Get this sheet
PDF sheets + MIDI
Yours to keep
PDF sheets and the MIDI file. Yours to keep.
Instant download · no account needed
Or every song with Premium, from $4.99/moUp next
Play Down By The River on your own piano
Plug in your piano by USB or Bluetooth. The song waits for you until you hit the right notes. Slow it down, loop any bars, play one hand at a time.
- 1Get the app. Free on the App Store.
- 2Sign in. Use the same email you unlock songs with.
- 3Connect your keyboard. By USB or Bluetooth, and play along.
Down By The River — Piano Lead Sheet
About “Down By The River”
"Down By The River" lead sheet with chords, melody, and lyrics. Play the melody while following chord symbols above. Perfect for sing-along or accompaniment. Key of D, 90 BPM.
16 people have learned this song
Lyrics
Be on my side, I’ll (A)be on your side, ba by; there is no rea son for (A)you to hide.
It’s so hard for me stay ing here all a lone
when you could be tak ing me for a ride,
yeah, (Bm)yeah.
She could drag me o ver the rain bow
and send me a way.
Down (D)by the riv (A)er,
I (D)shot my ba (A)by.
Down (D)by the riv (A)er,
(Em7)dead,
ooh,
shot her dead.
You take my hand, I’ll (A)take your hand,
to geth er we may get a (A)way.
This much mad ness is too much sor row,
it’s im pos si ble to (A)make it to day,
(Cmaj7)yeah,
oh, (Bm)oh, yeah.
She could drag me o ver the rain bow
and send me a way.
Down (D)by the riv (A)er,
I (D)shot my ba (A)by.
Down (D)by the riv (A)er,
(Em)dead,
dead, ooh,
(Em7)ooh, shot her dead,
shot her dead.
riv (A)er.
Down (D)by the riv (A)er,
I (D)shot my ba (A)by.
Down (D)by the riv (A)er,
I (D)shot my ba (A)by.
Practice tip
Tip: Use the speed control to practice at 70% tempo first. Focus on tricky chord transitions before attempting the full arrangement.
Questions about this song (10)
- Where are the chord symbols for "Down By The River" displayed?
- Lead Sheet shows chord symbols (like Am, G7, C) above the melody line with lyrics below. Every chord change highlights in real time as the song plays, so you can play the melody with the right hand and follow chord shapes with the left. "Down By The River" is in D.
- What key is "Down By The River" by Neil Young played in?
- Down By The River is arranged in the key of D on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
- What's the tempo (BPM) of "Down By The River"?
- The arrangement plays at 90 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
- Is "Down By The River" easy to play on piano?
- This is a medium-difficulty arrangement. Most players can learn it within a few practice sessions using the speed control.
- Can I download sheet music for "Down By The River"?
- Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
- Who composed "Down By The River"?
- "Down By The River" was originally performed by Neil Young. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
- What chords are used in "Down By The River"?
- This arrangement uses 8 chords: A, Bm, C, Cmaj7, D, Em, Em7, G.
- What other songs by Neil Young can I play here?
- Try "OLD MAN", "OUT ON THE WEEKEND", "DON'T LET IT BRING YOU DOWN". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
- Does "Down By The River" have chords and lyrics?
- Yes! The Lead Sheet shows the melody with chord symbols (like Am, G, C) and full lyrics. Perfect for singing along or playing with a band. "Down By The River" is in the key of D at 90 BPM.
- What chords are in "Down By The River"?
- Open the Lead Sheet to see all chord symbols displayed above the melody line. The song is in the key of D, so you'll find chords common to that key. Each chord highlights in real time as the song plays.
Other versions of Down By The River
Other arrangements of Down By The River
Pick a learning view.