N.C 
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 

           A              E 
I asked my love to take a walk 
E                      A 
Just to walk, a little ways 
A                               D 
And as we walked, then we could talk 
          A      E       A 
About our future wedding day 

N.C                 
But when she said, she could never be mine 
         A                 E 
I held a knife against his breast 
E                   A 
As into my arms she pressed 
A                                    D 
She cried "my love, don't you murder me 
        A            E      A 
I'm not prepared for eternity" 

N.C       A                  E  
Then only say that you'll be mine 
E                        A 
And in no others' arms entwine 
A                            E 
Down beside where the waters flow 
            A            E  A 
Down by the Banks of the Ohio 

N.C       A                      E 
I started home 'tween twelve and one 
E                             A 
I cried, "My God, what have I done?" 
A                            D 
I've killed the one I love tonight 
            A         E     A 
Because she would not be my bride 

N.C       
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 

A  E  D 

Save my soul lord 
Save my soul 
There beside where the waters flow 
Down by the Banks of the Ohio