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 ask 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
Well, I held a knife against her breast
As into my arms she pressed
She cried, my love, don't murder me
Cause I'm not prepared for eternity
Then only say that you'll be mine
And in no other's arms entwined
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
I started home, Twix twelve and one
I cried, my God, what have I done
I killed the one I love tonight
Because she would not be mine
Well, only say that you'll be mine
And in no other's arms entwined
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
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio