What key is "River" in?

"River" by Emeli Sandé is in the key of C with a tempo of 120 BPM. Difficulty: beginner.

Is "River" easy to play on piano?

Yes — this arrangement is rated beginner, 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 "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.

What chords are used in "River"?

This arrangement of "River" uses 6 chords: Am, C, Dm, F, G, G7.

How long does it take to learn "River" on piano?

1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.

What other songs by Emeli Sandé can I play here?

Try "HIGHS & LOWS", "BREATHING UNDERWATER", "Read All About It, Pt. III". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Lyrics

It’s (C)com in’ on Christ me mas, know they’re (F)cut ting down (C)trees.

And They’re (F)put ting up (C)rein deer, and sing in’ songs of joy the and peace.

Oh, I (Am)wish I had a riv er

I could skate a (G)way on.

But (C)it don’t snow to here, le it (C)stays ish pret ty green.

I’m I’ve gon na (F)make a lot of (C)mon ey then I’m gon na quit this cra er had.

zy scene.

I (Am)wish I had a riv er I could skate a (G)way on.

I (F)wish I had a riv er so (G)long

I would teach my feet to

fly

Oh, I (C)wish I had a riv er

I could skate a way on.

I made my ba by (C)cry.

He (C)tried hard to help me you know he (F)put me at (C)ease.

And he (F)loved me so (C)naugh ty and made me weak in joy the and knees.

Oh, I (Am)wish I had a riv er

I could skate a (G)way on.

But (C)I’m so hard to hand le I’m (C)stays ish and I’m sad.

Now I’ve gone and (F)lost a the best (C)ba by then that gon I quit

ev er had.

Oh, I I (Am)wish I had a riv er I could skate a (G)way on.

I (F)wish I had a riv er so (G)long

I would teach my feet to

fly

Oh, I (C)wish I had a riv er

I could skate a way on.

I made my ba by (C)cry.

River by Emeli Sandé

Easy piano arrangement in the key of C at 120 BPM. Difficulty: beginner. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “River”

What key is "River" in?: "River" by Emeli Sandé is in the key of C with a tempo of 120 BPM. Difficulty: beginner.
Is "River" easy to play on piano?: Yes — this arrangement is rated beginner, 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 "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.
What chords are used in "River"?: This arrangement of "River" uses 6 chords: Am, C, Dm, F, G, G7.
How long does it take to learn "River" on piano?: 1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by Emeli Sandé can I play here?: Try "HIGHS & LOWS", "BREATHING UNDERWATER", "Read All About It, Pt. III". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.