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
As into
My arms she pressed
She cried "My love
Don't you murder me
I'm not prepared
For eternity"
I wandered home
Between twelve and one
I cried, "My God
What have I done?"
I've killed the only girl I need
Because she would
Not marry me
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
The next day
Right half past four
The sheriff walked
Right to my door
And he says young man
Don't you try to run
You gotta pay
For this awful crime you've done
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
Down by the banks
Of the Ohio