Banks Of the Ohio, Clawhammer Banjo, Folk Song, Tragic Murder Ballad, Complete lyrics

Banks Of The Ohio is a timeless classic Traditional folk song murder ballad. She would not marry him so he tragically murdered her down by the banks of the Ohio. I sing and play it on the mountain banjo, clawhammer style. Johnny Cash, Doc Watson, Olivia Newton John all played this song so great as well as many others. Woody, one of my Cats decided to take a Cat nap while I was playing. He got bored and walked out about half way thru. Coincidently that`s about the same as my audience retention rate on YouTube. lol

Banks Of The Ohio Complete lyrics
Thumb strum or fingerpick guitar
Banjo standard tuning relative C sharp is best

I asked my love to take a walk,
Just a little way's with me.
And as we walked,
Then we would talk
All about our wedding day.

[Chorus]
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 into my arms she pressed
She said oh Willie, don’t you murder me
I’m unprepared for eternity

I took her by her lilly white hand,
And drug her down the banks of sand,
I shoved her in
Where she would drown,
And watched her as she floated down.

[Chorus]

I wondered home between twelve and one,
Thinkin', Lord, what a deed I've done;
I'd killed the girl
I love, you see,
Because she would not marry me.

The very next day, at half past four,
The sheriff came a-knockin` at my door;
He said, "Young man,
Don't try to run.
You're gonna have to pay for this crime you've done."

[Chorus]