O Death

Ralph Stanley

O, Death
O, Death
Won't you spare me over til another year?
Well what is this that I can't see
With ice cold hands takin' hold of me
Well I am death, none can excel
I'll open the door to Heaven or Hell
O, Death, someone would pray
Could you wait to call me another day
The children prayed, the preacher preached
Time and mercy is out of your reach
I'll fix your feet til you can’t walk
I'll lock your jaw til you can’t talk
I'll close your eyes so you can't see
This very air, come and go with me
I'm Death, I come to take the soul
Leave the body and leave it cold
To draw up the flesh off of the frame
Dirt and worm both have a claim

O, Death
O, Death
Won't you spare me over til another year?
My mother came to my bed
Placed a cold towel upon my head
My head is warm, my feet are cold
Death is a-movin upon my soul
O, Death, how you're treatin' me
You've close my eyes so I can't see
Well you're hurtin' my body
You make me cold
You run my life right outta my soul
O, Death, please consider my age
Please don't take me at this stage
My wealth is all at your command
If you will move your icy hand
Oh the young, the rich or poor
Hunger like me you know
No wealth, no land, no silver, no gold
Nothing satisfies me but your soul