do
You respond politely but without much depth
But if I had you in my arms tonight.
But if I were able to physically hold you right now
Mmm could you, would you hold me oh so near?
Would you hold me tightly and intimately?
While I whisper in your ear?
While I share my deepest thoughts with you?
The sweet words you long to hear?
The words of love and affection that you desire?
Just like I love you
With the same intensity and passion that I feel for you
Just like I love you
In the same unconditionally loving manner
Just like I love you
With the same level of commitment and dedication
Writer(s): MORRISON
Contributed by Ian L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Diamonddog59
Could you, would you hold me in your arms ?
And show me all your charms ?
Or make me sad or make me blue ?
Could you love me like I love you, like I love you.
Could you, would you squeeze and hold me tight.
Love me all through the night ?
And ever let me go ?
Could you love me like I love you so, like I love you so ?
Everytime I see you walking down my avenue
I say : 'Hey are you all right'
You just say how do you do, just like you always do
But if I had you in my arms tonight.
Mmm could you, would you hold me oh so near ?
While I whisper in your ear ?
The sweet words you long to hear ?
Could you love me like I love you, like I love you.
Could you, would you hold me oh so near ?
While I whisper in your ear ?
The sweet words you long to hear ?
Could you love me like I love you, like I love you
Just like I love you
Just like I love you
Just like I love you
@IBeeZ2012
I'll never forget seeing Mink De Ville playing a double header with Dr Feelgood , what a night! Love this man's music!! 🌹🌹
@EllaElsner-iy7sf
Danke, für das so schöne Fotoalbum ❤ !
@laughingcat341
I always thought this was a Willy Deville song. It was actually written by Van Morrison and was on a 1966 "Them" album. What a great song!!!!
@hinamauka
Agnes, you're an angel. Keep 'em coming. You're making a lot of people very happy.
@theopoort5346
Indeed
@747474ification
You are always on our minds Willy. We'll never forget about your red roses.
@gerdhynk6969
loved his music since the 70's and Cadillac Walk. Thank you Aggie, you help to make a legend of this incredible man!
@georgegordon-noel3494
one of the most emotional singers ever! love you Willy!
@BartLouwman
Agnes, jij hebt mij en de mensheid een grote dienst bewezen met deze verzameling !
@conchidominguez3782
Thanks Aggiespoenk por este ! Magnífico! Vídeo del brillante Willy!!