The Banks of the Ohio

I asked my love to take a walk

Take a walk just a little ways

And as we walked, along we talk

All would be our wedding day

And only say that you'll be mine

In no others arms entwined

Down beside where the waters flow

Down by the banks of the Ohio

I asked her if she'd marry me

And my wife forever be

She only turned her head away

And had no other words to say

And only say that you'll be mine

In no others arms entwined

Down beside where the waters flow

Down by the banks of the Ohio

I plunged a knife into her breast

And told her she was going to rest

She cried "Oh Willy, don't murder me

I'm not prepared for eternity"

I took her by her golden curls

And drug her down to the river side

And there I threw her into drown

And I watched her as she floated down

And only say that you'll be mine

In no others arms entwined

Down beside where the waters flow

Down by the banks of the Ohio

And going home between twelve and one

I cried "Oh Lord, what have I've done?"

I've killed the only girl I love

Because she would not marry me

And only say that you'll be mine

In no others arms entwined

Down beside where the waters flow

Down by the banks of the Ohio