River Man
by Nick Drake · posted by ,,,
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How to read this tab — notation key
- +
- Blow note
- −
- Draw note
- b or '
- Half-step bend
- bb or ''
- Two half-step bend
- bbb or '''
- Three half-step bend
- (###)
- Chord — relevant hole numbers in parentheses
- < or *
- Push the button in (chromatic harmonica)
Full reference and posting tips in the tab guide.
Note 1: This is best on a low Eb. It'll be ok on a normal Eb, but an octave higher.
Note 2: I had to fill in some blanks, so I'm not positive about the last two notes on the last 2 lines. If anyone wants to correct my improv, I will take no offense.
5 -4 5 -4 5 -6 -6
Betty came by on her way (v1)
Said she hadn't heard the news (v2)
Gonna see the river man (v3… etc)
If he tells me all he knows
Betty said she prayed today
(5)
For when she thought of summer rain
Gonna see the river man
If he tells me all he knows6 -6 5 -4 5 6 -4 5
Said she had a word to say (v1)
Hadn't had the time to choose (v2)
Bout the way his river flows (v3, etc...)
For the sky to blow away
Calling for her mind again
Going to tell him all I can
About the way his river flows4 -4 5 54
Bout things today
A way to lose
About the plan
And all night shows
Or maybe stay
She lost the pain
About the ban
I don't suppose2 2 -3” -3”
And fallen leaves.
But she believes.
For lilac time.
In summertime.
She wasn't sure.
And stayed for more.
On feeling free.
It's meant for me.END:
6 6 -6 6 5
Oh, how they come N’go6 6 -6 6 4
Oh, how they come N’go