1949: words and music by Stan Jones
used in the film Riders in the Sky
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-plowin' through the ragged skies and up the cloudy draw.
Yi-pi-yi-ay, Yi-pi-yi-o-o
Ghost riders 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 breath he could feel
A bolt of fear went through him as they thundered through the sky
For he saw the riders comin' hard as he heard their mournful cry.
Yi-pi-yi-ay, Yi-pi-yi-o
Ghost riders in the sky.
Yi-pi-yi-ay, Yi-pi-yi-o
Ghost riders in the sky
Ghost riders in the sky
Ghost riders in the sky