I asked my love to take a walk
Only for a little way
And as we walked we'd have a talk
Of our approaching wedding day
And only say that you'll be mine
And our home, so happy be
Down beside some water flow
On the banks of the Ohio
I drew a knife across her breast
As gently in my arms she pressed
Crying "Oh, Willie, don't you murder me
For I am unprepared to die"
Then only say that you'll be mine
And our home, so happy be
Down beside some water flow
On the banks of the Ohio
I took her by her lily-white hand
I let her down to the river strand
I plunged her in where she would drown
And stood and watched as she floated down
Then only say that you'll be mine
And our home, so happy be
Down beside some water flow
On the banks of the Ohio
While walking home 'tween twelve and one
Thinking of the deed I'd done
I killed the girl that I loved best
Because she would not be my bride
Then only say that you'll be mine
And our home, so happy be
Down beside some water flow
On the banks of the Ohio
