An old cowboy 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.
Yi pi yi ay yi pi yi oy the 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 and he heard their mournful cry.
Yi pi yi ay yi pi yi oy the ghost riders in the sky.

Their faces gaunt their eyes were blurred their shirts all soaked with sweat
He's ridin' hard to catch that herd but he ain't caught 'em yet
Cause they got to ride forever on that range up in the sky
On horses snortin' fire as they ride on hear their cry.
Yi pi yi ay yi pi yi oy the 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 ridin' on our range
Then cowboy change your ways today or with us you will ride
Tryin' to catch the devil's herd across these endless skies.
Yi pi yi ay yi pi yi oy the ghost riders in the sky...