Banks Of the Ohio, Easy Guitar, Folk Song, Complete Lyrics, Short Intro

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 guitar in an easy and simple strum style. I had been practicing a fingerpick version complete with solos but sadly my fingers stiffened up on me. We`ll get er done next time maybe. Johnny Cash, Doc Watson, Olivia Newton John all played this song so great as well as many others.

Banks Of The Ohio Complete lyrics
Thumb strum or fingerpick guitar

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]