I asked my love to take a walk

Just a little ways with me

And as we walked and we would talk

All about our weddingday



[Chorus:]

And only say that you'll be mine

In no others arms entwined

Down beside where the waters flow

On 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



[Chorus]



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

I drug her down to the river-side

An I there threw her into drown

And I watched her as she floated down



[Chorus]



And going home between twelve and one

I cried "Lord, what have I've done?"

I've killed the girl I love

Because she would not marry me



[Chorus]