ON THE SHORES OF A MUDDY RIVER

Library of Strange Folktales, No. 006

‘Oh, what is this I cannot see,
With icy hand take hold on me?’
‘Oh, I am death and none can excell;
I open the door of heaven and hell.’

‘Now, Death oh, Death how can it be
That I must come and go with thee?
For Death, oh Death how can it be,
For I’m unprepared for eternity!’

‘Yes, I’ve come for to get your soul,
Leave your body and leave it cold,
Till drop the flesh from of’n your frame,
The earth and worms both have their claim.’

‘Now death oh death if this be true,
Please give me time to reason with you!’
‘From time to time you heard and saw—
I’ll close your eyes and lock your jaw.

‘I’ll lock your jaw’s so you can’t talk.
I’ll fix your feet so you cant walk,
I’ll dim your eyes so you can’t see;
This very hour come go with me.’

‘Now Death, oh Death consider my age
And do not take me at this stage.
My wealth is all at your command
If you will move your icy-stayed hand!’

‘The old, the young, the rich, the poor,
They alike with me will have to go,
No age no wealth no silver no gold—
Nothing satisfies me but your poor soul.’

‘Now Death, oh Death, please let me see
If Christ has turned his back on me!’
‘When you were cold and asked to bow
You wouldn’t take heed and it’s too late now.’

‘Now Death, oh Death, please 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.’

‘Too late, too late, too on farewell!
My doom is fixed, I’m summon’s to hell!
As long as god in heaven shall dwell,
My soul my soul shall in scream in hell!’

“Conversation With Death,” as sung by Berzilla Wallin (from Classic Mountian Songs From Smithsonian Folkways)