I asked my love to take a walk Just a little ways with me And as we walked and we would talk All about our weddingday (chorus) And 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 asked her if she'd marry me And my wife 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 Willy, don't murder me I'm not prepared for eternity." I took her by her golden curls I drug her down to the river-side An I there threw her into drown And I watched her as she floated down (chorus) And going home between twelve and one I cried "Lord, what have I've done?" I've killed the girl I love Because she would not marry me (chorus)