I asked my love to take a walk,
To take a walk, just a little walk,
Down beside where the waters flow,
Down by the banks of the Ohio

And only say that you'll be mine
In no others arms entwine,
Down beside where the waters flow,
Down by the banks of the Ohio

I held a knife against her breast,
And into my arms she pressed,
She cried, "Oh Willie, don't murder me
I'm not prepared for eternity."

And only say that you'll be mine
In no others' arms entwine
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of Ohio

I started home 'tween twelve and one
I cried, "My God, what have I done?
I've killed the only woman I loved,
Because she would not be my bride,"

And only say that you'll be mine
In no others' arms entwine
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of Ohio

Copyright: Peermusic Publishing
Writer(s): J BAIRD, PD TRADITIONAL