Hold Back The River

by James Bay
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Sing this song instead — backing track for “Hold Back The River”
Backing track + lyrics — toggle the vocal, change the key, practice singing over piano.

Other arrangements of Hold Back The River

Pick a learning view or switch to the backing-track version.

Sheet MusicBar NotationSimple SheetLead SheetKaraoke · LyricsEasy NotesFalling Notes
Also available as a piano backing track
Sheet Music · BackingBar Notation · BackingKaraoke · LyricsFalling Notes · Backing
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 — Simple Sheet Music

5 people have learned this song

"Hold Back The River" in simplified sheet music format — the bridge between beginner modes and real sheet music. Color-coded notes with lyrics scrolling horizontally. Perfect for learning to read music. Key of C, 116 BPM.

Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.

Try other practice modes:

Falling NotesBeginnerLead SheetBar SheetKaraoke

About “Hold Back The River”

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "Hold Back The River"?
Simplified Arrangement keeps the melody and chords on a simplified staff with lyrics, color-coded for easy recognition. It's a learner-bridge between Beginner mode and the classic engraved Sheet Music — same song, less visual density.
What key is "Hold Back The River" by James Bay played in?
Hold Back The River is arranged in the key of C on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Hold Back The River"?
The arrangement plays at 116 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Hold Back The River" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
Can I download sheet music for "Hold Back The River"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Hold Back The River"?
"Hold Back The River" was originally performed by James Bay. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What other songs by James Bay can I play here?
Try "NEED THE SUN TO BREAK", "Let It Go", "Wild Love". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Is Simple Sheet good for learning to read sheet music?
Yes! Simple Sheet bridges the gap between beginner color-coded modes and traditional notation. Notes are displayed on a simplified staff with colors, lyrics, and chords — helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "Hold Back The River". Key of C, 116 BPM.
What's the difference between Simple Sheet and Lead Sheet?
Simple Sheet shows a more streamlined, horizontally scrolling view with color-coded notes on a staff and lyrics below — like a simplified version of real sheet music. Lead Sheet shows melody with chord symbols above and full lyrics. Simple Sheet is the next step toward reading traditional notation.