traditional
This is a traditional murder ballad from the 19th century. It was first recorded by Red Patterson's Piedmont Log Rollers on August 12th, 1927 - if Wikipedia is reliable. Since then, artists both male and female have recorded own versions; feeling free to change the lyrics. So have I. I have omitted the notorious murder "Willie" (appearing in a lot of ballads), rewritten verses to make them rhyme better, and added a few lines of my own at the end. Those looking for original lyrics, may do this.
I asked my love to take a walk
just a little ways to have a talk
down beside where the waters flow
down by the banks of the Ohio
and 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 held a knife against her breast
as into my arms she pressed
she only turned her head away
and had no other words to say
she should have said she would be mine
and in no others' arms entwine
down beside where the waters flow
down by the banks of the Ohio
I took her by her golden curls
and drug her down to the river whirls
and there I threw her in to drown
and hollered out as she floated down
"why didn't you say you would be mine
and in no others' arms entwine?"
down beside where the waters flow
down by the banks of the Ohio
next day as I came from the shore
the sheriff waited at my door
he said "young man come with me and go
down to the banks of the Ohio"
so way down deep and way down low
forever may the river flow
but the gallows' high and here I go
down by the banks of the Ohio
For the following CHORD section, fullscreen/horizontal mobile is recommended.
Chords in brackets may be omitted.
A E I asked my love to take a walk E7 A just a little ways to have a talk A7 D down beside where the waters flow A F#m E7 A down by the banks of the Ohio
