Banks of the Ohio

Notation: traditional
PDF Files: ballad

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Transcription: by Darryl D. Bush  
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Lyrics:


I asked my love to take a walk,
Just to walk a little way.
And as we walk, o may we we talk
All about our wedding day.
Chorus:
     Then only say that you'll be mine
     In my home we'll happy be,
     Down beside, where the waters flow,
     By the banks of the Ohio.

I held a knife against her breast
As into my arms she pressed,
Crying "Willie, Don't murder me
I'm not prepared for eternity!"
Chorus
I took her by her lily white hand
And led her down to the river's bank
There I shoved her in to frpwn
And watched her as she floated down.
Chorus

I started home 'twixt twelve and one
Cryin' "My God! What have I done?
I've murdered the only woman I love
Because she would not marry me".
Chorus

The very next morning 'bout half past four
The sherrif's men knocked at my door.
They said "Young man, come now and go
Down to the banks of the Ohio".
Chorus

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