I asked my love to take a walk
To take a walk just a little ways
And as we walked then we would talk
All about our wedding day
[Refrain]
Only say that you'll be mine
In no other arms entwine
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
I asked her will she marry me
And my wife forever be
She only turned her head away
And had no other words to say
[Refrain]
I held my knife against her breast
And told her she was going to rest
She cried, "Oh Willy! Don't murder me!
I'm not prepared for eternity."
I took her by her lily white hand
And led her down the bank of sand
And there I threw her in to drown
And watched her as she floated down
And going home between 12 and 1
I cried, "Dear Lord, what have I done?
I've k**ed the only girl I love
Because she would not marry me."
[Refrain]
[Refrain]