(CN.C.)When the (F)wea ther is fine then you (C)know it’s a sign for (Bb)mess ing a (C7)bout on the (F)riv er.
If you take my ad vice there’s a (C)no thing so nice as (Bb)mess ing a (C7)bout on the (F)riv er.
There are (Bb)long boats and (F)short boats and (C7)all sorts of (F)craft
and (Bb)cruis ers and (F)keel boats and (G7)some with no (C7)draft.
So the (F)take off your coat
and (C)hop in a boat,
go (Bb)mess ing a (C7)bout on the (F)riv er.
(CN.C.)There are (F)boats made from kits
that you (C)reach you in bits
for (Bb)mess ing a (C7)bout on the (F)riv er.
Or you might like to scull
in a (C)fi bre glass hull
just (Bb)mess ing a (C7)bout on the (F)riv er.
There are (Bb)till ers and (F)rud ders and (C7)an chors and (F)cleats
and (Bb)ropes that are (F)some times re (G7)ferred to as (C7)sheets.
With the (F)wind in your face
there’s (C)no fin er place
than (Bb)mess ing a (C7)bout on the (F)riv er.
(CN.C.)There are (F)riv er.
Messing About On The River — Piano Accompaniment Track
Free piano accompaniment for "Messing About On The River" by Josh McCrae. Sing along or play your instrument over the backing piano. Toggle the vocal melody on/off, change key to fit your voice, adjust tempo. Key of Bb, 100 BPM.
Tip: Press play and sing the melody on top of the piano. If the original key (Bb) sits too high or low for your voice, use the transpose control to shift the accompaniment into a comfortable range — the backing moves with you. Need a pitch reference? Tap the mic icon to bring the vocal melody in.
Try other practice modes:
About “Messing About On The River”
- What key is the piano accompaniment for "Messing About On The River" by Josh McCrae in?
- The backing track is in Bb at 100 BPM. If that doesn't sit in your vocal range, use the live transpose control to shift up or down semitones — the accompaniment moves with the new key automatically.
- Can I sing over "Messing About On The River" with this accompaniment?
- Yes — that's exactly what it's built for. The vocal melody is muted by default so you can sing freely. Need a pitch reference? Tap the mic icon to bring the melody back in at a lower volume.
- Is this a karaoke version of "Messing About On The River"?
- Effectively yes — it's the piano-only backing for "Messing About On The River", with no vocals. You can also slow it down to practice tricky verses, then bring it back to full tempo.
- Can I use "Messing About On The River" as a backing track for my instrument?
- Absolutely. Singers, guitarists, violinists, wind players, and instrumental practice in general all work — the piano holds the harmony so you can carry the melody on whatever instrument you play.
- Can I download the accompaniment for "Messing About On The River"?
- Yes — registered users can download MIDI + MusicXML (open in any notation software). PDF sheet music is also available for the full arrangement.
- Who wrote "Messing About On The River"?
- "Messing About On The River" was originally performed by Josh McCrae. This piano accompaniment is an arrangement of that song, designed for sing-along and play-along use.
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