Banjo, f#CGAD tuning.
"What is this that I can see with icy hands taking hold on me?"
"I am Death and none can excel, I'll open the door to Heaven or Hell."
REFRAIN: 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?"
"The children's prayed, the preacher preached, the time of 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
Close your eyes so you can't see, this very hour come go with me."
"Death, I come, 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."
REFRAIN: 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 ruin my life right out of my soul."
REFRAIN: 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, 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 satisfy me but your soul."
REFRAIN: Oh Death, Oh Death
Can't you spare me over 'til another year
Oh Death, Oh Death
Please spare me over 'til another year