Artist & Tune
Version by Ralph Stanley
Version by Mike Seeger
Version by Rising Appalachia
Version by Ranky Tanky
Version by Sam Amidon
Reference
About the Song
per Ralph Stanley:
O, Death (2x)
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, no one can tell
I'll open the gate to Heaven or Hell
Whoa, Death, someone would pray
Could you wait to call me another day?
My mother came to my bed
Placed a cold towel upon my head
Well my head is warm my feet are cold
Death is a-movin' upon my soul
O, Death how you're treatin' me
You closed my eyes 'till I can't see
You're hurtin' my body, you're makin' me cold
You run my life right outta my soul
O Death please consider my age
Don't take me at this stage
My wealth is all at your command
If you will move your icy hand
O the young, the rich or poor
All alike to me you know
No wealth, no land, no silver nor gold
Nothing satisfies me but your soul
Alt Lyrics
per Sam Amidon:
What is this that I can't see
With icy hands taking hold on me?
I am Death, no-one can tell
I'll open the doors to Heaven or Hell
O Death, o Death
Please spare me over just another year
I'll fix your feet so you can't walk
I'll lock your jaw so you cannot talk
I'll close your eyes so you can't see
This very hour come & go with me
"O Death", someone would say
"Couldn't you call some other day?"
God's children prayed, the preacher preached
Time & mercy are out of your reach
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
My mother come to my bed
Placed a cold towel upon my head
My head is warm, my feet are cold
Death is moving upon my soul
per the band, Ranky Tanky:
O death walked up to the sinner's gate
Said believe you have religion a little too late
Said your fever is a well past one hundred & 2
Said you'll never have a chance to ever pull through
Cryin' "O death
O death
O death
Won't you spare me over 'til another year
Gonna fix your feet so you cannot walk