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Steel River

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This is my simplified acoustic version of this song.
I play the G chord as - 320033
            and Cadd9 - x23033
            and Em7   - 022033  Any suggestions/improvements welcome.
        GCadd9DEm7GCadd9DG
Intro =         x 2
Verse 1
G              Cadd9     D     Em7
I was born and raised on steel river
G        Cadd9           D     G
I see it all like it was yesterday
              Cadd9        D     Em7
The ships and bridges were all delivered
G           Cadd9          D     G
From Sydney harbour to the Cisco bay
G Cadd9 D Em7 G Cadd9 D G
Verse 2
G            Cadd9        D     Em7
And I met my love down on steel river
G             Cadd9                D         G
We served our dreams and spent our childhood days
         Cadd9              D       Em7
In rainy streets we'd kiss away the shivers
G             Cadd9            D      G     G    G
And hide from fears inside the latest craze
Bridge
Am         Bm
Dancing to Motown
D      C           Bm                 Am
Making love with a Carole King record playing
    C        G         D C Bm Am
And oh how I loved you
        G   Cadd9 D     Em7   G  Cadd9 D     G
Say goodbye       steel river          steel river
GCadd9DEm7GCadd9DG
        x 2
Verse 3
G            Cadd9           D     Em7
Ten thousand bombers hit the steel river
G        Cadd9            D       G
And many died to keep her running free
        Cadd9                  D       Em7
And she survived but now she's gone forever
G           Cadd9           D   G
Her burning heart is just a memory
Verse 4
G                   Cadd9   D     Em7
And I ran away from life on steel river
G       Cadd9        D        G
Luck or not I gladly took the break
              Cadd9           D      Em7
The odds were low the chances nearly zero
G          Cadd9 D       G
A chance it was I had to take
GCadd9DEm7GCadd9DG
        x 2
Verse 5
G             Cadd9          D     Em7
They say that salmon swim in steel river
G             Cadd9            D     G
They say it's good to see them back again
          Cadd9             D      Em7
I know it hurts to see what really happened
G          Cadd9           D       G
I know one salmon ain't no good to them
Verse 6
G                  Cadd9                 D     Em7
They were born and raised to serve their steel mother
G           Cadd9               D    G
It was they taught and all they ever knew
           Cadd9                 D          Em7
And they believed that she would keep their children
G                 Cadd9  D        G
Even though not a single word was true
Bridge 2 and outro
        G  Cadd9    D     Em7
Say goodbye         steel river
        G  Cadd9    D     G
Say goodbye         steel river
GCadd9DG
    x 2

Steel River chords and lyrics

Free chords for Steel River by Chris Rea. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

This is my simplified acoustic version of this song.
I play the G chord as - 320033
            and Cadd9 - x23033
            and Em7   - 022033  Any suggestions/improvements welcome.
Intro = G Cadd9 D Em7 G Cadd9 D G x 2
Verse 1
G Cadd9 D Em7 G Cadd9 D G
Verse 2
Bridge
G Cadd9 D Em7 G Cadd9 D G x 2
Verse 3
Verse 4
G Cadd9 D Em7 G Cadd9 D G x 2
Verse 5
Verse 6
Bridge 2 and outro
G Cadd9 D G x 2

Steel River Chords by Chris Rea

Learn how to play Steel River by Chris Rea with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Steel River chords”, “Steel River guitar chords”, or “Chris Rea Steel 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 Steel River chords and for experienced players who want accurate Steel River lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, Cadd9, D, Em7, Am, Bm.

Frequently asked questions about Steel River

How do I play "Steel River" by Chris Rea on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Steel River" by Chris Rea 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 "Steel River" by Chris Rea free?

Yes. The chords for "Steel River" by Chris Rea are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Steel River" to a different key?

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "Steel River"?

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

Is "Steel River" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Steel River" by Chris Rea with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Chris Rea below.

What key is "Steel River" in?

The chords for "Steel River" show the original chord names (including G, Cadd9, D, Em7, Am, Bm). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.