(D major scale 6th degree Aeolian mode (B minor))
[Verse 1]
Bm D
An old cowpoke went riding out one dark and windy day;
Bm D
Upon a ridge he rested as he went along his way,
Bm D Bm
When all at once a mighty herd of red-eyed cows he saw,
G Bm
Plowin' through the ragged skies and up a cloudy draw.
[Verse 2]
Bm D
Their brands were still on fire and their hooves were made of steel,
Bm D
Their horns were black and shiny and their hot breath he could feel;
Bm D Bm
A bolt of fear went through him as they thundered through the sky,
G Bm
He saw the riders comin' hard and heard their mournful cry.
[Chorus] x2
Bm D Bm
Yip-pie-ya-aye, yip-pie-yi-o,
G Bm
ghost riders in the sky.
(guitar solo 1 in B 4th fret)
[Verse 3]
Bm D
As the riders loped on by him, he heard one call his name;
Bm D
"If you want to save your soul from hell a' ridin' on our range,
Bm D Bm
Then cowboy change your ways today or with us you will ride,
G Bm
Tryin' to catch the Devil's herd across these endless skies."
[Chorus] x2
Bm D Bm
Yip-pie-ya-aye, yip-pie-yi-o,
G Bm
ghost riders in the sky.
(guitar solo 2)
[Verse 4]
Bm
Their faces gaunt, their eyes were blurred,
D
Their shirts all soaked with sweat;
Bm D
He’s ridin' hard to catch that herd, but he ain't caught 'em yet;
Bm D Bm
They've got to ride forever in that range up in the sky,
G Bm
On horses snortin' fire, as they ride on, hear their cry.
[Chorus] x2
Bm D Bm
Yip-pie-ya-aye, yip-pie-yi-o,
G Bm
ghost riders in the sky.