I asked my love to take a walk
To be alone so we could talk
And only say that you'll be mine
In no other's arms will you lie
I held a knife against her breast
She buried her face in my chest
And she said no don't murder me
'Cause I'm not prepared for eternity
Down beside where the waters flow
By the banks of the Ohio
Down beside where the waters flow
By the banks of the Ohio
It's too late now, I've made my mind
We'll be together for all time
I'd rather kill her with my knife
Than hear her say I won't be your wife
I stabbed my love until she died
Because she wouldn't be my bride
And I dragged her to where the waters flow
And I threw her into the Ohio
Down beside where the waters flow
By the banks of the Ohio
Down beside where the waters flow
By the banks of the Ohio