[Verse 1]
I asked my love to take a walk
Just to walk a little way
And as we walked, and as we talked
Of our golden wedding day

[Chorus]
Then only say that you'll be mine
In no other arms you'll find
Down beside where the waters flow
On the banks of the Ohio

[Verse 2]
I drew a sword across her breast
Gently in my arms she pressed
Crying "Willy, oh Willy, don't you murder me
For I'm unprepared for eternity"

[Chorus]
Then only say that you'll be mine
In no other arms you'll find
Down beside where the waters flow
On the banks of the Ohio

[Verse 3]
I took her by her lily-white hand
I led her down where the waters stand
I picked her up and I pitched her in
And watched her as she floated down
[Chorus]
Then only say that you'll be mine
In no other arms you'll find
Down beside where the waters flow
On the banks of the Ohio

[Verse 4]
I started back home, 'twixt twelve and one
Crying "my God, what have I done?
I've murdered the only woman I love
Because she would not be my bride"

[Chorus]
Then only say that you'll be mine
In no other arms you'll find
Down beside where the waters flow
On the banks of the Ohio