Lyrics Down by the River

Down by the River by Neil Young is a dark tale of love and murder. It was written by Young while he was laid up with a high fever. The song is notable for its extended improvised guitar solo and for its lyrical ambiguity, which has led to various interpretations. Young has mentioned that the song is about a broken relationship, but the exact nature of the narrative is left open to interpretation. 

 Be on my side, I'll be on your side, baby, there is no reason for you to hide
 It's so hard for me stay'in here all alone, when you could be takin' me for a ride
 She could drag me over the rainbow, and send me away
 Down by the river, I shot my baby
 Down by the river, dead, ooh, shot her dead
 You take my hand, I'll take your hand, together we may get away
 This much madness is too much sorrow, it's impossible to make it today
 She could drag me over the rainbow, and send me away
 Down by the river, I shot my baby
 Down by the river, dead, ooh, shot her dead
 Be on my side, I'll be on your side, baby, there is no reason for you to hide
 It's so hard for me stay'in here all alone, when you could be takin' me for a ride
 She could drag me over the rainbow, and send me away
 Down by the river, I shot my baby
 Down by the river
 Down by the river, I shot my baby
 Down by the river
 Down by the river, I shot my baby
 Down by the river
 Down by the river, I shot my baby . . . .
* Em7 = A string, 2nd fret, D string, 2nd fret, B string, 3rd fret

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