Down By The River
The story behind the song
This song tells a dark and intense story, depicting someone who kills their lover. While one interpretation suggests it's about being overwhelmed by the emotional highs of a relationship and ending it, another portrays a man struggling with self-control, who shoots his unfaithful partner by the river. Neil Young composed this powerful narrative while battling a high fever, and it first appeared on his 1969 album Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere with Crazy Horse. It plays like a raw, desperate cry exploring the destructive side of passion.
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Down By The River
by Neil Young
Chords in this song · guitar
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About Down By The River Chords by Neil Young
Learn how to play Down By The River by Neil Young with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Down By The River chords”, “Down By The River guitar chords”, or “Neil Young Down By The River chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Down By The River chords and for experienced players who want accurate Down By The River lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Em, Em7, A, Cmaj7, Bm, C.
FAQ — Down By The River by Neil Young
How do I play "Down By The River" by Neil Young on guitar?
Open the free chords for "Down By The River" by Neil Young on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.
Are the chords for "Down By The River" by Neil Young free?
Yes. The chords for "Down By The River" by Neil Young are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.
Can I transpose "Down By The River" to a different key?
Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Down By The River" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.
Can I see chord diagrams for "Down By The River"?
Yes. Tap any chord in "Down By The River" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.
Is "Down By The River" easy to play on guitar?
Many players learn "Down By The River" by Neil Young with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Neil Young below.
What key is "Down By The River" in?
The chords for "Down By The River" show the original chord names (including Em, Em7, A, Cmaj7, Bm, C). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.