O Death, also known as O, Death, Oh Death and Conversations with Death is a traditional Appalachian dirge

Dirge

A dirge is a somber song expressing mourning or grief, such as would be appropriate for performance at a funeral. A lament. The English word "dirge" is derived from the Latin Dirige, Domine, Deus meus, in conspectu tuo viam meam , the first words of the first antiphon in the Matins of the Office...

 originating from southern Appalachia

Appalachia

Appalachia is a term used to describe a cultural region in the eastern United States that stretches from the Southern Tier of New York state to northern Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. While the Appalachian Mountains stretch from Belle Isle in Canada to Cheaha Mountain in the U.S...

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Its author is unknown, but it has been popularized by many artists in recent times, with Ralph Stanley

Ralph Stanley

Ralph Stanley , also known as Dr. Ralph Stanley, is an American bluegrass artist, known for his distinctive singing and banjo playing.-Biography:...

's cover appearing in the film O Brother, Where Art Thou?

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

O Brother, Where Art Thou? is a 2000 comedy film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen and starring George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, John Goodman, Holly Hunter, and Charles Durning. Set in 1937 rural Mississippi during the Great Depression, the film's story is a modern satire loosely...

and a rendition by Jen Titus appearing in the television show Supernatural

Supernatural (TV series)

Supernatural is an American supernatural and horror television series created by Eric Kripke, which debuted on September 13, 2005 on The WB, and is now part of The CW's lineup. Starring Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester and Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester, the series follows the brothers as they...

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Lyrics

'O, Death. O, Death.

Won't you spare me over 'til another year?

Well, what is this that I can't see

With ice cold hands takin' hold of me

Well I am death, none can excel

I'll open the door to heaven or hell

'O, death' someone would pray

'Could you wait to call me another day?'

The children prayed, the preacher preached

Time and mercy is 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 and go with me

I'm death I come to take the soul

Leave the body and leave it cold

To draw the flesh off of the frame

Dirt and worm both have a claim


O, Death. O, Death.

Won't you spare me over til another year?

My mother came to my bed

Placed a cold towel upon my head

My head is warm my feet are cold

Death is a-movin' upon my soul

Oh, death how you're treatin' me

You've close my eyes so I can't see

Well you're hurtin' my body

You make me cold

You run my life right outta 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 will move your icy hand

The old, the young, the rich or poor

All alike to me, you know

No wealth, no land, no silver no gold

Nothing satisfies me but your soul


O, Death. O, Death.

Won't you spare me over 'til another year?'