Saved

Hold Back The River

Chords
4.81,653 votes
Get the app
App StoreGoogle Play
15
Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
1/30
Sound:
123456789101112131415eBGDAE211234
Step 1 / 30Position: 5
1 index2 middle3 ring4 pinkyO open
[Intro]
e|-----------------------------------------------------------------------8~~--|
B|-6----8--10----13--15-----13--10----13--15-----13--10----10--8---6--5-------|
G|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
D|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
A|-5----7--8-----12--13-----12--8-----12--13-----12--8-----8------------------|
E|-------------------------------------------------------------8---8----------|
[Verse]
Dm7Tried to Fkeep you clBbose to Fme,
But Bblife got Fin betweeCn
Dm7Tried to sFquare not Bbbeing thFere
But tBbhink that FI should have beeCn
[Chorus]
BbHold back the river, let me look in your eyes
BbHold back the river so I
FCan stop for a minute and see where you hide
FHold back the river, hold back
[Verse]
Dm7Once upFon a dBbifferent lFife
We rBbode our bFikes into the skyC  
But Dm7now we crFawl agaBbinst the tFide
Those Bbdistant dFays are flashing Cby
[Chorus]
BbHold back the river, let me look in your eyes
BbHold back the river so I
FCan stop for a minute and be by your side
Hold back the river, hCold back
BbHold back the river, let me look in your eyes
Hold back the river so I
FCan stop for a minute and see where you hide
Hold back the river, hCold back
[Interlude]
Dm7Ooh oFho, oBbho, oFho,
OBbho, oFho, oChooh
[Bridge]
FLonely water, lonely water won't you lBbet us wander
GmLet us hold each other
FLonely water, lonely water won't you lBbet us wander
GmLet us hold each other
[Chorus]
BbHold back the river, let me look in your eyes
BbHold back the river so I
FCan stop for a minute and be by your side
Hold back the river, hCold back
BbHold back the river, let me look in your eyes
BbHold back the river so I
FCan stop for a minute and be by your side
Hold back the river, oCoh
[Bridge] х2
FLonely water, lonely water won't you lBbet us wander
GmLet us hold each other
FLonely water, lonely water won't you lBbet us wander
GmLet us hold each other
[Outro]
e|---------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|-6----8--10----13--15-----13--10----13--15-----13--10----10--8--8~~--|
G|---------------------------------------------------------------------|
D|---------------------------------------------------------------------|
A|-5----7--8-----12--13-----12--8-----12--13-----12--8-----8---7-------|
E|---------------------------------------------------------------------|
***********************************
| ~ Vibrato
***********************************
All chords in this song (5)

The story behind the song

"Hold Back The River" is a powerful song by English singer-songwriter James Bay, co-written with Ivor Novello award winner Iain Archer. Released in 2014, it quickly became a signature track for Bay, known for its soulful rock sound and passionate delivery. The song's intensity and emotional depth made it a fitting choice for use in the movie The Space Between Us. Playing this song means channeling a deep current of feeling, like a force that can't be contained.

AI-written from these sources:Hold Back the River (James Bay song) — Wikipedia ↗James Bay (singer) — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

🎸 Tips from players

Got a tip for playing this song — capo position, easier chords, strumming? Be the first to share one.

About Hold Back The River Chords by James Bay

Learn how to play Hold Back The River by James Bay with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Hold Back The River chords”, “Hold Back The River guitar chords”, or “James Bay Hold Back 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 Hold Back The River chords and for experienced players who want accurate Hold Back The River lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include B, G, D, A, E, Dm7.

FAQ — Hold Back The River by James Bay

How do I play "Hold Back The River" by James Bay on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Hold Back The River" by James Bay 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 "Hold Back The River" by James Bay free?

Yes. The chords for "Hold Back The River" by James Bay are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Hold Back The River" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Hold Back The River" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Hold Back The River"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Hold Back The River" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Hold Back The River" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Hold Back The River" by James Bay with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by James Bay below.

What key is "Hold Back The River" in?

The chords for "Hold Back The River" show the original chord names (including B, G, D, A, E, Dm7). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.