On a cliff over a chasm, in my sled and nearly slipping,
I am lashing at my horses. I am rushing, I am whipping.
Drinking fog and gulping gale... Am I running out of air?
It’s the end! I see it clear with a jubilant despair.

Slow down for me, horses! Slow down for me!
Don’t you let my whip drive you on!
But I wound up with these horses so ornery...
Didn’t finish my life, will not finish my song.

I’ll let my horses drink. One more verse I will sing.
Just a little bit longer I’ll cling to the brink.

I will perish like a feather blown away by the tornado,
And the sled across the snow will drag me, leaving deep striations...
Bring it down to a walk, my horses! - We can make it there later! -
Won’t you stave off my arrival at the final destination!

Slow down for me, horses! Slow down for me!
Ease your gallop and just trot along!
But I wound up with these horses so ornery...
Didn’t finish my life, cannot finish my song.

I’ll let my horses drink. One more verse I will sing.
For a split second longer I’ll cling to the brink.

We have made it. Can’t be late, when you’re invited to God’s table.
But why do I hear angels chanting, and their voices sound so evil?
Or is that a crazy sleigh bell crying, choking in its rattle,
As I’m yelling at my horses to slow down just a little?

Slow down for me, horses! Please, slow down for me!
I am begging you: hold back your run!
But I wound up with these horses so ornery...
Didn’t finish my life, let me finish my song!

I’ll let my horses drink. One last verse I will sing.
For a split second longer I’ll cling to the brink.