Download PDF of Down by the Riverside (in F major)
Score for Band: Down by the Riverside In B-flat major for band, separate instrumental parts included.
Download MuseScore files (lead sheet and band arrangement) of Down by the Riverside

Down by the Riverside is very popular at demonstrations, particularly when there is a band there. I have included a band arrangement above, but a lot of bands just take the melody and improvise on it in a New Orleans jazz style and, if your band can improvise, this is probably the best and the most fun and effective way to use it.

I just learned the term, “Zipper Song.” It means a song that is easy to add new lyrics to, on the spot. Down by the Riverside turns out to be a terrific zipper song. Aaron, who is the music coordinator at the weekly “Bear Witness” rally outside the ICE Detention Center in Burlington, MA stands there with his guitar and makes up lyrics on the fly. He says he just looks at people’s signs and turns them into lyrics!

Louis Armstrong singing Down by the Riverside (I’m Gonna Lay Down my Sword and Shield)

Bill and Gloria Gaitherr singing Down by the Riverside