Reel 304 # 12
Collected by W.C. Anderson For Mary C. Parler Transcribed by Linda Humphrey
Conversation with Death
Oh what is this that I can see With icy hands taking hold of me?
I’m Death and none can I excell I open the door of Heaven and Hell.
Chorus:
Death oh Death, how can it be That I must come and go with thee? Please give me time if I must go To prepare soul for eternity.
Death oh Death, if this be true,
Please give me time to reason with you. From time to time, you heard and saw,
I close the eyes and lock the jaws.
Chorus:
Now Death oh Death, please let me see If Christ has turned his back on me.
When you were called and asked to bow,
You would not heed, you’re too late now.
Recited by W.C. An Fayetteville, Ark. Jan. 5, 1961
Chorus:Conversation with Death continued
I'll fix your feet so you can't walk,
I’ll lock your jaws so you can’t talk,
I’ll close your eyes so you can’t see,
This very hour, come go with me.
Chorus:
Now Death oh Death, if some one prays,
Can I thus call and charge repay?
God's children prayed, the preachers preached, Now the light of hope is out of reach.
Chorus:
Now Death 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.
Chorus:
The old, the young, the rich, the poor They all alike, with me must go No wealth, no land, no silver, nor gold Nothing satisfies me but your poor soul.
Chorus:
Oh, yes I come to get your soul To leave your body and leave it cold,
To drop the flesh off from your bones,
The earth and the worms both have their claims.
Chorus:Conversation with Death continued
You heard my people sing and pray,
You didn't take heed; you walked away, Wouldn't give your heart or bend your knee; Now you must come and go with me.
Chorus:
Now Death oh Death, will you give me time To fix my heart and change my mind?
Your heart is fixed, your mind is bound,
I have the shackles to drag you down.
Chorus:
Too late, to late, to all farewell,
My doom is fixed and sentenced to hell.
As long as God in Heaven shall dwell,
My soul shall burn forever in Hell.
Lena Belle Jameson learned this in Missouri and brought it back to Lawrence in 1934. W.C. Anderson did not remember the tune.
