There is something about American folk songs that can be hauntingly beautiful. Perhaps it is because of the mystery of their origins, or perhaps it is the fact that they are shaped by many musicians over time detailing hardships and perilous struggles. “O Death” is one such folk song that has been dragged from the shadows by the popular PS4 video game, Until Dawn.
“O Death” stems from early musical traditions of southern Appalachia, with its origins obscured by history. Research suggests that it may have originated with Lloyd Chandler, an American Appalachian folk musician, after he had “a vision from God” in 1916. Paired with its morbid lyrics, this backstory only adds to the song’s aura of uneasiness and mystery.
The song first became popular in the late 1920’s when banjo player Moran Lee “Dock” Boggs recorded the song. During the 1960’s – 70’s the song had a resurgence and Boggs recorded a new version for a 1963 album.
The original song itself alternates between lyrics from a dying man and Death himself.
“O, Death
O, Death
O, Death
Won’t you spare me over 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
Whoa, 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 up the flesh off of the frame
Dirt and worm both have a claim
O, Death
O, Death
Won’t you spare me over another
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
Won’t you spare me over til another year
Won’t you spare me over til another year”
The version from Until Dawn was arranged by composer Jeff Grace. Grace was no stranger to the horror genre, creating scores for We are What We Are, The House of the Devil, and The Innkeepers, among others. His version of “O Death” used Amy Van Roekel‘s strong vocals to emulate a traditional folk sound, while giving the melody a modern edge with a pounding beat and powerful strings.
The song was shortened for this version and the lyrics changed:
“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 taking hold of me
When God is gone and the Devil takes hold
Who will have mercy on my soul?
O Death, O Death, consider my age
Please don’t take me at this stage
O, Death. O Death
Won’t you spare me over ’til another year?
O, I am Death, and none can tell
If I open the door to Heaven or Hell
No wealth, no land, no silver nor gold
Nothing satisfies me but your soul
I’m Death, I come to take the soul
Leave the body and leave it cold
O Death, O Death
Won’t you spare me over ’til another year?”
It removes the references to illness and also adds the cryptic, “When God is gone and the Devil takes hold” line – both changes that reinforce the game’s theme of violent monster-caused deaths as opposed to the original version’s focus on illness and death of more natural causes. But the changes also have another significance, they continue the folk tradition of music changing and adapting over time. This new version is now popular among gamers in the 2010’s, and I look forward to seeing how the song grows and changes in future covers and re-imaginings.
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