Old Leatherstocking - O Death (Conversation With Death)

Banjo Heritage 👉 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... Merch SubscribeStar Bandcamp PayPal Venmo @cliftonhicksbanjo Spotify iTunes #CliftonHicks #banjoheritage #banjo #blues #bluegrass #folkmusic #tradmusic #rootsmusic #acousticmusic #oldtimemusic #OldLeatherstocking ​#oldtimebanjo #twofingerbanjo #clawhammerbanjo