What is this that I can't see
With icy hands takin' hold on me?
"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
"Could you call some other day?"
"God's children's prayed, the preacher's preached
The time of mercy is out of 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 worm 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
You close my eyes so I can't see
You hurt my body, you make me cold
You're ruling my 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
"The old, the young, the rich or poor
Are all alike with me, you know
No wealth, no land, no silver, no gold
Nothin' 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