A              E
I asked my love to take a walk
E                      A
Just to walk, a little ways
A                               D
And as we walked, then we could talk
          A      E       A
About our future wedding day

N.C
But when she said, she could never be mine
         A                 E
I held a knife against her breast
E                   A
As into my arms she pressed
A                                    D
She cried "my love, don't you murder me
        A            E      A
I'm not prepared for eternity"

N.C       A                  E
Then only say that you'll be mine
E                        A
And in no others' arms entwine
A                            E
Down beside where the waters flow
            A            E  A
Down by the Banks of the Ohio

N.C       A                      E
I started home 'twixt twelve and one
E                             A
I cried, "My God, what have I done?"
A                            D
I've killed the one I love tonight
            A         E     A
Because she would not be my bride

N.C
Well only say that you'll be mine

And in no others' arms entwine

Down beside where the waters flow

Down by the Banks of the Ohio

Down by the Banks of the Ohio

A  E  D

Save my soul lord
Save my soul
There beside where the waters flow
Down by the Banks of the Ohio