An old cowpoke went riding out one dark and windy day. Upon a ridge he rested as he went upon his way, ) When all at once a mighty herd of red-eyed cows he saw plowing through the ragged sky and up a cloudy draw. First refrain (optional): Yippie-i-ay, yippie-i-o! 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 breath 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: ) Yippe-i-ay, yippee-i-o! Ghost riders in the sky. Their faces gaunt, their eyes were blurred, their shirts all soaked with sweat, They're riding hard to catch that herd, but they ain't caught 'em yet. They've got to ride forever on that range up in the sky With horses snorting fire! As they ride on, hear them cry: refrain As the riders rode on by him, he heard one call his name: If you want to save your soul from hell, a-riding on this range, ) Then, cowboy, change your ways today or with us you will ride Trying to catch the devil's herd across these endless skies.