About The Song
The song was released by The Outlaws as part of their album “Ghost Riders” in 1980. It’s notable for its popularity among rock enthusiasts, contributing to the band’s prominence. “Ghost Riders in the Sky” was written by Stan Jones in 1948. It became a cowboy standard with renditions by various artists like Burl Ives, Bing Crosby, Gene Autry, and Johnny Cash.
The Outlaws’ version emphasizes hard rock, departing from their previous country music influences. The Outlaws’ rendition features Hughie Thomasson on vocals and guitar, Billy Jones and Freddie Salem on guitars and vocals, and Rick Cua on bass. The song’s narrative is a cautionary tale for a cowboy, warning him of the consequences of his actions, with imagery of chasing the Devil’s herd across endless skies.
Lyrics
An old cowboy 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 steers he saw
A ploughin' through the ragged 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
He saw the riders coming hard... and he heard their mournful cry
Yippie i ay Yippie i oh
Ghost riders in
Ghost riders in the sky
Yippie i ay (Yippie i ay) Yippie i oh (Yippie i 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
'Cause they've got to ride forever in the range up in the sky
On horses snorting fire as they ride hard, hear them cry
Yippie i ay Yippie i oh
Ghost riders in
Ghost riders in the sky
Ghost riders in the sky