About the song
“Ghost Riders in the Sky: A Cowboy Legend,” penned by American songwriter and actor Stan Jones in 1948, is a quintessential cowboy ballad that has left an indelible mark on the country and western music genres. The song emerged from the rich tradition of storytelling and folklore, blending a haunting melody with a narrative that captures the spirit of the American West. Its evocative lyrics tell the tale of a cowboy who witnesses a supernatural vision of ghostly, red-eyed cattle being chased across the sky by the spirits of damned cowboys. The foreboding warning within the vision—that if he does not amend his ways, he will be doomed to eternally chase the Devil’s herd—adds a layer of moral reflection to the ghostly spectacle.
The song’s origins are deeply rooted in folklore, with Jones drawing inspiration from a story he heard as a child from a Native American source in the border region of Douglas, Arizona. This story, which spoke of spirits in the sky resembling ghost riders, resonated with Jones and eventually evolved into the iconic lyrics that have become a staple of cowboy and country music.
“Ghost Riders in the Sky” has seen numerous renditions since its inception, with the 1949 version by Vaughn Monroe being particularly notable for its crossover success. Monroe’s recording not only reached the number one spot on the Billboard charts but also cemented the song’s place in popular culture. Other prominent artists such as Bing Crosby, Frankie Laine, and Johnny Cash have each brought their own unique touch to the song, further embedding it into the musical landscape.
The song’s influence extends beyond traditional country music. Over the decades, it has been covered by a wide array of performers, including rock bands like The Ramrods and Spiderbait, and even featured in various media, from films to video games. Its ability to traverse genres and eras speaks to its timeless appeal and the universal resonance of its eerie, evocative tale.
With its haunting melody, evocative storytelling, and rich cultural background, “Ghost Riders in the Sky” stands as a testament to the enduring power of folklore and music in capturing the imagination and reflecting the human experience. Its legacy continues to thrive, as each new rendition adds to the song’s storied history.
Video
Lyrics
An old cowpoke 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’plowin’ through the ragged skies and up a cloudy draw
Yi-pi-yi-ay, Yi-pi-yi-o
Ghost riders in the sky
Their brands were still on fire and their hooves were made of steel
Their horns wuz black and shiny and their hot breaths 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 cry
Yi-pi-yi-ay, Yi-pi-yi-o
Ghost riders in the sky
Their faces gaunt, their eyes were blurred, and shirts all soaked with sweat
They’re ridin’ hard to catch that herd but they ain’t caught them yet
They’ve got to ride forever in that range up in the sky
On horses snortin’ fire, as they ride on, hear their cry
Yi-pi-yi-ay, Yi-pi-yi-o
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 from hell a’ ridin’ on our range”
“Then cowboy change your ways today or with us you will ride”
“A-tryin’ to catch the Devil’s herd across these endless skies.”
Yi-pi-yi-ay, Yi-pi-yi-o
Ghost riders in the sky
Ghost riders in the sky