The River

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Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
[Intro]
Em G D C
| | | | |
Em G C C
| | | | |
[Verse 1]
Em G D C
I come from down in the valley, where mister when you're young
Em G C G
They bring you up to do, like your daddy done
C G D/F# Em
Me and Mary we met in high school, when she was just seventeen
Am G C
We'd drive out of this valley, down to where the fields were green
[Chorus]
Em C D G
We'd go down to the river, and into the river we'd dive
Em C D C
Oh, oh, down to the river we'd ride
[Verse 2]
Em G D C
Then I got Mary pregnant, and man that was all she wrote
Em G C G
And for my nineteenth birthday, I got a union card, and a wedding coat
C G D/F# Em
We went down to the courthouse, and the judge put it all to rest
Am G C
No wedding day smiles, no walk down the aisle, no flowers, no wedding dress
[Chorus]
Em C D G
That night we went down to the river and into the river we'd dive
Em C D C
Oh, oh, down to the river we did ride
[Harmonica Solo] (verse chords)
Em G D C
| | | | |
Em G C G
| | | | |
C C G D/F#Em
| | | | |
Am Am G C C
| | | | | |
[Verse 3]
Em G D C
I got a job working construction, for the Johnstown company
Em G C G
But lately there ain't been much work, on account of the economy
C G D/F# Em
Now, all them things that seemed so important, well mister, they vanished right into the air
Am G C
Now I just act like I don't remember, Mary acts like she don't care
[Verse 4]
Em G D C
But I remember us riding in my brother's car, her body tan and wet down at the reservoir
Em G C G
At night on them banks I'd lie awake, and pull her close just to feel each breath she'd take
C G D/F# Em
Now those memories come back to haunt me, they haunt me like a curse
Am G C
Is a dream a lie if it don't come true, or is it something worse
[Chorus]
Em C D G
That sends me down to the river, though I know the river is dry
Em C D C
That sends me down to the river tonight
Em C D G
Down to the river, my baby and I
Em C D C
Oh-oh, down to the river we ride
[Outro] (chorus chords to fade)
Em C D G
| | | | |
Em C D C
| | | | |
Em C D G
| | | | |
Em C D C
| | | | |
Em C D G
| | | | |
Em C D C
| | | | |

The River chords and lyrics

Free chords for The River by Bruce Springsteen. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

[Intro]
| Em   | G    | D    | C    |
| Em   | G    | C    | C    |
[Verse 1]
[Chorus]
[Verse 2]
[Chorus]
[Harmonica Solo] (verse chords)
| Em    | G     | D      | C     |
| Em    | G     | C      | G     |
| C     | C     | G  D/F#| Em    |
| Am    | Am    | G      | C     | C     |
[Verse 3]
[Verse 4]
[Chorus]
[Outro] (chorus chords to fade)
| Em   | C    | D    | G    |
| Em   | C    | D    | C    |
| Em   | C    | D    | G    |
| Em   | C    | D    | C    |
| Em   | C    | D    | G    |
| Em   | C    | D    | C    |

The River Chords by Bruce Springsteen

Learn how to play The River by Bruce Springsteen with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The River chords”, “The River guitar chords”, or “Bruce Springsteen 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 The River chords and for experienced players who want accurate The River lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Em, G, D, C, D/F#, Am.

Frequently asked questions about The River

How do I play "The River" by Bruce Springsteen on guitar?

Open the free chords for "The River" by Bruce Springsteen 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 "The River" by Bruce Springsteen free?

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

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

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

Can I see chord diagrams for "The River"?

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

Is "The River" easy to play on guitar?

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

What key is "The River" in?

The chords for "The River" show the original chord names (including Em, G, D, C, D/F#, Am). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.