Capo II
Am G Am G Am
Am G
Oh, listen to my story, I'll tell you no lies,
Am G Am
How John Lewis did murder poor little Omie Wise.
Am G
He told her to meet him at Adams's Springs.
Am G Am
He promised her money and other fine things.
Am G
So, fool-like she met him at Adams's Springs.
Am G Am
No money he brought her nor other fine things.
Am G
"Go with me, little Omie, and away we will go.
Am G Am
We'll go and get married and no one will know."
Am G
She climbed up behind him and away they did go,
Am G Am
But off to the river where deep waters flow.
Am G
"John Lewis, John Lewis, will you tell me your mind?
Am G Am
Do you intend to marry me or leave me behind?"
Am G
"Little Omie, little Omie, I'll tell you my mind.
Am G Am
My mind is to drown you and leave you behind."
Am G
"Have mercy on my baby and spare me my life,
Am G Am
I'll go home as a beggar and never be your wife."
Am G
He kissed her and hugged her and turned her around,
Am G Am
Then pushed her in deep waters where he knew that she would drown.
Am G
He got on his pony and away he did ride,
Am G Am
As the screams of little Omie went down by his side.
Am G
T'was on a Thursday morning, the rain was pouring down,
Am G Am
When the people searched for Omie but she could not be found.
Am G
Two boys went a-fishin' one fine summer day,
Am G Am
And saw little Omie's body go floating away.
Am G
They threw their net around her and drew her to the bank.
Am G Am
Her clothes all wet and muddy, they laid her on a plank.
Am G
Then sent for John Lewis to come to that place --
Am G Am
And brought her out before him so that he might see her face.
Am G
He made no confession but they carried him to jail,
Am G Am
No friends or relations would go on his bail.