D               A7 
I asked my love to go with me, 
                      D    
Just to walk a little way. 
          D                     G   
And as we walked, 'twas then we talked 
          D      A7        D    
Of our approaching wedding day. 
 
 
Ref.:  
          D                  A7 
Then only say that you'll be mine 
                        D   
And in no other arms entwine. 
       D                      G   
Down beside, where the waters flow 
            D       A7      D     
Down by the banks of the Ohio. 
 
         D                 A7 
I held a knife against her breast 
                         D    
As gently in my arms she pressed, 
        D                               G   
Crying "Willie, Oh Willie! Don't murder me 
          D        A7        D    
For I'm unprepared for eternity!" 
 
 
Ref. 
 
           D                 A7 
I took her by her lily white hand 
                           D    
And led her down where the waters stand; 
             D                  G    
I picked her up and pitched her in 
                D     A7       D    
And watched her as she floated down. 
 
 
Ref. 
 
          D                      A7 
I started home 'twixt twelve and one 
                               D    
Cryin' "Oh my God! What have I done? 
                               G    
I've murdered the only woman I love 
            D        A7     D    
Because she would not be my bride. 
 
 
Ref.