Banks of the Ohio

I went into his prison cell To write his story, if he'd tell He spoke as tears, fell from his eyes And he told me when, and how and why And he said I asked my love to take a walk Just to walk, a little ways And as we walked, then we could talk About our future wedding day But when she said, she could never be mine I held a knife against his breast As into my arms she pressed He cried "my love, don't you murder me I'm not prepared for eternity" Then 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 I started home 'tween twelve and one I cried, "My God, what have I done?" I've killed the one I love tonight Because she would not be my bride 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 Save my soul lord Save my soul There beside where the waters flow Down by the Banks of the Ohio