Olivia Newton-John was a pop and country singer from Cambridge, England, raised in Australia. She became a global star in the 1970s with hits like If You Love Me (Let Me Know) and Have You Never Been Mellow.
Offstage, she became a strong advocate for cancer awareness after her own diagnosis in the 1990s.
In later years, she blended music with wellness, releasing spiritual albums and opening the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre, leaving a legacy of kindness, courage, and timeless songs.
About the Song
Banks of the Ohio is a calm-sounding song with a dark story beneath. It follows a man’s quiet confession after a heartbreaking act.
The contrast between the gentle melody and the tragic lyrics creates a strange tension, soft on the outside, heavy underneath. It’s a murder ballad that feels simple but leaves a lasting chill.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | October 1971 |
| Album | Gold (2005) |
| Writers | Bruce Welch & John Farrar |
| Producers | Bruce Welch & John Farrar |
Banks of the Ohio Lyrics by Olivia Newton-John
Verse 1
I asked my love to take a walk
To take a walk, just a little walk
Down beside where the waters flow
Down by the banks of the Ohio
Chorus
And only say that you’ll be mine
In no others’ arms entwine
Down beside where the waters flow (Where the waters flow)
Down by the banks of the Ohio
Verse 2
I held a knife against his breast
As into my arms, he pressed
He cried, “My love, don’t you murder me
I’m not prepared for eternity”
Chorus
And only say that you’ll be mine
In no others’ arms entwine
Down beside where the waters flow (Where the waters flow)
Down by the banks of the Ohio
Verse 3
I wandered home ‘tween twelve and one
I cried, “My God, what have I done?”
I’ve killed the only man I love
He would not take me for his bride
Chorus
And only say that you’ll be mine
In no others’ arms entwine
Down beside where the waters flow (Where the waters flow)
Down by the banks of the Ohio
Down by the banks of the Ohio
Similar Songs Like Banks of the Ohio
Listeners drawn to gentle melodies and heartfelt stories, such as Banks of the Ohio, will find that these songs each carry a unique mood and tale:
- If Not For You: A soft sunrise in song form—warm, gentle, and filled with hope, like finding comfort in someone’s quiet presence.
- Let Me Be There: Like a friendly hand reaching out, this tune bounces with bright energy and makes you want to sing along on the open road.
- Sam: Soft and thoughtful, this ballad tells of longing for someone, with a melody that feels like a quiet walk at sunset.
- Please Mr. Please: A story inside a jukebox, this song gently asks not to play a tune that brings back memories too hard to hear.
Similar Artists Like Olivia Newton-John
If you enjoy Olivia Newton-John’s soft vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and blend of pop and country charm, these artists bring a similar warmth and timeless appeal:
- Linda Ronstadt
Genre: Pop, Country Rock
Top Albums: Heart Like a Wheel (1974), Simple Dreams (1977) - Crystal Gayle
Genre: Country, Soft Pop
Top Albums: We Must Believe in Magic (1977), Miss the Mississippi (1979) - Anne Murray
Genre: Country Pop, Adult Contemporary
Top Albums: Snowbird (1970), A Little Good News (1983) - Helen Reddy
Genre: Pop, Soft Rock
Top Albums: I Am Woman (1972), Long Hard Climb (1973) - Dolly Parton
Genre: Country, Pop
Top Albums: Here You Come Again (1977), 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs (1980)
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Other Famous Artists Covered Banks of the Ohio?
Yes, Banks of the Ohio has been covered by Joan Baez and Dolly Parton, but Olivia Newton-John’s version became widely known after it charted in the early 1970s.
Has Banks of the Ohio Been Sung in Other Languages?
Yes, artists in Germany and Scandinavia have sung it in their own languages, using the same story.
When was Banks of the Ohio First Recorded, and By Whom?
The first known commercial recording was made by Red Patterson’s Piedmont Log Rollers on August 12, 1927; the songwriter is unknown.
