Oh, what is this I cannot see
What icy hand take hold of me?
"Oh, I am Death, that none can excel,
I opens 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,
To drop the flesh from off 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've heard and saw
I will close your eyes and lock your jaw.

"I'll lock your jaws so you can't talk,
I'll fix your feet so you can't 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 hand. 

"The old, the young, the rich, the poor
They like with me will have to go
No wage, no wealth, no silver and 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 called 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, to all farewell,
My doom is fixed, I'm summonsed to hell.
As long as God in Heaven shall dwell
My soul, my soul shall scream in hell.