Down By The River

by Neil Young
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Lyrics

You take my hand, I’ll (A)take on your side, hand, by; to geth er we may get a (A)way.

to hide.

This much mad ness is too much here sor a row,

it’s you im pos si ble to (A)make it to day,

oh, (Bm7)oh yeah.

She could drag me o ver the rain bow

and send me a (D)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 (A)dead.

Be on my side, I’ll (A)be on your side, ba by; to there is no rea son for (A)you to hide.

It’s so hard for me stay in’ here all a lone

when you could be si tak in’ (A)me for a ride,

yeah, (Bm7)yeah.

yeah.

She could drag me o ver the rain bow

and send me a (D)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 (A)dead.

Down (D)by the riv (A)er,

I (D)shot my ba (A)by.

Down By The River by Neil Young

4 people have learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of D at 86 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

Learn how to accompany it· the chords and what each hand plays, on Super Simple Chords ↗

About “Down By The River”

What key is "Down By The River" in?
"Down By The River" by Neil Young is in the key of D with a tempo of 86 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "Down By The River" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.
Can I play "Down By The River" without reading sheet music?
Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.
How long does it take to learn "Down By The River" on piano?
1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by Neil Young can I play here?
Try "OLD MAN", "DOWN BY THE RIVER", "OUT ON THE WEEKEND". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.