I asked my love to take a walk   Take a walk just a little ways   And as we walked, along we talk   All would be our wedding day      And only say that you'll be mine   In no others arms entwined   Down beside where the waters flow   Down by the banks of the Ohio      I asked her if she'd marry me   And my wife forever be   She only turned her head away   And had no other words to say      And only say that you'll be mine   In no others arms entwined   Down beside where the waters flow   Down by the banks of the Ohio      I plunged a knife into 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 golden curls   And drug her down to the river side   And there I threw her into drown   And I watched her as she floated down      And only say that you'll be mine   In no others arms entwined   Down beside where the waters flow   Down by the banks of the Ohio      And going home between twelve and one   I cried "Oh Lord, what have I've done?"   I've killed the only girl I love   Because she would not marry me      And only say that you'll be mine   In no others arms entwined   Down beside where the waters flow   Down by the banks of the Ohio