[Verse 1]
Oh, listen to my story, I'll tell you no lies
How John Lewis did murder poor Little Omie Wise

[Verse 2]
He told her to meet him at Adams' Springs
He promised her money and other fine things

[Verse 3]
And fool-like she met him at Adams' Springs
But no money he brought her nor other fine things

[Verse 4]
"Go with me, Little Omie, and away we will go
We'll go and get married and no one will know"

[Verse 5]
She jumped up behind him and away they did go
But down to the river where deep waters flow

[Verse 6]
"John Lewis, John Lewis, won't you tell to me your mind?
Do you intend to marry me or leave me behind?"

[Verse 7]
"Little Omie, Little Omie, I'll tell to you my mind
My mind is to drown you and leave you behind"
[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 8]
"Have mercy on my baby and spare me my life
I'll go home as a beggar and never be your wife"

[Verse 9]
He hugged her and kissed her, then turned her around
And pushed her in deep waters where he knew that she would drown

[Verse 10]
Then he got upon his pony and away he did ride
As the screams of Little Omie went down by his side

[Verse 11]
'Twas on a Thursday mornin', and the rain was a-pourin' down
When the people searched for Omie but she could not be found

[Verse 12]
Then two boys went a-fishin' one fine sunny day
They saw Little Omie's body go floatin' away

[Verse 13]
They threw their nets around her and drew her to the bank
Her clothes all wet and muddy, they laid her on a plank
[Verse 14]
And they called for John Lewis to come to that place
Sat Little Omie before him that he might see her face

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 15]
He made no confession but they carried him to jail
But no friends nor relations would come and go his bail