It’s (Dm)com in’ on help (C)Christ mas, know, they’re (Dm)cut ting down ease.
(C)trees.
And They’re (Dm)put ting up rein deer and sing in’ me (Dm)songs of joy (C)knees.
and I peace.
Oh, I (Am)wish I had a riv (Em7)er
I could skate a way on.
But (Dm)it don’t snow (C)to here, le, it (Dm)stays pret ty green.
(C)sad.
Now I’m gon na (Dm)make a lot ta mon ey by then I’m gon na quit (Dm)this cra er (C)had.
zy scene.
I (Am)I wish I had a riv (Em7)er
I could skate (G)a way on.
I (F)wish I had a riv er so long
I would teach my feet to
fly.
Oh, I (C)wish I had a riv er
I could skate a way
on.
I made my ba by cry.
He (Dm)tried hard to help (C)me you know, he (Dm)put me at ease.
(C)trees.
And he (Dm)loved ting me so naugh ty made in’ me (Dm)weak in the (C)knees.
Oh, I wish I had (Am)a I riv a riv (Em7)er
I could skate
a way on.
But (Dm)I’m so hard (C)to hand le, I’m (Dm)sel fish and I’m (C)sad.
Now I’ve gone and (Dm)lost a the best ba ey by then that gon I quit (Dm)this ev er (C)had.
Oh, I wish (Am)I had a riv a riv (Em7)er I could skate (G)a way on.
I (F)wish I had a riv er so long
I would teach my feet to
fly.
Oh, I (C)wish I had a riv er
I could skate a way on.
I made my ba by cry.
He
Oh, I wish I had a riv er
I could skate a way on.
I made my ba by (C)say good bye.
It’s (Dm)com ing on (C)Christ mas, they’re (Dm)cut ting down (C)trees.
They’re (Dm)put ting up rein deer, sing ing songs of joy (C)and peace.
I wish I had a riv er
I could skate
a way
on.
River — Piano Accompaniment Lead Sheet
Lead sheet view of the piano accompaniment for "River" by Joni Mitchell: melody on the staff, chord symbols above, lyrics below. Ideal for singers, choirs, and band rehearsals. Original key C, 100 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:
About “River”
- What key is the piano accompaniment for "River" by Joni Mitchell in?
- The backing track is in C 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 "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 "River"?
- Effectively yes — it's the piano-only backing for "River", with no vocals. You can also slow it down to practice tricky verses, then bring it back to full tempo.
- Can I use "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 "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 "River"?
- "River" was originally performed by Joni Mitchell. This piano accompaniment is an arrangement of that song, designed for sing-along and play-along use.
- What other backing tracks by Joni Mitchell are available?
- Other accompaniments by Joni Mitchell: "Blue", "Both Sides Now". Same toggle-the-melody, change-the-key setup.
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