Oh Death, also known as O, Death, Conversations with Death or A Conversation with Death, is a traditional folk/religious song originating in Appalachia. The song is generally attributed to Lloyd Chandler and members of the Wallin family, who performed it in the 1920s. However, it was most likely taken or adapted from older folk songs that already existed in the region, thus the true original source remains unknown.
Oh Death proved to be very popular, with many folk music artists performed it in 1920s-1980s (Dock Boggs, Nimrod Workman, Ralph Stanley, etc), which led to its popularization in mass culture. It has been featured in movies, television and video games, including Until Dawn and The Dark Pictures Anthology.
This soulful song follows a dialogue between Death and a dying man. The man begs to be spared and is ready to offer anything in return, but Death refuses him, saying that his time has come and it is inevitable.
Supermassive Games[]
Supermassive Games actively uses Oh Death as the main theme in their popular horror titles due to its symbolic resonance with their cinematic game philosophy “Everyone can live. Everyone can die.” Each game features its own unique version of Oh Death, performed by different artists in different genres to fit the game's setting and motif.
- Until Dawn - O Death, performed by Amy Van Roekel. It is featured in opening and ending of the 2015 original and appears as an easter egg in the 2024 remake.
- The Dark Pictures - A Conversation with Death, perfomed by Khemmis. It is the main theme for the entire anthology and featured in opening for each installment. For the endings, the versions are:
- Man of Medan — O Death, performed by Gangstagrass feat. Brandi Hart, Liquid and R-Son.
- Little Hope — Oh Death, performed by Tim Eriksen.
- House of Ashes — Conversations with Death, performed by Bitter End.
- The Devil in Me — O' Death, performed by Signature Quartet.
Lyrics[]
Dock Boggs[]
What is this that I can't see
With icy hands taking hold on me
I am death and none can excel
I'll open the doors to heaven or hell
Oh, death, oh, death, can't you spare me over till another year?
Oh, death, oh, death, please spare me over till another year
Oh, death, someone would pray
Couldn't you call some other day
God's children prayed, the preacher's preached
The time of mercy is out of your reach
I'll fix your feet so you can't walk
I'll lock your jaws so you can't talk
Close your eyes so you can't see
This very hour come go with me
Death, I come to take the soul
Leave the body and leave it cold,
To drop the flesh of the frame
The earth and worms both have a claim
Oh, death, oh, death, can't you spare me over till another year?
Oh, death, oh, death, please spare me over till another year
My mother come to my bed
Place a cold towel upon my head,
My head is warm, my feet is cold
Death is moving upon my soul
Oh, death, how you treating me
Close my eyes so I can't see
You hurt my body, you make me cold
You're ruling my life right out of my soul
Oh, death, oh, death, can't you spare me over till another year?
Oh, death, oh, death, please spare me over till another year
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
Are all alike with me, you know
No wealth, no land, no silver, no gold
Nothing satisfies me but your soul
Oh, death, oh, death, can't you spare me over till another year?
Oh, death, oh, death, please spare me over till another year
Trivia[]
- Switchback VR doesn't features Oh Death as it is a spin-off for The Dark Pictures and not part of the main series.
Gallery[]
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