About the song
Sure, let’s create an introduction to The Highwaymen’s “(Ghost) Riders In the Sky” that’s appropriate for an older, more educated audience:
“(Ghost) Riders In the Sky” by The Highwaymen, a legendary group consisting of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson, is a haunting and dramatic Western ballad. The song, which originated as a cowboy folk song, was reworked by The Highwaymen in their signature style, creating a version that is both familiar and new.
The song tells the story of a young cowboy who witnesses a supernatural sight: a herd of ghostly cattle being driven across the sky by ghostly cowboys. The scene is described vividly and hauntingly, creating a creepy and mysterious atmosphere.
The Highwaymen brought a new dimension to the song, combining their deep, experienced vocals to convey the narrator’s sense of fear and wonder. The song’s arrangement also contributed to the dark atmosphere, with echoing electric guitars and pounding drums.
“(Ghost) Riders In the Sky” is not just a typical cowboy song, but also an allegory about regret and punishment. It reminds us of the consequences of wrongdoing and the importance of living an honest life.
For those familiar with Western music, “(Ghost) Riders In the Sky” offers a familiar yet refreshing experience. For those new to the genre, the song is a great introduction to the storytelling power and diversity of Western music.
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
