[Verse 1]
I asked my love to take a walk
Just to walk a little way
And as we walked along we'd talk
Of when would be our wedding day

[Chorus]
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

[Verse 2]
I plunged a knife into her breast
And told her she was going to rest
Crying, "Sweet Willy, don't murder me
I'm not prepared for eternity"

[Chorus]
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

[Verse 3]
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
[Chorus]
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

[Verse 4]
He's going home 'tween twelve and one
Crying, "Lord, what have I done"
"Oh, Lord, I've murdered the only girl I ever did love
Because she would not be my bride"

[Chorus]
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