Banks Of The James
View chords used in this chart
Intro: D G
Verse
C G D
River was running, trembling low
C G D
Just like your voice on the payphone
C G D
Words have been whispered but none were so sweet
C G D
As the promise you made to betroth
Verse
C G D
Down by the trusses and crossing of ties
C G D
Where the black water touches the land
C G D
Lights from the city and the light in your eye
Em D C
Would witness me taking your hand
[Refrão]
G F C
But all the lights of Surry County never saw anything
G F C
Reflected across the river and fell upon me
Em D C
Light is fading to day, waited around
G D
On the Banks of the James
G
Verse
C G D
Long are the hours that pass in between
C G D
Dusk and the blanket of nightfall
C G D
Bright are the beams that shine through the branches
Em D C
Eager to see your arrival
[Refrão]
G F C
But all the lights of Surry County never saw anything
G F C
Reflected across the river and fell upon me
Em D C
Light is fading to day, waited around
G D
On the Banks of the James
G
Solo
C G D
C G D
C G D
Em D C
Bridge
Am C
Currents run strong and they carry along
Em D
All debris that they pass on the way
Am C
Carry you down slowly turning to brown
Em D C
Like the man you came to betray
Em D G
But you never came back up that day
[Refrão]
G F C
But all the lights of Surry County never saw anything
G F C
Reflected across the river and fell upon me
Em D C
Light is fading to day, waited around
G D
On the Banks of the James
Verse
G F C
Where the black water touches the land
G F C
You gave me your word you’d give me your hand
G F C
Why’d you go and betray your man?
G F C
Now you’ll never come back up again
G
How to play Banks Of The James
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is D. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.