Oh, gather round people, I'll tell you no lies
How John Lewis did murder poor little Omie Wise
He told her to meet him at Adams' spring
He would bring her money and other fine things

So fool like, she met him at Adams' spring
He brought her no money no other fine things
He brought her no money but flattered his case
"We will go get married, there will be no disgrace"

"John Lewis, John Lewis, please tell me your mind
Do you intend to marry me or leave me behind?"
"Little Omie, Little Omie, I'll tell you my mind
My mind is to murder you and leave you behind"

"Have pity on my unborn child, spare me my life
I'll go and I'll admit that I was never your wife"
But he kicked her and he choked her
And he turned her around and he threw her
In deep water where he knew that she would drown

Little Omie was missing, they all did well know
And hunting for her to the river did go
And there found her floating on the water so deep
Which caused all the women to sigh and to weep

The neighbors they came for to see the great sight
While she lay a floating on the water all night
So gather round people and I've told you no lies
How John Lewis did murder Naomi Wise