What key is the piano accompaniment for "On Hold" by The XX in?

The backing track is in C at 125 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 "On Hold" 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 "On Hold"?

Effectively yes — it's the piano-only backing for "On Hold", with no vocals. You can also slow it down to practice tricky verses, then bring it back to full tempo.

Can I use "On Hold" 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 "On Hold"?

Yes — registered users can download MIDI + MusicXML (open in any notation software). PDF sheet music is also available for the full arrangement.

"On Hold" was originally performed by The XX. This piano accompaniment is an arrangement of that song, designed for sing-along and play-along use.

What other backing tracks by The XX are available?

Other accompaniments by The XX: "Intro". Same toggle-the-melody, change-the-key setup.

Lyrics

(C)I don’t blame you,

(Em)we got car ried a way.

(Am)I can’t hold on

(F)to an emp ty space.

Now (C)you’ve found a new star to or bit, (Em)it could be love.

I think you’re too soon to call us (Am)old,

when and where did we go (F)cold?

I thought I had you on hold.

And ev ’ry time I let you leave,

I al ways saw you com ing back to me,

when and where did we go (F)cold?

I thought I had you on Where hold.

does it stop, where does you stop, where do you dare me to?

you’ve got the bod you’ve got the bod you’ve got the bod, dare me to.

Where does it stop, where does you stop, where do you dare me to?

you’ve got the bod, you’ve got the (I bod, thought you’ve I got had the bod, you dare me on to.

Where hold.) does it stop, where does you stop, where do you dare me to?

You’ve got the bod, you’ve got the bod, you’ve got the bod, dare me to.

Where does it stop, where does you stop, where do you dare me to?

You’ve got the bod, you’ve got the bod, you’ve got the bod, dare me to.

My young heart

chose to be lieve

we were des tined.

Young hearts

all need love,

call it a les son.

The (C)stars and the charts and the cards make sense, (G)on ly when we want them to.

When (Am)I lie a wake, star ing in to space, I (F)see a diff ’rent view.

Now (C)you’ve found a new star to or bit, (Am)it could be love.

I think you’re too soon to call us (Dm7)old,

when and where did we go (F)cold?

I thought I had you on hold.

And ev ’ry time I let you leave,

I al ways saw you com ing back to me,

when and where did we go (F)cold?

I thought I had you on hold,

I thought I had you on hold.

Where does it stop, where does you stop, where do you dare me to?

You’ve got the bod, you’ve got the bod, you’ve got the bod, dare me to.

Where does it stop, where does you stop, where do you dare me to?

You’ve got the bod, you’ve got the bod, you’ve got the bod, dare me to.

Where does it stop, where does you stop, where do you dare me to?

You’ve got the bod, you’ve got the bod, you’ve got the bod, dare me to.

Where does it stop, where does you stop, where do you dare me to?

You’ve got the bod, you’ve got the (CN.C.)bod, you’ve got the bod, dare me to.

And ev ’ry time I let you leave,

I al ways saw you com ing back to me,

when and where did we go (Dm7)cold?

I thought I had you on hold,

I thought I had you on hold.

On Hold — Piano Accompaniment Lead Sheet

Lead sheet view of the piano accompaniment for "On Hold" by The XX: melody on the staff, chord symbols above, lyrics below. Ideal for singers, choirs, and band rehearsals. Original key C, 125 BPM.

Tip: Press play and sing the melody on top of the piano. If the original key (C) 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:

Bars Sheet Fall Down

About “On Hold”

What key is the piano accompaniment for "On Hold" by The XX in?: The backing track is in C at 125 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 "On Hold" 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 "On Hold"?: Effectively yes — it's the piano-only backing for "On Hold", with no vocals. You can also slow it down to practice tricky verses, then bring it back to full tempo.
Can I use "On Hold" 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 "On Hold"?: Yes — registered users can download MIDI + MusicXML (open in any notation software). PDF sheet music is also available for the full arrangement.
Who wrote "On Hold"?: "On Hold" was originally performed by The XX. This piano accompaniment is an arrangement of that song, designed for sing-along and play-along use.
What other backing tracks by The XX are available?: Other accompaniments by The XX: "Intro". Same toggle-the-melody, change-the-key setup.