About the song
The Highwaymen’ “Ghost Riders in the Sky” is a hauntingly memorable song that has left an indelible mark on the American music landscape. Released in 1961 by the legendary country music group, this track is a standout example of how a classic story can be transformed into a timeless piece of musical artistry.
Originally written by Stan Jones in 1948, “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky” was inspired by the eerie and atmospheric quality of the American West. The song narrates the story of a group of ghostly cowboys riding through a stormy sky, chasing the souls of the damned. This vivid imagery and sense of haunting drama are perfectly captured in The Highwaymen’s rendition, which adds a unique blend of harmony and depth to the already captivating narrative.
The Highwaymen, consisting of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, brought a distinctive flavor to the song with their rich, resonant voices and masterful instrumentation. Their version of “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country & Western chart, showcasing the group’s ability to bring new life to a classic while honoring its roots.
The song has enjoyed enduring popularity and has been covered by numerous artists over the decades, solidifying its place in the annals of American music history. While it did not receive specific awards, its success and influence are evident in its continued presence on classic country compilations and its frequent play on radio stations dedicated to the genre.
For fans of classic country and Americana, “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky” by The Highwaymen is an essential listen. It exemplifies the band’s talent for interpreting and elevating classic songs, turning a story of spectral cowboys into an enduring piece of musical folklore. This track remains a testament to The Highwaymen’s ability to blend storytelling with powerful music, making it a timeless favorite that continues to captivate listeners of all ages.
Video
Lyrics
Well, an old cowboy 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
Plowing through the ragged sky
And up the cloudy draw
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
He saw the riders coming hard
And he heard their mournful cry
Yippie-yi-ay (yippie-yi-ay)
Yippie-yi-yay (yippie-yi-yay)
Ghost riders in the sky
Their faces gaunt, their eyes were blurred, their shirts all soaked with sweat
He’s riding hard to catch that herd, but he ain’t caught ’em yet
‘Cause they’ve got to ride forever on that range up in the sky
On horses snorting fire
As they ride on hear their cry
As the riders passed on by him he heard one call his name (Merle Haggard)
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
Trying to catch the devil’s herd
Across these endless skies
Yippie-yi-ay (yippie-yi-ay)
Yippie-yi-yay (yippie-yi-yay)
You lost a “yippie” there
Ghost riders in the sky
Ghost riders in the sky