Lyrics:
O what is this that I can't see
An icy hand takes hold on me
I am death, none can excel
I hold the key to heaven or hell
O death, o death
Won't you spare me over for another year?
O I have come to get your soul
To leave your body and leave it cold
To drop the flesh right off of your frame
The earth and worms both have their claim
O death, o death
Won't you spare me over for another year?
O death, o death, consider my age
Pray do not take me at this stage
My wealth is all in your command
If you but move your icy hand
O death, o death
Won't you spare me over for another year?
Not age, nor youth, nor silver, nor gold
Nothing satisfies me but your soul
The only home the rich and the poor
Alike with me will have to go
O death, o death
Won't you spare me over for another year?
O death, o death
Won't you spare me over for another year?
O death, o death
Won't you spare me over for another year?
A word brief about death, from an Orthodox Christian perspective: Death is something of a paradox for the Christian- we do not fear death, but we prepare for it with great seriousness; longing to be united with God in eternity, yet asking God for more time that we may use it to attain greater repentance.
O death, where is thy sting?