The reaper came a callin'
It was late when the sun went down
He was moanin' at my door, a terrible sound
Life is bitter, death is sweeter
Then he laughed: "can't cheat the reaper"

Pack my bags, lord I tried to run
From the full moon night, to the settin' sun
3 Feet's down - 6 foot's deeper
"I'll take you now" - can't cheat the reaper

There's a knock on my door - sounded like the wind
I heard it before - then I heard it again

Took off down the road, left with a shiver
Caught the first southbound, crossed over the river
The shore-line's wet, the bank is steeper
It's a long way down, can't cheat the reaper
Can't cheat the reaper