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 down at adam's springs
He promised her money and other fine things
So fool like, she met him down at adam's springs
No money he brought her nor other fine things
Come with me, little omie, and away we will go
We'll go and get married and no one will know

She climbed up behind him and away they did go
But off to the river, where the deep waters flow
John lewis, john lewis, will you tell 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 a beggar and never be your wife

He kissed her and hugged her and he turned her around
Then he pushed her in deep waters
Where he knew that she would drown
John got on his pony and away he did ride
And the screams of omie went down by his side
It was on a thursday morning, the rain was pouring down
When the people searched for omie, but she could not be found
Two boys went fishing one fine summer day
And they saw little omie go floating away

They threw their net around her and they drew her to the bank
Her clothes all wet and muddy, they laid her on a plank
They sent for john lewis to come to their place
And they brought her but before him so he might see her face
He made no confession but they carried him to jail
No friends or relations would go on his bail
John lewis escaped from the carolina county jail
And he fled for kentucky on his way to hell
Death came a-calling ten years to that day
John lewis fell ill and he met his rightful fate