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 Bb, 120 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.

Hold Back The River — Simple Sheet Music

"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 Bb, 120 BPM.

Tip: Use the speed control to practice at 70% tempo first. Focus on tricky chord transitions before attempting the full arrangement.

Lyrics

(Dm)Tried (C)to (F)keep (F)you (Bb)close (F)to me (F)but (Bb)life (F)got in be tween. in the sky. But (Dm)Tried (C)to (F)square (F)not (Bb)be (F)ing there (F)but (Bb)think (F)that I are 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 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. (Dm)Oh, (C)oh, (F)oh, (F)oh, (Bb)oh. (F)Oh, (Bb)oh, oh. (F)Lone ly wa ter, lone ly wa ter, won’t you (Bb)let us wan der, (Gm)let us hold each oth er? (F)Lone ly wa ter, lone ly wa ter, won’t you (Bb)let us wan der, (Gm)let us hold each oth er? 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 be by your side. 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 be by your side. Hold back the riv er, hold back. Hold back the riv er, hold. (F)Lone ly wa ter, lone ly wa ter, won’t you (Bb)let us wan der, (Gm)let us hold each oth er? (F)Lone ly wa ter, lone ly wa ter, won’t you (Bb)let us wan der, (Gm)let us hold each oth er? (Gm)let us hold each oth er?

Try other practice modes:

Falling Notes Beginner Lead Sheet Bar Sheet

Song Details

Category: Pop
Key: Bb
Tempo: 120 BPM
Difficulty: medium
Artist: James Bay

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How to Play "Hold Back The River" on Piano

1
Pick a practice mode — Choose from Fall Down, Beginner, Lead Sheet, Bar Sheet, or Simple Sheet — each mode visualizes the music differently to match your learning style.
2
Practice each hand separately — Use the Left, Right, and Both buttons to isolate the bass or treble part and build muscle memory one hand at a time.
3
Adjust speed and turn on metronome — Slow down to 50% while learning, then gradually speed up. Enable the metronome to keep steady timing.
4
Loop a section — Select a tricky part and loop it until you nail it. Perfect for mastering difficult passages.
5
Download sheet music — Export a PDF of the sheet music to print out and practice on your real piano anytime, anywhere.