The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
I asked my love to take a walk
Take a walk just a little ways
And as we walked, along we talk
All would be our wedding day
And only say that you'll be mine
In no others arms entwined
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
I asked her if she'd marry me
And my wife forever be
She only turned her head away
And had no other words to say
And only say that you'll be mine
In no others arms entwined
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
I plunged a knife into her breast
And told her she was going to rest
She cried "Oh Willy, don't murder me
I'm not prepared for eternity"
I took her by her golden curls
And drug her down to the river side
And there I threw her into drown
And I watched her as she floated down
And only say that you'll be mine
In no others arms entwined
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
And going home between twelve and one
I cried "Oh Lord, what have I've done?"
I've killed the only girl I love
Because she would not marry me
And only say that you'll be mine
In no others arms entwined
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
Take a walk just a little ways
And as we walked, along we talk
All would be our wedding day
And only say that you'll be mine
In no others arms entwined
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
I asked her if she'd marry me
And my wife forever be
She only turned her head away
And had no other words to say
And only say that you'll be mine
In no others arms entwined
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
I plunged a knife into her breast
And told her she was going to rest
She cried "Oh Willy, don't murder me
I'm not prepared for eternity"
I took her by her golden curls
And drug her down to the river side
And there I threw her into drown
And I watched her as she floated down
And only say that you'll be mine
In no others arms entwined
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
And going home between twelve and one
I cried "Oh Lord, what have I've done?"
I've killed the only girl I love
Because she would not marry me
And only say that you'll be mine
In no others arms entwined
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
The Banks of the Ohio Lyrics as written by Joan Baez
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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