Banks of the Ohio

Traditional

           D               A7
I asked my love to go with me,
                        D
To take a walk a little way.
          D7              G
And as we walked we had a talk
          A7             D
About our golden wedding day.


Chorus (after every verse):

     Then only say that you'll be mine,
     
     In no other arms entwined.

     Down beside where the waters flow,

     On the banks of the Ohio.


I asked her would she marry me,
So in our home we'd happy be.
These fatal words she then did say:
"No man on earth shall marry me."

I held a knife against her breast,
And gently in my arms she pressed.
And then she cried, "Don't murder me.
I'm not prepared for eternity."

I took her by the pale white hand,
And led her where the waters stand.
And then I threw her in to drown
And watched her as she floated down.

Then I went home 'twixt twelve and one,
And cried, "My God, what have I done?
I've killed the only girl I love
Because she would not be my bride."