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 old 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 old Ohio      I held a knife against her breast   As into my arms she pressed   She cried, "Oh Willie, don't 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 old Ohio      I started home between twelve and one   I cried, "My God, what have I done?   Killed the only woman I loved   Because she would not be my 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 old Ohio