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'plowing through the ragged skies and up a cloudy draw

Yi-pi-yi-ay, yi-pi-yi-o

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 breaths he could feel
A bolt of fear went through him as they thundered through the sky
For he saw the riders coming hard and he heard their mournful cry


Yi-pi-yi-ay, yi-pi-yi-o
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 them yet

'Cause they've got to ride forever in that range up in the sky
On horses snorting fire; as they ride on hear their cry.


Yi-pi-yi-ay, yi-pi-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-trying to catch the Devil's herd across these endless skies

Yi-pi-yi-ay, yi-pi-yi-o

Ghost riders in the sky
Yi-pi-yi-ay, yi-pi-yi-o