by Rev. Gary Davis recording of probably 1960 from Harlem Street Singer (Bluesville OBCCD-547-2)
Em Am B7 Em Death don't have no mercy in this land Em Am D7 G (G)(A)(Bb)B7 Death don't have no mercy in this land, in this land Em He'll come to your house, and he won't stay long Am C You look in the bed and somebody'll be gone Em C Am B7 Em Am Em Death don't have no mercy in this land
Death will go in any family in this land Death will go in any family in this land Well, he'll come to your house, and he won't take long Well, you'll look in the bed and one of the family will be gone Death will go in any family in this land
Well, he never takes a vacation in this land Well, old death takes a vacation in this land Well, he'll come to your house, and he won't take long You look in the bed and your mother will be gone Death never takes a vacation in this land *Solo* (verse)
Well, he'll leave you standin' and a cryin' in this land Well, death will leave you standin' and a cryin' in this land Well, he'll come to your house, and he won't stay long You look in the bed and somebody will be gone Death will leave you standin' and a cryin' in this land
Well, death is always in a hurry in this land Oh, death's always in a hurry in this land Well, he'll come to your house, and he won't stay long You look in the bed and your mother will be gone Death's always in a hurry in this land
Well, he won't give you time to get ready in this land Well, he won't give you time to get ready in this land Well, he'll come to your house, and he won't stay long You look in the bed and somebody will be gone Death won't give you time to get ready in this land *Solo* (verse)