O Death (Appalachian Dirge)” [Verse 1] Oh death, oh death, Won’t you spare me over ’til another year? What is this that I can’t see, With ice-cold hands takin’ hold of me? “I am Death—none can excel, I’ll open the door to Heaven or Hell.” [Refrain] Oh death… oh death… Won’t you spare me over ’til another year? [Verse 2] Oh death, someone would pray, Could you wait to call me ’til another day? The children cried, the preacher preached, Time and mercy lie 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 go with me.” [Refrain] Oh death… oh death… Won’t you spare me over ’til another year? [Verse 3] In death I come to take the soul, Leave the body stiff and cold. To strip the flesh down from the frame— The earth and worms both stake their claim. My mother came to my bedside, Placed a cold cloth where I lay and cried. My head burned hot, my feet turned cold— Death’s shadow movin’ on my soul. [Verse 4] Oh death, how you’re treatin’ me, You close my eyes so I can’t see. You chill my blood, you still my breath, You pull my life straight out to death. Oh death, please consider my age, Don’t take me now at this stage. My wealth, my silver, all I own— I’ll give it up—just leave me lone. [Bridge – Spoken / Whispered Feel] “The young, the rich, the poor the same… No gold nor silver buys you time. No land nor coin, no worldly role— Nothin’ satisfies me but your soul…” [Final Refrain – Slower, darker] Oh death… oh death… Won’t you spare me over ’til another year? Oh death… oh death… Won’t you spare me over ’til another year? Oh death… oh death… Won’t you spare me… over ’til another year