(Ghost) Riders in the Sky

Riders in the Sky

About (Ghost) Riders in the Sky

"(Ghost) Riders in the Sky: A Cowboy Legend" is a cowboy-styled country/western song written in 1948 by American songwriter, film and television actor Stan Jones. A number of versions were crossover hits on the pop charts in 1949, the most successful being by Vaughn Monroe. The ASCAP database lists the song as "Riders in the Sky" (title code 480028324), but the title has been written as "Ghost Riders", "Ghost Riders in the Sky", and "A Cowboy Legend". Members of the Western Writers of America chose it as the greatest Western song of all time.  


Year:
1988
3:19
87 
#1

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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 ploughin' through the ragged skies
And up a cloudy draw.
Yippee-yi-ay, yippee-yi-o,
The ghost herd in the sky.

Their brands were still on fire and their hooves was made of steel,
Their horns wuz 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.
Yippee-yi-ay, yippee-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
'Cause they've got to ride forever on that range up in the sky,
On horses snortin' fire
As they ride on, hear their cry.
Yippee-yi-ay, yippee-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-riding on our range,
Then cowboy change your ways today or with us you will ride
A-try'ng to catch the devil's herd
Across these endless skies."
Yippee-yi-ay, yippee-yi-o,
The ghost herd in the sky.

Ghost riders in the sky.

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Riders in the Sky

Riders in the Sky is an American Western music and comedy group which began performing in 1977. Their style also appeals to children, and they are sometimes considered a children's band. They have won two Grammy Awards and have written and performed music for major motion pictures, including "Woody's Roundup" from Toy Story 2 and Pixar's short film, For the Birds. more »

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Written by: Hughie Thomasson

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"(Ghost) Riders in the Sky" by Riders in the Sky falls under the genre of Western, country, and cowboy music, making it a prominent staple in the culture of cowboy folklore.
Publication Date
The song was initially composed and released by Stan Jones in 1948, and the rendition by Riders in the Sky was released in the late 20th century, showing its timeless appeal.
Cover Versions
Apart from Riders in the Sky, many well-known musicians have covered the song, including Johnny Cash, Bing Crosby, The Outlaws, Frankie Laine and Dean Martin. This exemplifies the song's widespread popularity and influence.
Theme of the Song
The lyrics of "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky" depict a folklore story about a cowboy who has a vision of red-eyed, steel-hooved cattle thundering across the sky, chased by the spirits of damned cowboys. This captivating story serves as a warning for the living to change their ways.
Critical Reception
Recognized for its iconic melody and captivating storytelling, the song has received positive reviews from both music critics and fans alike.
Awards and Honors
The performance by Riders in the Sky contributed to their Grammy win in 2001 for the 'Best Musical Album for Children'. They were also named "Best Western Group" multiple times by the Western Music Association.
Presence in Popular Culture
The song has appeared in multiple films and TV shows, including "Ghost Rider" featuring Nicolas Cage and the Disney movie "Cars".
Hit on the Billboard Charts
Various renditions of the song, including the one by Riders in the Sky, have achieved good rankings on the Billboard charts, demonstrating the song's commercial success.
Influence on Music Industry
"Riders in the Sky" helped popularize cowboy and Western-style music, inspiring many artists in these genres. Notably, the song was instrumental in shaping the career direction of the band itself - Riders in the Sky.
Members of Riders in the Sky
As of 2018, the lineup of Riders in the Sky includes Ranger Doug (Douglas B. Green), Woody Paul (Paul Chrisman), Too Slim (Fred LaBour), and Joey the CowPolka King (Joey Miskulin), all contributing to the unique rendition of the legendary song.
Hard to Classify
Despite the song's predominantly Western and country roots, its Thundering beat and haunting lyrics have led some to label it as one of the earliest examples of goth cowboy or cowboy gothic music.
Lyric Interpretation
The song’s lyrics have often been interpreted as an allegorical tale about the struggle between good and evil, adding a philosophical depth to it apart from its engaging storytelling and melody.

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    "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1732102/Riders+in+the+Sky/%28Ghost%29+Riders+in+the+Sky>.

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