I asked my love to take a walk
To take a walk just a little walk
Down beside
where the rivers flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
And only say
that you'll be mine
And in no other arms entwine
Down beside
where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
I held a knife
against her breast
As 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
And in no other arms entwine
Down beside
where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
I started home
'tween twelve and one
I cried My Lord
what have I done
Killed the only woman I loved
Because she
would not be my bride
And only say
that you'll be mine
And in no other arms entwine
Down beside
where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio