[Verse 1]
I asked my love to take a walk
Take a walk, just a little ways
And as we walked along we talked
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 asked her if she'd marry me
And my wife forever be
She only turned her head away
And had no other words to say

[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 plunged a knife into 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 golden curls
And drug her down to the riverside
And there I threw her in to 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]
And going home between twelve and one
I cried, "Oh, Lord, what have I done?"
I've killed the only girl I love
Because she would not marry me

[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