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