What is this that I can't see,

with icy hands taking hold on me?

"I am death and none can excel,

I'll open the doors to heaven or hell."



O-oh death, o-oh death

can't you spare me over till another year?

O-oh death, o-oh death

please spare me over till another year.



O-oh death someone would pray,

couldn't you call some other day?

"God's children 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 worms both have a claim."



O-oh death, o-oh death

can't you spare me over till another year?

O-oh death, o-oh death

please spare me over till 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.



O-oh death, o-oh death

can't you spare me over till another year?

O-oh death, o-oh death

please spare me over till 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,

nothing satisfies me but your soul."



O-oh death, o-oh death

can't you spare me over till another year?

O-oh death, o-oh death

please spare me over till another year