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