Lyrics
Tried
to keep
you close
to me,
but life
got in be tween.
Tried
to square
not be
ing there,
but think
that I should have been.
Hold back the riv er, let me look in your eyes.
Hold back the riv er so I
can stop for a min ute and see where you hide.
Hold back the riv er, hold back.
Hold back the riv er, let me look in your eyes.
Hold back the riv er so I
can stop for a min ute and see where you hide.
Hold back the riv er, hold back.
Hold Back The River by James Bay
5 people have learned this song
Easy piano arrangement in the key of C at 116 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.
About “Hold Back The River”
- What key is "Hold Back The River" in?
- "Hold Back The River" by James Bay is in the key of C with a tempo of 116 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
- Is "Hold Back 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 "Hold Back 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 "Hold Back 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 James Bay can I play here?
- Try "NEED THE SUN TO BREAK", "Let It Go", "Wild Love". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.