“I still believe that the spiritual songs of the African-Americans represent some of the greatest artistic achievements in America.â€
[- Dietrich Bonheoffer]
What is this that I can’t see,
with ice cold hands takin’ hold of me?
When God is gone and the Devil takes hold,
Lord have mercy on my soul.
Well, I am d**h, none can excel.
I open the door to Heaven or Hell.
“O, d**h,†someone might pray,
“could you call me another day?â€
O, d**h…spare me.
The children prayed and the preacher preached.
Time and mercy are 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 am d**h come to take the soul,
leave the body and leave it cold,
to draw the flesh off of the frame,
Dirt and worm both have a claim.
O, d**h…spare me.
O, d**h, please consider my age.
Please don’t take me at this stage.
My wealth is all at your command
if you would remove your icy hand.
d**h is moving upon your soul,
All like to me, you know.
No wealth, no land, no silver, no gold,
nothing satisfies me but your soul.
O, d**h…spare me.