Banks of The Ohio

I asked my love to take a walk

to take a walk just a little ways

and as we walked then we would talk

all about our wedding day

Only say that you'll be mine

in no other arms entwine

down beside where the waters flow

down by the banks of the Ohio

I asked her will she marry me

and my wife forever be.

She only turned her head away

and had no other words to say

I held my knife against 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 lily white hand

and led her down the bank of sand

and there I threw her in to drown

and watched her as she floated down.

And going home between 12 and 1

I cried, "Dear Lord, what have I done?

I've killed the only girl I love

because she would not marry me."