I asked my love to take a walk
Just to walk a little way
As we walk, may we talk
All about our wedding day

Chorus
Only say that you'll be mine
In our home we'll happy be
Down beside where the waters flow
On the banks of the Ohio

I drew my knife across her breast
As into my arms, she gently pressed
She cried, "Oh Willie, don't murder me
I'm not prepared for eternity."

I took her by her lily white hand
I led her down and I made her stand
There I pushed her in to drown
And watched her as she floated down

Returning home 'tween twelve and one
Thinking of the deed I done
I murdered the only girl I loved
Because she would not marry me

The very next mornin' about half past four
The sheriff's men knocked on my door
He said: "Young man, come now and go
Down to the banks of the Ohio."