In the straw-colored light

In light rapidly changing

On a life rapidly fading.

Have you seen death singing

Have you seen death singing.

With a throat smooth as a lamb

Yet dry as a branch not snapping

He throws back his head

And he does not sing a thing mournful.

Have you seen death singing

Have you seen death singing

Have you seen death singing

In the straw-colored light.

He sings a black embrade

And white opals swimming

In a child's leather purse

Have you seen death swimming

Have you seen death swimming.

With a throat smooth as a lamb

Yet dry as a branch not snapping

He throws back his head

And he does not sing a thing mournful.

Have you seen death singing

Have you seen death singing

Have you seen death singing

In the straw-colored light.

He sings of youth enraged

And the burning of atlanta

And these viral times

And may ribbons streaming

And straw-colored curls a-turning

A mother's vain delight

And woe to the sun

And woe to the young

Another hearse is drawn

Have you seen death singing

In the straw-colored light.