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 sky 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 cry
Ay-yay, yippi-yi-oh
Ghost riders in the sky
Their faces gaunt, their eyes were blurred, their shirts all soaked with sweat
They're ridin' hard to catch that herd but they ain't caught 'em yet
For they gotta ride forever on that range up in the sky
On horses snorting fire, as they ride on hear their cry
Ay-yay, yippi-yi-oh
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 ever riding on our range
Well then, cowboy change your ways today or with us you will ride
Tryin' to catch the devil's herd across these endless skies
Ay-yay, yippi-yi-oh
Ghost riders in the sky
Well yippi-yi-yay, yippi-yi-oh
Ghost riders in the sky
Ghost riders in the sky