Ghost Riders In The Sky

Johnny Cash

Written by Stan Jones

Key of Am · Chords: III VI i

Verse 1

Am                                               C
An old cowboy went riding out one dark and windy day
Am
Upon a ridge he rested as he went along his way

Verse 2

When all at once a mighty herd of red-eyed cows he saw
F                                                 Am
Plowing through the ragged skies  and up a cloudy draw

Verse 3

Am                                                            C
Their brands were still on fire and their hooves were made of steel
                                               Am
Their horns were black and shiny and their hot breath he could feel

Verse 4

A bolt of fear went through him as they thundered through the sky
           F                                                   Am
For he saw the riders coming hard  and he heard their mournful cry

Verse 5

      C           Am      F                   Am
Yipie i-oh  Yipie i-ay    ghost riders in the sky

Verse 6

Am
Their faces gaunt their eyes were blurred
                             C
Their shirts all soaked with sweat
                                           Am
He’s riding hard to catch that herd but he ain't caught 'em yet

Verse 7

Cause they've got to ride forever on that range up in the sky
   F                                                Am
On horses snorting fire  as they ride on hear their cry

Verse 8

Am                                                  C
As the riders loped on by him he heard one call his name
                                                 Am
If you want to save your soul from hell a riding on our range

Verse 9

Then cowboy change your ways today or with us you will ride
F                                                      Am
Trying to catch the devil’s herd  across these endless skies

Verse 10

      C           Am     F                   Am
Yipie i-oh  Yipie i-ay   ghost riders in the sky
F                   Am
Ghost riders in the sky
F                   Am
Ghost riders in the sky