Written by Stan Jones, 1948
Am C C An old cowpoke went ridin' out one dark and windy day; Am C C upon a ridge he rested as he went along his way, Am Am when all at once a mighty herd of red-eyed cows he saw F F Am a-plowing through the ragged sky and up a cloudy draw.Am C Their brands were still on fire and their hooves were made of steel, Am C their horns were black and shiny and their hot breath he could feel. Am Am A bolt of fear went through him as they thundered through the sky, F F Am For he saw the riders coming hard and he heard this mournful cry:Am C Am Yippie i ay Yippie i o! F C Am The ghost herd in the skyAm C Their faces gaunt, theireyes were blurred, their shirts all soaked with sweat, Am C They're ridin' hard to catch that herd but they 'aint caught 'em yet, Am 'cause they've got to ride forever on that range up in the sky F F Am on horses snorting fire. As they ride on, hear them cry:Am C Am Yippie i ay Yippie i o! F C Am Ghost riders in the sky.(Instrumental break) Am C As the riders loped on by him he heard one call his name: Am C "If you want to save your soul from hell a-riding on our range, Am Am then, cowboy, change your ways today or with us you will ride. F F Am trying to catch the devil's herd across these endless skies."Am C Am "Yippie i ay Yippie i o!" F C Am Ghost riders in the sky.Am C Am "Yippie i ay Yippie i o!" F C Am Ghost riders in the sky.