I asked my love to take a walk,
Just a little ways away.
While we walk along, we'll talk,
Talk about our wedding day.
Only say that you'll be mine,
And in our home we’ll happy be.
Down beside where the waters flow,
Down by the banks of the Ohio.
I drew a knife against her throat,
As to my breasts she gently pressed.
“Oh, please, oh, please, don't murder me,
For I’m unprepared to die you see."
I’ve taken her by her lily-white hand,
I led her down and I7ve made her stand.
Then I plunged her to drown,
And I watched her as she floated down.
Returning home between twelve and one
Thinking of the deed I done."
I've murdered the girl I love you see,
Because she would not marry me.
That day I was returning home,
I met the sheriff, he came in the door.
He said: “Young men, come with me an go,
Down on the banks of the Ohio.”