What is this that I can see,
Taking hold on me with icy hands
I am death and none can excel,
I'll open the doors to Heaven or Hell.
Oh death, oh death, can't you spare me over til another year?
Oh death, oh death, please spare me over til another year.
Oh death, someone would pray,
Couldn't you call some other day?
God's children's prayed, the preachers preached,
The time of mercy your reach.
I'll fix your feet so you can't walk,
I'll lock your jaws so you can't talk.
Close your eyes so you can't see
This very hour come go with me.
Death, I come to take the soul,
Leave the body and leave it cold;
To drop the flesh off of the frame,
The earth and worms both have a claim.
Oh death, oh death, can't you spare me over til another year?
Oh death, oh death, please spare me over til another year.
My mother come to my bed,
Place a cold towel upon my head.
My head is warm, my feet is cold;
Death is moving upon my soul.
Oh death, how you treating me,
Close my eyes so I can't see.
You hurt my body, you make me cold,
You're ruling the life right out of my soul.
Oh death, oh death, can't you spare me over til another year?
Oh death, oh death, please spare me over til another year.
Oh 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.
Old, the young, the rich or poor,
All alike with me, you know;
No wealth, no land, no silver, no gold;
Nothing satisfies me but your soul.
Oh death, oh death, can't you spare me over til another year?
Oh death, oh death, please spare me over til another year.
