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

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 'tween 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