River

by Linda Ronstadt

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Lyrics

It’s com in’ on Christ mas, they’re cut tin’ down trees.

They’re put tin’ up rein deer and sing in’ songs of joy and peace.

Oh, I wish I had a riv er I could skate a way on.

But it don’t snow here, it stays pret ty green.

I’m gon na make a lot of mon ey and then I’ll quit this cra zy scene.

Oh, I wish I had a riv er

I could skate a way on.

I wish I had a riv er so long

I would teach my feet to

fly.

Oh, I wish I had a riv er

I could skate a way on.

I made my ba by by

cry.

bye.

He tried in’ hard help me.

He put me at ease.

He loved me so naught y, and made me weak of in the knees.

Oh, I wish I had a riv er I could skate a way on.

I’m so hard to dle, I’m self and I’m sad.

I’ve gone and lost the best of ba by and that I ev er cra zy had.

Oh, I wish I had a riv er

I could skate a way on.

I wish I had a riv er so long

I would teach my feet to

fly.

Oh, I wish I had a riv er

I could skate a way on.

I made my ba by say

good bye.

He

It’s com in’ on Christ mas, they’re cut tin’ down trees.

They’re put tin’ up rein deer and sing in’ songs of joy and peace.

Oh, I wish I had a riv er I could skate a way

on.

River by Linda Ronstadt — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “River” by Linda Ronstadt in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of C at 88 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "River" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "River"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
What other Linda Ronstadt songs work for kids?
Try "PRISONER IN DISGUISE", "DREAMS TO DREAM", "STRAIGHTEN UP AND FLY RIGHT". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.