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Banks Of The Ohio

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'Banks of The Ohio' (Trad.)
Recorded by Johnny Cash, to be found on 'American Recordings Unearthed'
originally recorded by Billie and Charlie Monroe in 1936. 
Words sung by Mr Cash somewhat different from Monroe's.
Anyway, my favourite johnny song. 
[Intro]
 G
[1st verse:]
I asked my Glove, to take a Dwalk
Take a walk, just a liGttle ways,
And as we walked, along  we Ctalked
Of when would Gbe,   Dour wedding Gday.
[Chorus]
And only Gsay, that you'll be Dmine,
In no o  thers arms entwiGned,
Down beside where the waters Cflow,
Down by the Gbanks Dof the OhiGo.
[Verse]
I asked her Gif she'd marry Dme,
And my wife forever Gbe,
She only turned her head aCway
And had no GothDer words to Gsay.
[Chorus]
And only Gsay, that you'll be Dmine,
In no o  thers arms entwiGned,
Down beside where the waters Cflow,
Down by the Gbanks Dof the OhiGo.
[Verse]
I plunged a Gknife into her Dbreast,
And told her she was going to Grest,
She cried 'Oh Willie, don't murder Cme,
I'm not Gprepared Dfor eternitGy.'
[Verse]
I took her Gby her golden Dcurls,
And drug her down to the riverGside,
And there I pushed her into Cdrown,
And I watched her Gas Dshe floated Gdown.
[Chorus]
And only Gsay, that you'll be Dmine,
In no o  thers arms entwiGned,
Down beside where the waters Cflow,
Down by the Gbanks Dof the OhiGo.
[Verse]
And going Ghome between twelve and Done,
And cried 'Oh Lord, What have I Gdone,
I've killed the only girl I Clove,
Because she Gwould Dnot marry Gme.
[Chorus]
And only Gsay, that you'll be Dmine,
In no o  thers arms entwiGned,
Down beside where the waters Cflow,
Down by the Gbanks Dof the OhiGo.

All chords in this song (3)

The story behind the song

Johnny Cash was known for his deep, calm voice and a musical style often characterized by themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption. While the song's specific meaning isn't detailed, "Banks of the Ohio" likely carries the somber and reflective tone often found in his work, perhaps exploring a narrative of longing or loss by the river. Playing this song can evoke the feeling of a classic American tale, delivered with a quiet intensity.

AI-written from these sources:Johnny Cash — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

🎸 Tips from players

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Banks Of The Ohio

by Johnny Cash

Lyrics & chords · Original key

Chords in this song · guitar

'Banks of The Ohio' (Trad.)

Recorded by Johnny Cash, to be found on 'American Recordings Unearthed'

originally recorded by Billie and Charlie Monroe in 1936.

Words sung by Mr Cash somewhat different from Monroe's.

Anyway, my favourite johnny song.

[Intro]

[1st verse:]

G D

I asked my love, to take a walk

Take a walk, just a little ways,

And as we walked, along we talked

G D G

Of when would be, our wedding day.

[Chorus]

G D

And only say, that you'll be mine,

In no o thers arms entwined,

Down beside where the waters flow,

G D G

Down by the banks of the Ohio.

[Verse]

G D

I asked her if she'd marry me,

And my wife forever be,

She only turned her head away

G D G

And had no other words to say.

[Chorus]

G D

And only say, that you'll be mine,

In no o thers arms entwined,

Down beside where the waters flow,

G D G

Down by the banks of the Ohio.

[Verse]

G D

I plunged a knife into her breast,

And told her she was going to rest,

She cried 'Oh Willie, don't murder me,

G D G

I'm not prepared for eternity.'

[Verse]

G D

I took her by her golden curls,

And drug her down to the riverside,

And there I pushed her into drown,

G D G

And I watched her as she floated down.

[Chorus]

G D

And only say, that you'll be mine,

In no o thers arms entwined,

Down beside where the waters flow,

G D G

Down by the banks of the Ohio.

[Verse]

G D

And going home between twelve and one,

And cried 'Oh Lord, What have I done,

I've killed the only girl I love,

G D G

Because she would not marry me.

[Chorus]

G D

And only say, that you'll be mine,

In no o thers arms entwined,

Down beside where the waters flow,

G D G

Down by the banks of the Ohio.

About Banks Of The Ohio Chords by Johnny Cash

Learn how to play Banks Of The Ohio by Johnny Cash with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Banks Of The Ohio chords”, “Banks Of The Ohio guitar chords”, or “Johnny Cash Banks Of The Ohio chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Banks Of The Ohio chords and for experienced players who want accurate Banks Of The Ohio lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, D, C.

FAQ — Banks Of The Ohio by Johnny Cash

How do I play "Banks Of The Ohio" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Banks Of The Ohio" by Johnny Cash on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "Banks Of The Ohio" by Johnny Cash free?

Yes. The chords for "Banks Of The Ohio" by Johnny Cash are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Banks Of The Ohio" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Banks Of The Ohio" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Banks Of The Ohio"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Banks Of The Ohio" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Banks Of The Ohio" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Banks Of The Ohio" by Johnny Cash with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Johnny Cash below.

What key is "Banks Of The Ohio" in?

The chords for "Banks Of The Ohio" show the original chord names (including G, D, C). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.