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.
Spanish Harlem
Willy DeVille Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A red rose up in Spanish Harlem
It is a special one, it's never seen the sun
It only comes out when the moon is on the run
And all the stars are gleaming
It's growing in the street right up through the concrete
But soft and sweet and dreamin'
A red rose up in Spanish Harlem
With eyes as black as coal that look down in my soul
And starts a fire there and then I lose control
I have to beg your pardon
I'm going to pick that rose and watch her as she grows in my garden
I'm going to pick that rose and watch her as she grows in my garden
(There is a rose in Spanish Harlem)
La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la-la
(There is a rose in Spanish Harlem)
La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la-la
(There is a rose in Spanish Harlem)
Willy DeVille's song "Spanish Harlem" portrays a romance that begins with the allure of a special rose blooming on the streets of Spanish Harlem. The rose is precious, and its unique quality is it only blooms when the moon rises, amidst stars gleaming in the sky. DeVille uses metaphor and powerful imagery to describe how the rose grows out of the concrete but remains delicate and sweet, giving it an almost spiritual quality. The second line of the first verse continues with the metaphor of the rose as a symbol of a love that is rare and exotic. The black eyes of the object of DeVille's love gaze into his soul, starting a fire that he cannot resist. He begs for her pardon and decides to pick the rose, not from the street but from the place where he can watch it grow in his garden.
The second verse further deepens the metaphor of the rose indicating that the rose represents a person, and the garden symbolizes the heart. DeVille reflects on this precious and rare woman who has entered his life, and in his garden, he will nurture the love and the beauty he sees in her. Spanish Harlem is seen as the perfect setting for this story of love, given its cultural richness, and a place of struggle and hope, strength, and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
There is a rose in Spanish Harlem
There is a beautiful flower in the Spanish Harlem neighborhood.
A red rose up in Spanish Harlem
This particular rose is red and can be found in Spanish Harlem.
It is a special one, it's never seen the sun
This rose is unique because it has never been exposed to sunlight.
It only comes out when the moon is on the run
This rose blooms only during the night, when the moon is high.
And all the stars are gleaming
When this rose blooms, it is surrounded by shining stars.
It's growing in the street right up through the concrete
Although it's growing in a tough environment, it manages to thrive and flourish.
But soft and sweet and dreamin'
Despite its surroundings, this rose is delicate and has a gentle nature.
With eyes as black as coal that look down in my soul
This rose has dark petals that seem to gaze deep into one's soul.
And starts a fire there and then I lose control
The sight of this rose sets off intense feelings that cause a loss of self-control.
I have to beg your pardon
Apologizing for the overwhelming emotions and impulses sparked by the rose.
I'm going to pick that rose and watch her as she grows in my garden
The singer decides to pick the rose and cultivate it in their own garden, in hopes of keeping its beauty and essence alive.
Lyrics © JELLYBEAN MUSIC GROUP, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network
Written by: Jerry Leiber, Phil Spector
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alan Kevin
There is a rose in Spanish Harlem
A red rose up in Spanish Harlem
It is a special one, it's never seen the sun
It only comes out when the moon is on the run
And all the stars are gleaming
It's growing in the street right up through the concrete
But soft and sweet and dreaming
There is a rose in Spanish Harlem
A red rose up in Spanish Harlem
With eyes as black as coal that look down in my soul
And starts a fire there and then I lose control
I have to beg your pardon
I'm going to pick that rose
And watch her as she grows in my garden
I'm going to pick that rose
And watch her as she grows in my garden
D. Dios
Sadly only ONE Willie per universe
Let's be Greatful we got to around in the Time Will did.and see live b4 Evil Cancer sadly too you away and
Merry not so Merry Christmas darling
Willie in heaven singing with Angels now
We miss you old friend here in NYC. King of Cool
Voice of. One of the most glorious Angels.
All your old friends still
Remember you so well
And cry
You were a righteous
Man
Working with you was so easy .The audience was CRAZY for you. You were pure kool and golden.
Next life time we'll do it again! MERRY CHRISTMAS WERE EVER YOU ARE INSIDES OUR HEARTS.
WILLIE IN SOME PLACE
P Talley
Why have I never heard this man before? He's incredible! I'm hooked. What a voice!!!!
OriginalMangereBoy71
I've never heard of Willy De Ville until a couple of weeks ago.. The guy is just brilliant !!!
0odem187
One of the most underrated artist... He's is a legend this man is pure music... And so honest
tony olguin
he was
stanibol
Pure indulgence. Not the greatest singing talent, but he does know how to tantalise the ear and charm the sox off his audience. I wonder how many cigarettes it took to perfect the grunt for this Shaman to submit everyone into trance.
Willy was a unique character; nobody will miss me the way his fans miss him. Not at all jealous. Willy deserves to be remembered forever.
Tina Ros
I never heard this old song by a better interpreter. Gorgeous!!!
hotmxcnchick
The best intepreter of Spanish Harlem, can't get enough of it
Craig Daliessio
except for butchering the words a few times
john clarke
You know what Willy? I am a man that spent over 20 years performing. Only 2 other performers have brought tears to my eyes.. Well, maybe 3 if we count Bette Midler. Elvis and you. Pretty damn good company. Sorry I didn' t find you until now. Haunt your publicist. Bad job on their part. Mr DeVille, you will become a legend. Because you deserve to be one. Not the greatest voice but, the greatest delivery. It' s called soul.
Marion Wasner
Today, 13 years ago😢😢😢😢still so sad for my. Willy is never forgotten 🙏🖤