Ghost Riders' Song Page

Shrine to the classic cowboy epic, featuring many different versions of the song done by a wide range of bands

RIDERS IN THE SKY

by S. Jones

An old cowpoke went ridin' 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.

Yippie-i-o, yippie-i-ay-ay-ay
The Ghost herd in the sky.

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 heard their mournful cry.

Yippie-i-o, yippie-i-ay-ay-ay
Ghost Riders in the sky.

Their faces gaunt, their eyes were blurred, and shirts all soaked with sweat.
They're riding hard to catch that herd, but they ain't caught 'em yet.
'Cause, they got to ride forever on that range up in the sky,
On horses snortin' flame and fire, as they ride on hear them cry.

Yippie-i-o, yippie-i-ay-ay-ay
Ghost Riders in the sky.

The riders roped on by him and he heard one call his name.
If you want to save your soul from hell, no 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.

Yippie-i-o, yippie-i-ay-ay-ay
Ghost Riders in the sky.

There are at least a dozen different versions of the Ghost Riders in the Sky song that I have found. I want to acknowledge the efforts of Mr. Nutty and Secret Spain for making possible many of the downloads I have been able to enjoy through their exhausting research and documentation of what they call, "the greatest song ever written."

Over the past 8 years, I have collected unique versions of various artists' renditions of the Ghost Rider in the Sky song and complied them onto two CDs.

If you enjoy the Ghost Rider in the Sky song, you will be amazed at how many artists have recorded it in their own fashion. Listed below are the two CDs that I have compiled.

GRITS VOL 1

Duane Eddy
Frankie Laine
Michael Martin Murphey
The Blues Brothers
Shadows
Knights
Lorne Greene
Outlaws
Peggy Lee
R.E.M.
Ricky King
Roy Rogers & the Sons of the Pioneers
Johnny Cash
Marty Robbins
Walter Brennan
Spotnicks
Jeff Blackwell Remix

GRITS Vol 2

Jeff Blackwell Remix
Tom Jones
Ventures
Tornados
Gary Yogart
Impaled Nazarene
Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson
Johnny Cash
Megatones
Country Bear Jamboree
Comments from R. Lee Ermey
Spike Jones
Burl Ives
Duane Eddy
Vaughn Monroe
Vocal Majority

These CDs are not for sale. However, you can order and enjoy these CDs by making whatever donation you deem appropriate.CLICK HERE to e-mail me your request.
BONUS: Johnny Cash sings GRITS with the Muppets! See below.