Old Leatherstocking - O Death (Conversation With Death)

Banjo Heritage 👉 / cliftonhicks
Although many have attributed "O Death" to Baptist preacher, Lloyd Chandler, printed evidence of the song has been found in Britain dating to the 17th century. Besides Chandler, contemporary versions have also been recorded by Berzilla Wallin, Nimrod Workman, Dock Boggs, and Ralph Stanley.
This song bears many similarities to the English ballad "Death and the Lady" (Roud 1031), which I first heard sung by Norma Waterson.
Oh Death oh Death,
Please spare me over 'til another year!
What is this that I can't see
With icy hands taking hold of me?
I am Death none can excel
I open the door to Heaven or Hell,
Oh Death someone would pray
Could you call some other day?
The children prayed the preacher preached
But time & mercy is out of your reach...
I'll fix your feet so you can't walk
I'll lock your jaw so you can't talk,
I'll close your eyes so you can't see
This very hour come go with me,
Death I come to take the soul
I leave the body and leave it cold,
I drop the flesh off of the frame
The earth and worms both have a claim...
O Death 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 young the old the rich or poor
All alike with me you know
No wealth, no land, no silver, no gold
Nothing satisfies me but your soul...
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
You close my eyes so I can 't see,
You hurt my body you make me cold
You run my life right out of my soul...
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#CliftonHicks #banjoheritage #banjo #blues #bluegrass #folkmusic #tradmusic #rootsmusic #acousticmusic #oldtimemusic #OldLeatherstocking ​#oldtimebanjo #twofingerbanjo #clawhammerbanjo

[@royaljell604]

I run a work crew doing hard labour in northern British Columbia. I taight them this song, and it's our chant when it gets really ugly.

[@yonahshifren1161]

Who cares if it’s racist..

[@The1RealSlimShady]

@@yonahshifren1161 Good thing that race wasn't mentioned once throughout the entire song. (Seriously though, what point are you trying to make?)

[@Youtubz12]

​@The1RealSlimShady some people can't help but show off their ignorance. Its a cry for help.

[@danielkwestfall7585]

@@yonahshifren1161 How is it racist?

[@AqquaTuna]

I run a work crew of 4 in Northern Ontario. We build retaining walls for the wealthy. On private lakes. I also taught them this song. We work ugly 6 to 6. Racism has nothing to do with it. All of us are knee deep in mud. Some physically, some mentally.

[@HenryFarfenuggen]

We need a full Old Leatherstocking album

[@midnightmosesuk]

Hell, I'd buy it and I'm a dyed in the wool Cockney.

[@LonelyAssassin96]

I'd buy one for all my friends.

[@HenryFarfenuggen]

@@LonelyAssassin96 it's out

[@93gmc666]

@@HenryFarfenuggen where?// nevermind, bought it lol

[@DonTheMoron716]

And tour. Cliff would tear it up!

[@mafia_dave32]

My grand father use to say that a man born to hang will never drown .

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

That's a good one I've never heard. Sounds OLD.

[@Walkerbtween]

But a child born on the winter solstice can neither be hung nor drowned. (West Virginia dad, Alabama mom)

[@Viriatus1]

Was your grandfather Russian?

[@babyboy7359]

@@Viriatus1 Perhaps the russian president?

[@nicknick5168]

@@williamshivers7173 I bet he knew how to party though.

[@eriktegnanderandresen7393]

This song really helped my grandpa to accept his imminent death (he found it himself). the last thing he listened to before he passed in the evening of the 28/05/21 was this. thank you man

[@harley97ful]

Sorry for your loss. We all get there in the end. May your grandpa rest in peace.

[@brianstearskingnothing]

Sorry for your loss

[@olezhkaeosboy3963]

I’m from Russia and I don’t know what I’m doing here. But it’s fire 🔥

[@stuartbrent6506]

Привет

[@TheSodomundGommorah]

I'm from Serbia брат and this Appalachian Американец is rocking it hard!

[@clydejohnson4251]

Appalachian mountains!! We some tough son of bitches over here

[@Ulfhednars-lair]

Оооо Землякам привет 😄

[@joshuajim65]

"From Murica with love."

[@jerbear9283]

I'm a cashier. My district manager let's me choose my music. I play this all the time. Many new fans writing down your name. Amazing music universally interesting

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Cool! Thanks a lot. 🍻

[@kevinc.8869]

You should play it in the store

[@Cowboy684]

your district manager has a monster dong

[@ThePaPappy]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo Your song haunts me. This coming February 2022 we would have been married 40 years.............modern medicine failed us. Sometimes I play along on the harmonica and think of her. It's a true song of remorse. Thank you.

[@nothingnobody6688]

My shops play Bob Marley ECT is love to walk into a shop and hear this good on you love from Australia xxxx

[@lamichiganr326]

*My almost 4 year old Grandson can not stop singing this song and "Death and the Lady."* *He has my love of the macabre.* *Much love to you from my family here in Traverse City Michigan.*

[@gordonyork6638]

Yes. Great music. An Oregon transplant from Grayling MI.

[@chadowens8565]

He has to wear gloves cuz his fingers are bones 🦴. It would buzz somethin awful!...😄

[@joewilson5635]

Fn funny

[@sonofamachinegun8568]

He could probably play some sweet slide guitar though.

[@janfideplat752]

🤣🤣🤣

[@neronine7320]

🎃..

[@prayface777]

“Death smiles at us all; all we can do is smile back.” Marcus Aurelius

[@sheepdogministries896]

Truth

[@jaegerwoods6685]

everybody needs to read meditations by Marcus Aurelius, the man was a legend.

[@amanda.collaud]

@@jaegerwoods6685 Jesus was the legend, king of jews, invisible God manifest in the flesh.

[@jaegerwoods6685]

@@amanda.collaud I agree.

[@jimmythe-gent]

Marcus was a boss tho..

[@d614gakadoug9]

I am impressed not only with Leatherstocking's playing and singing but with the extremely masterful exploitation of the mask by his eyes.

[@randyherrin138]

Wake each day prepared for death. Be right with your God, yourself and everyone you love.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Sleep soundly and arise with confidence. God is the best of planners.

[@caleb1rshelton]

absolutely killer. Between the somber nature of the song, and the skull mask, that rich voice, and how expressive his eyes are this truly is a haunting performance.

[@The73ryan]

Then you should definitely check out his other video for Death and the Lady: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZTIdKqVZtWJgZo

[@sheepdogministries896]

Haunting melody

[@theyearwas1987]

His voice resonating off the mask is definitely a cool effect! 😎

[@drasvader1]

Clifton goes!!!!

[@RJDCR]

Cannibal Corpse should cover this one

[@VaultTecAi]

Its not blackface it’s adding to the eerie character he is portraying. As a BLACK man i love it lol keep jamin brother.

[@Wastelander-420]

It is good stuff, ain't it?😊

[@soulance8342]

"The skull is appropriating the living impaired! " It's always some suburban white woman whining about how something offends other people... But most other people don't care at all. This man is culture, anyone that doesn't understand that is sad.

[@robertklebe9236]

He's portraying death how do you not see that

[@soulance8342]

@@robertklebe9236 obviously. Whomever reported my comment clearly doesn't understand sarcasm.

[@ezachleewright2309]

Who is saying it's blackface?

[@ryanfromcc5834]

The people saying this is racist are the same people who would try to ruin a 9 year olds life just for supporting his favorite football team and taking pride in his Indigenous heritage.

[@GeneralHarvey]

In what way is his racist? Oh yeah blackface, so what? Looks cool

[@stevestowell-virtue3781]

@@GeneralHarvey A skull mask is not blackface. Goodness people look for ways to be insulted, don't they!

[@GeneralHarvey]

@@stevestowell-virtue3781 no not the mask, he's wearing black paint under it and people are saying it's blackface

[@stevestowell-virtue3781]

@vipers1184 I say bullshit. Go be a SJW somewhere else.

[@samwest8962]

@@stevestowell-virtue3781 the person you are calling sjw is clearly not taking offence. If fact there saying it cool. You're way too quick with that term

[@charliemansonUK]

Clifton, i know you probably wont see this but for years now ive come to listen to this rendition of yours whenever im in a tough place. Im a 🇬🇧 veteran diagnosed Severe complex combat specific PTSD...im waiting for and am ready for death, but im always going to want another year... From one Vet to another....thank you brother

[@MarkWYoung-ky4uc]

And all this time I thought the grim reaper carried a scythe. Who knew he carries a 5 string banjo...Great job Clif! 💀🤣👍

[@mattthatsme8799]

them licks cut deeper thn the scythe cn slice

[@MarkWYoung-ky4uc]

@@mattthatsme8799 Amen Brother! 💀🪕

[@thegreatders344]

This song was the nail in the coffin for me to actually get a banjo. Its been a fun year

[@RobertoWCruz]

Is this particularly hard to play for someone who’s only picked up a banjo a couple of times (have been playing guitar for about 10 yrs)

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

This one is relatively simple. Tablature and lesson video available here: www.patreon.com/posts/o-death-lesson-42794014

[@aquarius5264]

bruh if you've been playing guitar for 10 years you can probably play a banjo just fine i say probably for unless you somehow still suck after 10 years. they're really similar instruments except banjo is more fingerpicking

[@kpcraftster6580]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo I imagine it's rather tricky to pick with disposable gloves on though. Kudos!

[@SofaKingShit]

I haven't played banjo but this song is about me l can feel something growing inside l just hope its hyperchondria and not the big C or cychosis or what not. No cash to pay docs and around here they're all bandits anyway so not much help love from Morocco.

[@BUKWulfSh0t]

​@@SofaKingShit greetings from southern California... i hope to visit Morocco one day

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Oh Death oh Death, Please spare me over 'til another year! What is this that I can't see with icy hands taking hold of me? I am Death none can excel I open the door to Heaven or Hell, Oh Death someone would pray could you call some other day? The children prayed the preacher preached but time & mercy is out of your reach... I'll fix your feet so you can't walk I'll lock your jaw so you can't talk, I'll close your eyes so you can't see this very hour come go with me, Death I come to take the soul I leave the body and leave it cold, I drop the flesh off of the frame the earth and worms both have a claim... O Death 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 young the old the rich or poor all alike with me you know No wealth, no land, no silver, no gold nothing satisfies me but your soul... 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 you close my eyes so I can 't see, You hurt my body you make me cold you run my life right out of my soul...

[@lonekiterrocky]

Oh death please spare the good and start with the rotten ELITES! Great stuff brother👏👏👏👏

[@julianevans9874]

Qqqqqqqq+

[@jpf77302]

The best. Thank you so much!

[@theasayre3348]

Toe stomping tip Tappy branger.. .

[@wfatube]

Damn fine pickin n a great voice too mate 💀👌🪕

[@justgotohm4775]

I can’t get enough of Ole Leather Stockings, the playing, singing, theatrics of it all is outstanding.

[@lorenbou]

It's a minor thing, but I respect this guy for playing a fretted instrument with gloves on. He's adding an additional level of difficulty just to keep with the costume/ motif.

[@nickscurvy8635]

I was thinking the same thing. Ive tried playing guitar with gloves in the cold and i just couldnt get it.

[@darienjohns808]

so badass. touches my roooots ❤

[@brandyhouston2105]

Fucking weird that I tune in as my wife died yesterday. We don't know when it's time but as in the olden days death was the great friend. Thanks for making the video.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I'm sorry to hear it.

[@joshjones8335]

Damn sorry for your loss.

[@stihlguessin210]

She's on to a better place... My condolences.

[@fredrickneidhardt8064]

I know all too well how that feels. It's hard to continue on after that, but you can do it.

[@Coops889]

So sorry for your loss brother. They say it gets better with time. It’s doesn’t really, just gets a little more comfortable.

[@Conriocht]

The most chilling words you will hear today: (Death speaking) “No wealth, no land, no silver, no gold-nothing satisfies me like your soul.” 💀

[@finchfreehart1253]

this feels like i took Benadryl while watching primus

[@waynebeatty7331]

😂

[@apkalluhall2760]

Great idea Primus and Leatherstocking.

[@OpenProof]

This was creepy as fuck. I like it.

[@kratomseeker5258]

HAHAHAHAHA

[@mototoad1242]

@@kratomseeker5258 green maeng da is the best

[@nealdmiller]

Clifton makes most "death metal" bands look about as dark and hard as Alvin and The Chipmunks... Even Death is going, "Wow...Do I really seem that grim to you? A lot of people are actually happy to see me...I'm kind of hurt..."

[@oneabove1111]

Listening to this with stage five renal failure, it just hits different.

[@edwardz.rosenthal9946]

Death ain't an unfair twist in the game, it is the game. Always has been, an' always will. Blink a few times, smile a couple, then you' out. No crime, no foul, just game...

[@harvestblades]

And I sit here struggling with depression & desire to end my own life. Obviously you don't know my struggles, but I could only imagine how frustrated I would be for someone to willingly take their own life when I am fighting for every day I have. I am sorry that you are going through this, but thank you for making me think about how I would feel if the situation was reversed. It is just so hard to sit here & fight against my illnesses while failing to provide financially or emotionally for my wife & kids.

[@teresawright8615]

@@harvestblades May God Almighty wrap u in his Loving arms and give you his Precious Peace please ! In Yeshua mighty name.

[@jackyflowers3493]

♡

[@douglaswegener9086]

Two time cancer survivor. Death (Odin) came into my room for me. Wife got me to ER full on septic shock. Death is real deal shit. If your not ready don't go with him!!!

[@skeletalwreck8780]

G’day from Australia The world needs more “old leatherstocking” .........please

[@FUJISAN992]

With 2024 looming we'll need more Old Leatherstocking for the Apocalypse Bingo 2024 OST

[@bethelliott3593]

This might be a strange question but I need one of your shirts in a 5T. I have an autistic nonverbal son that loves to listen to you all the time and somehow he saw that you have shirts and he keeps pointing it out to me and when I say do you want me to get that for you he says Yass! His birthday is in August so I am trying to get it by then.

[@norske9228]

This is the song I listen to before I give my soul to the ocean to do with me whatever it will. Take me away from my family to make me rich or poor take me away from my family but please bring me back. Here comes another crab season on the ocean 2021 watch over me and my family. To go where few have ever seen.

[@joewilson5635]

Stay safe brother

[@shaneries2182]

Thank you rock

[@fraserrisk1836]

Give your BODY to the ocean, you ARE a soul that will live on for eternity! !

[@BjornOdinsson1]

I shall raise a horn to Aegir and Njord to ye

[@sarahsteinbach5361]

@@fraserrisk1836 98mchevy

[@youdeservethis]

Unfortunately for my neighbors, you've convinced me to learn the banjo and American traditional music!

[@Steel-toad-Jack]

The fact your still running around this comment section proves you're one of the few worth a durn.

[@darrylmistelske7295]

Of all the covers of this profound gem, Brother Clifton sir this is a haunting captivating solo. WOW.

[@chadglasner4755]

To me this is like the Dock Boggs version. It seems personal if that makes any sense at all? Great rendition Mr Hicks

[@JesseWilliams-i4f]

The fact you be doin this with gloves on is dope as f#&$, too.

[@robertafierro5592]

There ya go!!

[@pierreldcantra]

What kind of banjo would you recommend for getting first time

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Gold Tone AC1.

[@pierreldcantra]

@CliftonHicksbanjo thank you i’ll look into it

[@gregbarnsdale4293]

So what do you listen to - hardcore gangsta rap, street stories about killing and dealing (crowd ooo's) - viking death metal, tales of battle and raiding and hel (crowd ooo's louder) - cowboy gunfighter ballads (crowd reaches pitch) ... ole leather starts pickin (crowd goes quiet)

[@jimmykanuk9092]

Sounds like mine -cholo Mexican rap -natsoc black metal -gunfighter ballads and trail songs -old leather stocking -lotr soundtracks

[@uraphag8314]

@@jimmykanuk9092 forgot stoner doom

[@DeezNuts-vj4ws]

@@jimmykanuk9092 nigga tf natsoc black metal???? link me some of that shit

[@mattydoogs3768]

Yes

[@jimmykanuk9092]

@@DeezNuts-vj4ws pest noire, burzum, Graveland to name a few lots of underground groups as well when you look hard enough

[@weaponizedham826]

where does leather stocking come from, is there a tradition of wearing a skull?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

The skull mask tradition has existed for a long time in various cultures. I got the idea from European artwork dating to the 14th century, around the time of the Black Death (bubonic plague pandemic), and from the Welsh Mari Lwyd tradition, Santa Muerte, and Dia de los Muertos. Old Leatherstocking himself was an historical figure, perhaps named after Cooper's fictional character Natty "Leatherstocking" Bumppo. The historical Old Leatherstocking, who was also known as Mr. Rector, lived in eastern Kentucky during the 1790s and is said to have used deer intestines or sinew to make banjo strings.

[@tedbear8168]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo I love that you can actually educate folks. Thank you !

[@RuthlessDJs]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo great info, shall have to look up the Welsh connections being from Wales myself 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍🏻

[@jasonnonanon7206]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo The world needs more Old Leatherstocking.

[@bigworkfitnessfactory9789]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo !bb¹

[@alfredocarpaneto5976]

Not sure why this showed up in my suggested videos. but for some reason it was exactly what I needed to hear today. Thanks for sharing this. Also had a Hillary Klug fiddling and dancing video show up today too. I have an Appalachia vibe going on now.

[@SD-oc9dw]

KZbin algorithms finally did something right. So rad! 🖤💀

[@kenbach1574]

Finding fantastic footage like this makes all the crap on the internet worthwhile.THANKS.

[@fraserrisk1836]

One of those nuggets ⛅

[@drasvader1]

Yassssssss!

[@JB-ni8lr]

Playing this rendition every week. Keeps me motivated and stepping. Keep doing what you do, brother.

[@BBoardman81]

Absolutely NO DISRESPECT to the LEGEND Ralph Stanley... But... ...this is my favorite version of this song.

[@joseph2832]

surprised gems on vhs has not contacted you to film a video with you...you are a folk king Clifton.

[@PermacultureAppalachia]

We might be too country for Gems.

[@Adamaeus88]

@@PermacultureAppalachia Yeah, too authentic and not hipster enough.

[@danmurray2210]

Years ago (summer of 2005, I think) I helped install a septic system for John Chandler, who was a cousin of Lloyd and Dillard Chandler. I spent a lot of time talking to the Chandlers, and playing John's banjo, and at the end of it all, they gave me a "pirate" copy of High Atmosphere (which, apparently, they have the legal right to distribute, so it's not a real pirate copy, I guess) and told me all about how they feel somewhat defrauded by Folkways Records. John said that "God gave him [Lloyd Chandler] that song [Conversation with Death/O Death] to win souls for God," and was angry that Ralph Stanley claimed to have written it. They were also offended at the song's use in Songcatcher, a movie which they found to be in conflict with their Christian beliefs. They also felt that they never got the full royalties that were owed to them. I think the larger issue is that they felt that their culture was mined for its riches, and they weren't even given the credit. Anyway, this is a long-winded way of saying thanks for not just saying that the song was written by Ralph Stanley like so many people do.

[@lindamaemullins5151]

❤️

[@artsymamanana]

It is a bible story, basically

[@1allstarman]

Unfortunatly , the music business has many stories such as this one .

[@doitnowvideosyeah5841]

@@shaneharrison4775 Well AP Carter didn't 'write', in our way of thinking today, much of anything he put his name on but originality was valued differently. A clever re working of a pre existing melody or lyrical theme was highly valued

[@thomasre6451]

I've got a doc bogs record with that song, and I bet it's older than the 1930s

[@doingthings244]

As a Yankee boy. This song rings true as the elders start to pass, you realize your own mortality.

[@jaywalker3087]

I’m a Brit and spreading the word in the UK . Just ordered my first banjo and am starting to learn. I’m 62 and never learned to play anything before. Thankyou man , I appreciate what your music finally do . A promise to myself to learn to play an instrument. I used to say ‘that to go through life and not learning to play an instrument, was a waste. Thankyou again,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@fish97826]

My Father was a mortician for close to 50 years, unfortunately he's no longer with us God rest his soul, but I know for a fact he would've loved this song Love you pops, Thanks for the help for keeping death spare me over till another year

[@joeygrenova7635]

666k views that is sus

[@michaellucio9935]

Your presentation is wild. I'm going to put it in my will to hire you to play on my funeral

[@ianwyllie2332]

Thank you! Thank you for opening eyes. I referred a friend of mine to your channel. He told me today.."I'll never hear these songs the same way again. Thank you." I said "Don't thank me, thank the man who is preaching with a banjo."

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Thanks for the kind words and the insight. My great-grandfather was a Baptist preacher, as were his grandfather and great-grandfathers going all the way back to 1700s Yorkshire.

[@Jorn-gy3yc]

Ah must be true blood of English White rose, Greetings from The the white rose

[@ianwyllie2332]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo I just feel that the music and songs you're playing are opening eyes to a dark part of American history. A part that should be learned so we stop living it. It is time we see one another as human. It is time we come together, and I truly hope your rendition of these songs helps with that. I thank you again,Sir.

[@chrisspley99]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo you have Yorkshire heritage? Good lad, best part of the UK lol

[@LazyIRanch]

When I clicked on this, I wasn't sure what to expect. What a delightful surprise! This is the music of my Mom's people; mountain music, and murder ballads! I LOVE THIS!!! I subscribed so fast!

[@bullbapp]

Do you know what I did after hearing this tune. I ordered myself a banjo...! I will certainly make an effort to learn some banjo. I've played som guitar before, so I choose a 6-string.

[@djomegaminus]

I've joined the ranks of others who have suddenly fallen in love with the banjo thanks to Clifton!!!

[@mikeryan4742]

I'd love to hear Old Leatherstocking's version of Mother by Danzig !

[@Goliath_actual]

Ghost if he grew up in the south instead of england

[@arch_6133]

Ghost is swedish

[@Goliath_actual]

@@arch_6133 like simon riley, call of duty’s ghost

[@arch_6133]

@@Goliath_actual lol I thought you meant the band 😂

[@Goliath_actual]

@@arch_6133 I can see how that could be confusing, My apologies.

[@stacysolitude]

This is my 5-year-old's favorite song. He has asked for me to play "the skeleton song" for at least a year now. He's finally memorized "Old Leather Stocking" and is starting to remember the lyrics to this one. We're out visiting houses that signed up on the Halloween decoration map provided by a local news station and he just asked if we can listen to all of Old Leather Stocking's songs. Thank you for sharing your wonderful music.

[@Get-Frogged]

You know, if Death sings this sweetly when my time comes, i think I'll walk hand in hand with him.

[@JB-ni8lr]

You always put real life into these. You let the notes sing from your soul, become one with the music. Stuff keeps the working man going. Thank you.

[@ExiledPiasa]

Pure Appalachian/Scot/Irish song

[@jorismous1422]

Death never sounded this good

[@eecarolinee]

I soooooo wish there was a way to post multiple thumbs-ups. This music is soul-deep wonderful. Thank you... .and thanks to whoever you are channeling from beyond.

[@eecarolinee]

I have listened to and sung along to this a zillion times or thereabouts. This needs to be played and sung at my funeral... if there is one. Ab-so-lutely.

[@willgingell5595]

Makes me think straight away of Brother where art thou. Well done Clifton. Sooooo good, I can't stop watching it - it's the eyes, they tell a story of their own.

[@juliakrzyzanowska9776]

Obviously the banjo playing is utterly gorgeous, but I've just realised exactly how stunning this dude's voice is: like someone swilling auditory Belgian chocolate round your eardrum. Wow, he's made me so happy, Old Leatherstocking. Yaaay

[@darienjohns808]

❤🎉❤🎉❤

[@richardvogel6307]

When COVID settles down, I will be first in line to buy Leatherstocking 2021 World Tour tickets.

[@upyours5460]

It's not my intention.to sound like a Fanboy, but your versions, of these songs, are amazing. I love listening to you speak of history when you are in your skin. Anyway, thank you Mr. Hicks.

[@notan7998]

I love how this song goes through the throws of death, from the beginning to the end. You can almost feel the person in the song dying

[@boogeymanblues99]

He looks... Different! Did you get a haircut cliff?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

That's my associate, Mr. Leatherstocking. He's getting on in years; I don't believe he's had a shave or haircut since about 1790...

[@mattgoodmangoodmanlawnmowi2454]

Thank you Clifton for preserving and promoting this beautiful part of our history. I’m retired and trying to get a motorcycle on the road but I will try to send you something when I can $ wise. Always lifts my spirit when I listen.

[@johnathanogrady7334]

Death is not a fear of mine. It's the leaving of those who you love. I hope there is ghosts so I can watch over those I've left behind.

[@JohnSandate]

Traditional Mexican music (corridos / rancheras) have similar themes and tropes ties to death or fatalism. Given all that, I’d be honored to have this played at my funeral. Beautiful as it is haunting. Respect ✊🏽

[@JacobvsRex]

The idea of playing banjo with gloves on makes me slightly panicky.....

[@fuse557]

I had a Massive heart attack a few months ago, technically died twice. The doctors call it the widow maker, most dont survive. This song is very comforting to me now. Creeps my friends out.

[@KilerkRazorclaw]

Good sense of humor and additude to life, keep going. Keep breathing and going, life is too short but worth living. Its too full of amazing things even if we have the downs. Without the down we couldn't appreciate the high. - A Search and Rescue ground pounder. Take care in life and hope things go better for you. (Also i feel that, i technicaly died seven times, thanks asthma...im a cyclist now.)

[@gordonyork6638]

Cheers.from another widowmaker survivor.

[@iloveFreedom.]

Wow, I trust yre feelin good now dude, rock on

[@fuse557]

@@KilerkRazorclaw I come back and read your comment every now and then. im still alive, and thank you for all you do

[@fuse557]

I hope your as full of life as me!@@gordonyork6638

[@namelessentity5851]

Greetings from Michigan. I cannot stop listening to this rendition, and I really dig "Old Leatherstocking" Wearing the mask let's you become something of an avatar of Death itself. By doing more then playing and singing, I would say that makes you akin to a troubadour... a singer of stories and keeper of traditions.

[@stacysolitude]

My 3-year-old son asks for me to play "Skeleton Man music".

[@DreamStalker2]

@ solitude my faux skeleton brood loves this song 🖤

[@eecarolinee]

I have listened to and sung along to this a zillion times or thereabouts. This needs to be played and sung at my funeral... if there is one. Ab-so-lutely.

[@WillZill]

That is one of the cleanest sounds and the cleanest instruments I have ever seen

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

That's an 1888 Luscomb banjo I've played for almost 20 years. It does have a brand new head on it, though.

[@jazzcatt]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo Holy Canoli! No WONDER that instrument sounds so nice! (And here I thought I owned a few vintage instruments) I have to commend you for playing it with Nitrile 'mechanics' gloves. I can't even wash dishes with them because I can't see well and have to feel the bits of food left behind to get them clean! You sir, amaze me!

[@edwardz.rosenthal9946]

@@jazzcatt So, when invited over your place for supper, I best bring my own plate, yeah?

[@disneyforthewin]

I don't know what is leaving the bigger impression ....the soul punch of a song, playing in gloves, or how scary he looks when his eyes get big behind that mask. Performance art that I appreciate, but kinda wish I could unsee lol. Well done

[@kmoews]

best version ive ever heard.. many thanks fot that

[@mydogbullwinkle]

He did it with gloves, too.

[@billyin4c514]

This would be the best version if I had either no ears or no taste.

[@matt01506]

"I'll drop the flesh off of the frame. The earth and worms both have a claim" STUPENDOUSLY CHILLING LYRICS ! (Modern technology allowed me to discover you. I am not a fan of the Internet but it is an amazing tool for music lovers. It enabled me to discover another "old school" banjo player whose music i also fell in love with. "Olla belle reed")

[@tonymyers862]

This video is at the Wilkes County NC Visitors Center. 🤣🤣🔥🔥

[@landonshanerthebanjokid5906]

Disturbing,yet very cool would you be willing to do a lesson on O,death Mr.Hicks Another Great Job.oh sorry Not Mr.Hicks,Mr.Leatherstocking😉Happy Halloween

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Mr. Leatherstocking ain't much on teaching... but I'll see if I can figure it out and film a lesson.

[@chewyflies8297]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo I love this song and your version is great. Thank you. May I ask the tuning please?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

f# CGAD lesson coming soon, and the tab is already available here: patreon.com/cliftonhicks

[@chewyflies8297]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo thank you for getting back to me ((:

[@claytmadron2472]

Dying's easy, its living that's hard and sometimes scary. When death dares knock on my door, I'll say, " you're late "

[@musemuser777]

Definitely has to be a little harder to finger pick with those gloves on... Great job...💯 🔥🎸🔥

[@squidy3603]

Banjos are coming in strong this year just watch

[@3wheelslifelonglivetheatc559]

He wears gloves cause that's someone else's banjo and he doesn't want his fingerprints on it

[@Tinblitz]

I love how good that costume looks for how simple it. Is.

[@juliaannegrider5734]

I just discovered you today on my you tube feed. You are amazing. You sound like recordings of the Appalachian and dust bowl musicians 100 years ago. Amazing!!! I am a fan now! I have some very bad recordings of my mother's family in the 1930's singing those tunes but can hear that same "sound" in you. I am glad to have found you!❤️

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Julia, I'd love to he your old family recordings. Feel free to email me any time at [e-mail]

[@mrbushwookie6051]

This is one of the best song I've heard in a while. And I'm a hardcore metalhead

[@ryanwhite9103]

Listen to "a conversation with death" by Khemmis, it's a metal version of this song and its awesome.

[@seanseamands]

My co-workers are very perplexed by my music picks..it's mixed with black metal, old school rap, rock n roll and Old Leather straps and dead south and Steven Seagulls 🤘 music speaks volumes

[@t4texastom587]

Great song, and your usual great banjo picking performance is unmatched Clifton.... but I really think you might need to get someone to drive you down to the dermatologist.

[@jcja902]

Death doesn't care if you rich or poor white black brown or rainbow. But everyone kisses her lips regardless of who you are and what you believe in she still comes.

[@Spaxcore]

You can be a king or a street sweeper, but everybody dances with the grim reaper.

[@zoltarzoltar4199]

This is saved to my favorites---- to be a classic for sure

[@easydoesitbiggirl8839]

It's a classic already. Originally written in 1927 it is quite the old folk song. But this artist perfectly brought the intent and feeling of having old man death be at your feet. I got to say it I am in love with this song.

[@tammiebekkers8354]

I love this rendition. It’s a tune that has been done by other artists before. What you’re doing is paying homage to a bygone era of music. It’s not done as a slight to anyone. It’s a persona. It’s, I believe, to pay a tribute to the music that might be lost. I wear my Old Leatherstocking shirt a lot at shows. You’re interpretation of the original song .

[@joesmith6199]

Makes you think, doesn't it? No one gets out of here alive. All go down to Death and dust and decay and the Conqueror Worm

[@benhammer87]

This is why i dont take life to seriously, i can't get out alive anyway

[@dickdadj2944]

Mr.Hicks sir. We are trick or treatin and I had spooky music playin over a loud speaker . Then son wanted to hear the "devil's song" words can't describe how tickel we were to find this. Wve played it tens times already. You nailed it. Wonderful job

[@rondelby2482]

Love ole Leatherstocking. This is how I first discovered you....

[@abbyblupukeboy2536]

My boyfriend played this song every single day. Three days back he made a bad choice and is gone forever. Love yours hard because each day is a new battle. So much left to see and do. So young and brilliant. Rest In Paradise, my Stargazer. I will always love you Henry Lee. Waiting to see you again.

[@just_a_guy4788]

May he rest in peace, I'm sure he was a good man, and he shall smile down from heaven onto you everyday until the day Death comes for you, and you both reunite beside the lord.

[@jonathanwiggins5366]

I'm sorry for your loss and sadness

[@lurk7967]

You gave him your love that's all you could do R1P

[@aaronmarchant8121]

Well I’m very far down the bluegrass rabbit hole, like the rest of you, and it’s awesome

[@HansenCNC]

We live here

[@JuniusMaltby]

Appreciate your music always friend