About the song
“Ghost Riders in the Sky” is a classic song performed by The Highwaymen, a legendary country music supergroup composed of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. This particular version comes from their live performance at Nassau Coliseum in 1990, part of their iconic “American Outlaws” tour.
The song, originally written by Stan Jones in 1948, has a hauntingly memorable melody and lyrics that blend elements of cowboy lore with a touch of the supernatural. The story tells of a cowboy who encounters a ghostly herd of riders chasing a pack of spectral cattle across the sky. This vivid imagery creates a powerful sense of both awe and foreboding.
In their live performance, The Highwaymen bring their unique style and deep emotional resonance to the song. Each member of the group, known for their distinctive voices and individual musical styles, contributes to a rich, textured sound that captures the essence of the song’s eerie and epic narrative.
The combination of their masterful storytelling and the song’s dramatic themes make “Ghost Riders in the Sky” a standout piece in The Highwaymen’s repertoire. Their performance not only honors the original composition but also adds a new layer of intensity and authenticity. For those who appreciate the rich tradition of country music and its storytelling prowess, this live rendition is a powerful and memorable experience.
Video
Lyrics
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
Plowin’ through the ragged skies
And up the 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 coming hard
And he heard their mournful cry
Yippie-yi-o
Yippie-yi-yay
Ghost riders in the sky
Their faces gaunt
Their eyes were blurred
Their shirts all soaked with sweat
He’s riding hard to catch that herd
But he ain’t caught ’em yet
‘Cause they’ve got to ride forever
On that range up in the sky
On horses snorting fire
As they ride on, hear their cry
As the riders loped on by him
He heard one call his name
‘If you wanna save your soul
From hell a-riding on our range
Then, cowboy, change your ways today
Or with us you will ride
Trying to catch the devil’s herd
Across these endless skies
Yippie-yi-o
Yippie-yi-yay
Ghost riders in the sky
Ghost riders in the sky
Ghost riders in the sky