[Verse]
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 Ohio.

[Chorus]
And only say that you'll be mine,
In the waters, arms entwined,
Down beside where the waters flow,
Down by the banks of the Ohio.

[Verse]
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."

[Chorus]
And only say that you'll be mine,
In the waters, arms entwined,
Down beside where the waters flow,
Down by the banks of the Ohio.

[Verse]
And started home, tween twelve and one,
I cried, "My God, what have I done?
Killed the only woman I loved,
Because she would not be my bride."

[Chorus]
And only say that you'll be mine,
In the waters, arms entwined,
Down beside where the waters flow,
Down by the banks of the Ohio,
Down by the banks of the Ohio.