Old Leatherstocking - Death and the Lady

Banjo Heritage 👉 I learned “Death and the Lady“ (Roud 1031) from a recording of Norma Waterson & Martin Carthy. It’s earliest entry in The Roud Folk Song Index is 1778. As I walked out one winter day I met a man along the way His head was bald his beard was grey His clothing made of the cold red clay (x2) I said old man what happened to you What country did you belong unto My name is Death I’ve come for thee All kings and princes bow down to me (x2) I’ll give you gold I’ll give you pearls I’ll give you a fine silk robe to wear If You will grant me one season more To give me some time my life to amend (x2) I want no gold I want no pearls I want no fine silk robe to wear I cannot grant you one season more Nor give you some time your life to amend (x2) Three days later that lady died Carve this upon my tomb she cried As I am now you’ll be one day Your