Down By The Riverside – Learning Tracks

This is a massive crowd-pleaser, and it goes on a journey from a sparse, philosophical opening (newly composed for this arrangement, with the lyrics “Why don’t we lay down our arms? Instead, we lay down our lives”), through a variety of treatments of the well-known melody, accelerating towards a barn-storming finale. Each chorus is very similar, with very slight variations to keep it interesting, whereas the verses each have their own individual character. There’s the opportunity for some simple clapping and stamping towards the end (not at all complex).

The piano part is tricky towards the end, and requires a pianist comfortable with stride piano writing.  For this reason, we have also provided a full orchestral backing track for any choirs struggling to find an accompanist (or full orchestra!).  Click on the button below to preview and download it.

  Click for Sheet Music

  Click for Backing Track