The Banks of the Ohio

I asked my love to take a walk
 Only for a little way
 And as we walked we'd have a talk
 Of our approaching wedding day
 And only say that you'll be mine
 And our home, so happy be
 Down beside some water flow
 On the banks of the Ohio
 I drew a knife across her breast
 As gently in my arms she pressed
 Crying "Oh, Willie, don't you murder me
 For I am unprepared to die"
 Then only say that you'll be mine
 And our home, so happy be
 Down beside some water flow
 On the banks of the Ohio
 I took her by her lily-white hand
 I let her down to the river strand
 I plunged her in where she would drown
 And stood and watched as she floated down
 Then only say that you'll be mine
 And our home, so happy be
 Down beside some water flow
 On the banks of the Ohio
 While walking home 'tween twelve and one
 Thinking of the deed I'd done
 I killed the girl that I loved best
 Because she would not be my bride
 Then only say that you'll be mine
 And our home, so happy be
 Down beside some water flow
 On the banks of the Ohio