O'Death, o'death,

please spare me off for another year.

children pray, preacher pray,

time and mercy's out of reach.

If I come to take the soul,

leave the body and leave it cold.

Take the skin right off the frame,

earth and worms will have their claim.

O'death, o'death,

please spare me off for another year.

Mother, mother, come to my bed,

place a cold towel upon my head.

Head so hot, feet so cold,

Death movin' in upon my soul.

My wealth is all at your command,

if you remove your icy hands.

No wealth, no money, no silver, no gold,

nothing satisfies me but your soul.

O'death, o'death,

please spare me off for another year.

- Appalachian folk song