I asked my love to take a walk
Just to walk a little ways
And as we walked along we talked
All about our wedding day

   Only say that you'll be mine
   In no others arms entwined
   Down beside where the waters flow
   On the banks of the Ohio

I took her by her lily white hand
I dragged her down that bank of sand
There I threw her in to drown
I watched her as she floated down

Returning home between twelve and one
Thinking of what a deed I'd done
I'd killed the girl I loved you see
Because she would not marry me

The very next day about half passed four
The sheriff's men knocked at my door
He said young man come now and go
Down to the banks of the Ohio