Old Leatherstocking - O Death (Conversation With Death)

Banjo Heritage 👉   / cliftonhicks  
Although many have attributed "O Death" to Baptist preacher, Lloyd Chandler, printed evidence of the song has been found in Britain dating to the 17th century. Besides Chandler, contemporary versions have also been recorded by Berzilla Wallin, Nimrod Workman, Dock Boggs, and Ralph Stanley.

This song bears many similarities to the English ballad "Death and the Lady" (Roud 1031), which I first heard sung by Norma Waterson.

Oh Death oh Death,
Please spare me over 'til another year!

What is this that I can't see
With icy hands taking hold of me?
I am Death none can excel
I open the door to Heaven or Hell,
Oh Death someone would pray
Could you call some other day?
The children prayed the preacher preached
But time & mercy is out of your reach...

I'll fix your feet so you can't walk
I'll lock your jaw so you can't talk,
I'll close your eyes so you can't see
This very hour come go with me,
Death I come to take the soul
I leave the body and leave it cold,
I drop the flesh off of the frame
The earth and worms both have a claim...

O Death 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 young the old the rich or poor
All alike with me you know
No wealth, no land, no silver, no gold
Nothing satisfies me but your soul...

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 run my life right out of my soul...

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