The ToneWay® Project: helping people play music


Oh Death

What is this that I can't see
With icy hands taking (5) hold on 1 me
I am death, and none can excel
I'll open the doors to (5) heaven or 1 hell

Chorus
Oh death, oh death
Can't you spare me over till another year

Oh death, someone would pray
Couldn't you call some other day
The children's 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 jaw so you can't talk
Close your eyes so you can't see
This very hour come go with me

'Tis 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

Mother come to my bed
Place a cold towel upon my head
My head is warm, my feet is cold
Death is a-moving upon my soul

Oh death, how you're treating me
You're closing my eyes so I can't see
You're hurtin' my body, you're makin' me cold
You're moving my life right out of my soul

Oh death, please consider my age
Please don't take me at this stage
My wealth is all at your command
If you would move your icy hand

The old, the young, the rich and poor
All alike with me, you know
No wealth no land, No silver nor gold
Nothing satisfies me but your soul

Available in these books:

Big Print Songs
Over 200 songs.
Family Tradition
The reference manual, with lyrics to 330 songs.
Featuring large-print lyrics (20-point type) and chords, historical info, jamming hints, and more.

A song from the The ToneWay Mountain Music Collection, which offers lyrics and free Song Clips (recordings for learning the song by ear) for nearly 400 traditional songs, many of which are often heard in bluegrass and old-time jam circles. The ToneWay Project also offers songbooks, CDs, and a free online video series for learning to play music by ear. http://ToneWay.com