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GHOST RIDERS IN THE SKY

(learned in 1950 when it was #1 on the Hit Parade; by Stan Jones)

(music to go here)

An old cowpoke 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 cows he saw,
A-ploughin' through the ragged skies and up a cloudy draw
    Yippee-i-oh, yippee-i-ay!
    The ghost herd in the sky.

Their brands were still a-smokin' 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
    Yippee-i-oh, yippee-i-ay!
    The 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 'em yet
For 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-i-oh, yippee-i-ay!
    The ghost riders in the sky.

As the riders thundered toward him he heard one call his name,
If you want to save your soul from hell a-ridin' on this range,
Then, cowboy, change your ways today or with us you will ride,
A-tryin' to catch this devil's herd across these endless skies.
    Yippee-i-oh...

(from miriam berg's folksong collection)