I asked my love to take a walk
To take a walk, just a little walk
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
And only say that you'll be mine
And in no other's arms entwine
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
I held a knife against her breast
As close into my arms she pressed
She cried, Oh Willie, don't you murder me
I'm not prepared for eternity
I took her by the lily white hand
And led her down by the water's strand
I picked her up and pitched her in
And watched her body floating by
And only say that you'll be mine
And in no other's arms entwine
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
I wandered home 'twixt twelve and one,
I cried My God, what have I done?
I've killed the only woman I loved,
Because she would not be my bride
And only say that you'll be mine
And in no other's arms entwine
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
Guitar chords for the Banks of the Ohio
C G
I asked my love to take a walk
G7 C
To take a walk, just a little walk
C7 F
Down beside where the waters flow
C G7 C
Down by the banks of the Ohi-o
C G
And only say that you'll be mine
G7 C
And in no others arms en-twine
C7 F
Down be-side where the waters flow
C G7 C
Down by the banks of the Ohi-o