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.
Key to My Heart
Willy DeVille Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've never felt this way before, don't make me cry, oh no
You're on my mind, you're my every breath, don't make me cry, oh no.
Like the full wind out in the sea, like the birds to the trees
Like the touch of your hand, you made my life complete
You know how much you mean to me.
I've never felt this way before, don't make me cry, oh no
You're on my mind, you're my every breath, don't make me cry, oh no.
Like the full wind out, out, out in the sea, like the birds to the trees
Like the the touch of your hand, you made my life so complete
You know how much you mean to me.
You got the key to my heart, don't make me cry, oh no.
The lyrics to the song "Key to My Heart" by Willy DeVille are a plea from the singer to his beloved not to hurt him because he has given her the key to his heart. He admits that he has never felt this way before, and she is always on his mind and in his every breath. The lyrics are poetic and use metaphors, such as comparing the touch of his lover's hand to completing his life. The comparison of the wind out at sea and the birds to the trees implies that he feels free and grounded with her. The repetition of the plea not to hurt him emphasizes how vulnerable he is to her, and the use of "oh no" adds a sense of urgency and fear.
Overall, the songwriter is expressing vulnerability and love, and is begging his lover not to break his heart because she has the key to it.
Line by Line Meaning
You got the key to my heart, don't make me cry, oh no
You have complete access to my emotions and inner thoughts, please don't hurt me.
I've never felt this way before, don't make me cry, oh no
I've never experienced these intense feelings of love and vulnerability, please don't take advantage of me.
You're on my mind, you're my every breath, don't make me cry, oh no.
You are constantly on my thoughts and in my heart, please don't crush my feelings.
Like the full wind out in the sea, like the birds to the trees
Your presence brings me a sense of liberation and peace similar to that of the wind on the sea and the birds on the trees.
Like the touch of your hand, you made my life complete
Your touch has fulfilled my life and made it whole.
You know how much you mean to me.
You fully understand and grasp the depth of the love and admiration I have for you.
Contributed by Lucy N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@susangreifer2320
He just breaks my heart. Only started listening to him recently and I am so addicted--wish he we still around.
@marie-rosedaly4234
🌹
@shannonking2126
I also only recently "discovered" him and am likewise "addicted." Sad to know he died even before I "discovered" him. So grateful at least we have so many recordings and wonderful videos and interviews.
@christineschaufele5573
R.I .P Willy deine Musik 🎶 lebt weiter
@AugustRex
Diesen Mann könnte ich immer wieder hören einschließlich seiner begnadeten Musikanten!
@EllaElsner-iy7sf
Voll deiner Meinung❤❤❤
@iglisceglix3744
UN GRANDISSIMO CHE CI HA LASCIATO TROPPO PRESTO UN MUSICISTA CHE HA FATTO LA STORIA DELLA MUSICA UNICO NEL SUO GENERE, GRAZIE DI TUTTO WILLY
@darlingusa2pettee57
Willy's voice is a gift to stir emotions in hearts like none other. Pure and beautiful. Long live Willy in our hearts.
@roselynemichel6768
Force , douceur et fragilité... Magnifique !
@ingley5220
Einmalig, trifft die Seele!