Banks of the Ohio

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
 And in no other’s arms entwine
 Down beside where the waters flow
 Down by the banks of the Ohio

I held a knife against her breast
As close into my arms she pressed
She cried, “Oh Willie, don’t you murder me
I’m not prepared for eternity!”

I took her by the lily white hand
And led her down by the water’s strand
I picked her up and pitched her in
And watched her body floating by

I wandered home ‘twixt 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.”