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 his breast As into my arms he pressed He cried "my love, don't you murder me I'm not prepared for eternity" 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 wandered home 'tween twelve and one I cried, "My God, what have I done?" I've killed the only man I love He would not take me for his bride 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 Down by the banks of the Ohio