I put this up because I love The Blue Sky Boys' version of the tune (yes more than Cash). I think they play
it in D flat, so I just stepped it up 1/2 in C. This is a great song to practice harmonization coordination.
At the end of each verse/chorus with the "C G C", the G is only a "1/2 measure", or quickly played.
I appreciate any tips or comments. Ta.
Down on the Banks of the Ohio
Blue Sky Boys (1936)
[Verse]
C G
Come my love, let's take a walk
C
Just a little, ways away
F
While we walk, along we'll talk
C G C
Talk about, our wedding day
[Chorus]
C G
Only say, that you'll be mine
C
And in our home, we'll happy be
F
Down beside, where the waters flow
C G C
Down on the banks, of the Ohio
[Verse]
C G
I drew my knife, across her throat
C
And to my breast, she gently pressed
F
Oh please oh please, don't murder me
C G C
For I'm unprepared, to die you see.
C G
I taken her by, her lily white hand
C
I let her down, and I bade her stand
F
There I plunged, her in to drown
C G C
And watched her as, she floated down
C G
Returning home, 'tween twelve and one
C
Thinkin' of, the deed I done
F
I murdered a girl, I love you see
C G C
Be-cause she would, not marry me
[Chorus]
C G
Only say, that you'll be mine
C
And in our home, we'll happy be
F
Down beside, where the waters flow
C G C
Down on the banks, of the Ohio
[Verse]
C G
Next day as I, returning home
C
I met the sheriff, standing in the door
F
He said young man, come with me and go
C G C
Down to the banks, of the Ohio
[Chorus]
C G
Only say, that you'll be mine
C
And in our home, we'll happy be
F
Down beside, where the waters flow
C G C
Down on the banks, of the Ohio