Ghost Riders In The Sky
Johnny Cash · Other Songs - Johnny Cash
upon a ridge he rested as he went along his way
when all at once a mighty herd of red-eyed cows he saw
plowin through the ragid skies and up a cloudy draw
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 comin hard and he heard their mournful cries
chorus:
yippie i ohhh ohh ohh
yippie i aye ye ye
ghost riders in the sky
their faces gaunt, their eyes were blurred
their shirts all soaked with sweat
he's ridin hard to catch that herd
but he aint caught em yet
cause they got to ride forever in that range up in the sky
on horses snortin fire as they ride on hear their cries
as the riders loped on by him he heard one call his name
''if you wanna save your soul from hell a-ridin on our range
then cowboy change your ways today or with us you will ride
tryin to catch the devil's herd across these endless skies
yippie i ohhh oh oh
yippie i aye ye ye
ghost riders in the sky
ghost riders in the sky
ghost riders in the sky
Ghost Riders In The Sky
Johnny Cash's 'Ghost Riders In The Sky' stands as a haunting centerpiece in his discography, blending traditional country storytelling with a brooding, atmospheric production style. Recorded during the height of his 'Nashville Sound' era, the track exemplifies Cash's ability to weave melancholic narratives into his signature vocal delivery. The song draws upon the classic Western ballad tradition, evoking imagery of the untamed frontier and the passage of time through sparse instrumentation and Cash's emotive baritone. As a staple of his live performances and studio recordings, it remains a defining example of his work that bridges the gap between outlaw country and polished pop-country, resonating with listeners for its timeless exploration of loneliness and the enduring spirit of the American West.