Intro: G 
           G               D 
I asked my love, to take a walk. 
                     G 
Take a walk a little way. 
                            C 
And as we walked, and as we talked. 
              G  D             G 
Of when would be   our wedding day. 
 
         G                   D 
And only say, that you'll be mine. 
                     G 
In no other's arms entwine. 
                              C 
Down beside, where the waters flow. 
            G     D           G 
Down by the banks   of the Ohio.

I asked her if, she'd marry me. 
And my bride forever be. 
She only turned, her head away. 
And had no other words to say. 
 
Chorus 
 
I plunged a knife, into her breast. 
And told her she was going to rest. 
She cried oh Willie, don't murder me. 
I'm not perpared for eternity. 
 
I took her by, her golden curls. 
And took her down to the riverside. 
There I pushed, her in to drown. 
And watched her as she floated down. 
 
Chorus 
 
I started home, between twelve and one. 
And cried oh Lord what have I done. 
I've killed the only, girl I love. 
Because she would not marry me. 
 
Chorus