Standard (EADGBE)
An old cowpoke 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
A'plowin' through the ragged skies, and up a cloudy draw
Yi-pi-yi-ay, Yi-pi-yi-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 breaths 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
Yi-pi-yi-ay, Yi-pi-yi-o
Ghost riders in the sky
Their faces gaunt, their eyes were blurred, and shirts all soaked with sweat
They're ridin' hard to catch that herd but they ain't caught them yet
They've got to ride forever on that range up in the sky
On horses snortin' fire, as they ride on, hear their cry
Yi-pi-yi-o, Yi-pi-yi-o
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' ridin' on our range"
"Then cowboy change your ways today or with us you will ride"
"A-tryin' to catch the Devil's herd across these endless skies."
Yi-pi-yi-ay, Yi-pi-yi-o
Ghost riders in the sky
Yi-pi-yi-ay, Yi-pi-yi-o