Story Behind The Song
Loved this song for as long as I can remember. Part of my American song fest and nod to the history of the cowboys of yesterday and today
Song Description
Cowboy sees what his future could be if he doesn't change his ways
Song Length |
4:31 |
Genre |
Folk - Americana, Country - Americana |
Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
Mood |
Uptight, Tense |
Subject |
Judgement, Doom |
Language |
English |
Era |
1800 - 1899 |
Lyrics
Lyrics
Ghost Riders
An old cowboy went riding out,
one dark and windy day,
upon a ridge he rested
as he went along his way
When all at once a mighty herd
of red eyed cows he saw
a-plowing through the ragged sky
and up the cloudy draw
Ohhhhhhhh!
Their brands were still on fire and
their hooves were made of steel,
their horns were black and shiny and
their hot breath he could feel
A bolt of fear went through him
as they thundered through the sky,
for he saw the riders coming hard and
he heard their mournful cry
Yippi yi Ohhhh
Yippi yi Yaaaay
Ghost Riders in the sky
Their faces, gaunt their eyes were blurred
their shirts all soaked with sweat
their riding heard to catch that herd,
but he ain't caught 'em yet
'cause they've got to ride forever on the
range up in the sky
on horses snorting fire,
as they ride on hear their cry
Yippi yi Ohhhh
Yippi yi Yaaaay
Ghost Riders in the sky
As the riders loped on by him
he heard one call his name,
if you want to save your soul hell
a-riding on our range
Then cowboy change your ways today
or with us you will ride,
trying to catch that Devils herd
across these endless skies
Ohhhhh
Yippi yi Ohhhh
Yippi yi Yaaaay
Ghost Riders in the sky