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Banks of the Ohio

by Bascom Lamar Lunsford

on Smoky Mt. Ballads (1953), Smoky Mountain Ballads (1953)

I asked my love to take a walk
Just a walk, a little way
That she and I may have a talk
All about our wedding day

Then only say that you'll be mine
And our home will happy be
Down beside where the waters flow
On the banks of the Ohio

I held a knife close to her breast
Closely to her bosom pressed
Oh Willie dear, don't murder me
For I am unprepared to die

Then only say that you'll be mine
And our home will happy be
Down beside where the waters flow
On the banks of the Ohio

I took her by the lily white hand
I Led her to the river strand
I Plunged her in where she would drown
And stood and watched where she floated down

Then only say that you'll be mine
And our home will happy be
Down beside where the waters flow
On the banks of the Ohio

Returning home 'twixt twelve and one
Thinking ofthe deed I done
I drowned the girl, that I loved best
Because she would not be my bride

Then only say that you'll be mine
And our home will happy be
Down beside where the waters flow
On the banks of the Ohio