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 coming through the ragged sky, and up a cloudy draw Their brands were still on fire and their hot breath he could feel Their horns were black and shiny and their hooves were made of steel ) A bolt of fear went through him as they rumbled through the sky Then he saw the riders coming hard, and he heard their mournful cry Chorus ) Yippe-ai-ay, yippee-ai-oh 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 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