Traditional Bluegrass Music
Songs & Tunes with Lyrics Sheet Music, Chords & Midi
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| The Banks Of The Ohio | TML # 000696 |
| Click Play Speed | Slow 1/4=120 | Medium 1/4=150 | Fast 1/4=200 |
| The song has not been traced to a specific murder, it might be made of fragments of other songs. A popular country song for a long time first made so by the Monroe Brothers in the '30s. The singer takes his sweetheart walking, hoping to discuss marriage. She seemingly refuses him (because she is too young?). Rather than wait, he throws her into the river to drown. In most versions he is not caught, though in some texts she haunts him |
Chorus And only say that you'll be mine, In no others arms entwine. Down beside where the waters flow, Down by the banks of the Ohio. I asked my love to take a walk, Just to walk a little way. As we walked and as we talked, All about our wedding day. I held a knife close to her breast, As into my arms she pressed. She cried:Oh Willie, don't murder me. I'm not prepared for eternity. |
I took her by her lily white hand, Led her down where the waters stand. There I pushed her in to drown, And watched her as she floated down. I started home'tween twelve and one, I cried: My God, what have I done? I murdered the only woman I loved, Because she would not be my bride. The very next morning about half-past four, The sheriff came knocking at my door. He said: Young man, come with me and go, Down to the banks of the Ohio. |
| This royalty free score was generated by the Traditional Music Library On Line Tunebook (Shareware Version). As-is copies of this score may be freely distributed. Further info from WWW.TRADITIONALMUSIC.CO.UK |