"Oh Death" lyrics - RALPH STANLEY

RALPH STANLEY
"Oh Death"
(Traditional)

O Death
Whoa, death
Won't you spare me over 'til another year?

Well, what is this, that I can't see?
Both ice-cold hands taken hold of me
Well, I am death none can excel
I'll open the door to heaven or hell

O Death, well, 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 hour, come and 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

O Death
Whoa, 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 closed my eyes so I can't see
Well, you're hurtin' my body, you make me cold
You run my life right out of 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

O the young, the rich or poor
All alike me, you know
No wealth, no land, no silver, no gold
Nothin' satisfies me but your soul

O Death
Whoa, Death
Won't you spare me over to another year
Won't you spare me over to another year
Won't you spare me over to another year