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