River

by Josh Groban
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How to Play This Song

Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Lyrics

Some days I can’t say why I’m feel ing lone ly,

and some days I am too proud to ask for help.

And I stum ble through the noise,

(Db)try ing to find some peace, a (Bbm)stran ger in the crowd, I lose my (Ebsus)self.

So I walk (Fm)down to (Eb)the (Ab)riv er, where the (Db)trou bles, they can’t find me.

Let the (Db)wa ters there re mind me the sun will be there when we wake.

I walk (Db)down to the (Fm)riv er, though I might not un der stand it, it’s not (Db)al ways as we planned it, but we grow strong er when we break.

So I walk (Fm)down

to the (Ab)riv er,

I walk

down

to the (Ab)riv er.

This rag ing world can get so o ver whelm ing,

(Fm)look ing for a mean ing when it (Db)won’t make sense.

In my head it’s get ting loud,

like I can’t out run this cloud, no (Bbm)mat ter where I go, there I am.

So I walk (Fm)down to the (Ab)riv er, where the (Db)trou bles, they can’t find me.

Let the (Db)wa ters there re mind me the sun will be there when we wake.

I walk (Db)down to the (Fm)riv er, though I might not un der stand it, it’s not (Db)al ways as we planned it, but we grow strong er when we break.

So I walk (Fm)down

to the (Ab)riv er,

I walk

down

to the (Ab)riv er.

Let the (Ebm)calm put me un der, (Bbm)far be yond the thun der, and (Absus)tell me it will (Ab)all be o kay.

And let the (Ebm)waves take all my wor ries, (Bbm)con quer them with fu ry, give me (Ab)shel ter, be my es cape.

I walk (Fm)down to (Eb)the (Ab)riv er, where the (Db)trou bles, they can’t find me.

Let the (Db)wa ters there re mind me the sun will be there when we wake.

I walk (Db)down to the (Fm)riv er, though I might not un der stand it, it’s not al ways as we planned it, but we grow strong er when we break.

So I walk down

to the (Ab)riv er,

I walk

down

to the (Ab)riv er,

I walk

(Db)down

to the (Ab)riv er,

I walk

down

to the (Ab)riv er, (Eb)to the riv er,

to the (Ab)riv er,

I walk

(Db)down,

(Ab)whoa,

to the (C7)riv er,

(Ab)whoa,

(Ab)whoa.

River — Falling Notes Piano Tutorial

11 people have learned this song

Watch "River" by Josh Groban in falling notes style — like Synthesia. Color-coded notes fall onto the keyboard in real time. Practice left hand, right hand, or both. Key of Ab, 75 BPM.

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

About “River”

Can I learn "River" with falling notes like Synthesia?
Yes — Falling Notes mode shows colored note shapes dropping onto a virtual keyboard, the same visual style as Synthesia or piano-tile games. Each note's column matches the piano key you press. Works for "River" with hands-separate practice in Ab at 75 BPM.
What key is "River" by Josh Groban played in?
River is arranged in the key of Ab on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "River"?
The arrangement plays at 75 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "River" easy to play on piano?
This is a medium-difficulty arrangement. Most players can learn it within a few practice sessions using the speed control.
Can I download sheet music for "River"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "River"?
"River" was originally performed by Josh Groban. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "River"?
This arrangement uses 12 chords: Ab, Absus4, Bbm, C7, Cm, Cm7, Db, Dbsus2, +4 more.
What other songs by Josh Groban can I play here?
Try "YOU RAISE ME UP", "FEBRUARY SONG", "HIGHER WINDOW". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Can I practice left and right hand separately for "River"?
Yes! Our Top Down mode lets you isolate the left hand (bass clef), right hand (treble clef), or play both together. This makes it easy to master "River" one hand at a time before combining them.
What is falling notes style for "River"?
Falling notes (also known as Synthesia or piano waterfall) shows color-coded rectangles falling from the top of the screen onto a virtual keyboard. Each note's position matches the piano key you need to press. "River" is in the key of Ab at 75 BPM.