Down by the River
View chords used in this chart
Intro: Em7 A Em7 A
Em7 A
Be on my side, I'll be on your side,
Em7 A
there's no reason for you to hide.
Em7 A
It's so hard for me, stayin' here all alone,
Em7 A Cmaj7 Bm
when you could be takin' me for a ride, yeah.
Cmaj7 Bm Cmaj7
She could drag me, over the rainbow,
Bm D
and send me away.
G D D A G D D A
Down by the riv er, I shot my ba by.
G D D A Em7 A Em7 A
Down by the riv er, dead.
Em7 A
You take my hand, I'll take your hand.
Em7 A
Together we may get away.
Em7 A
This much madness is, too much sorrow.
Em7 A Cmaj7 Bm
It's impossible to make it today.
Cmaj7 Bm Cmaj7
She could drag me, over the rainbow,
Bm D
and send me away.
G D D A G D D A
Down by the riv er, I shot my ba by.
G D D A Em7 A Em7 A
Down by the riv er, dead.
How to play Down by the River
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 Em7. 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.