Ghostriders in the Sky

"(Ghost) Riders in the Sky: A Cowboy Legend" is a country cowboy-style song. It was written on June 5, 1948 by Stan Jones. A number of versions were also crossover hits on the pop charts in 1949. The ASCAP database lists the song as "Riders in the Sky", but the title has been varied numerous times, such as "Ghost Riders", "Ghost Riders in the Sky" or even "A Cowboy Legend".

The song is about a cowboy who has a vision of red-eyed, steel-hooved cattle thundering across the sky, being chased by the ghosts of damned cowboys. One warns him that if he does not change his ways he will be doomed to join them, forever "trying to catch the Devil's herd across these endless skies". The song's story has a marked resemblance to the northern European mythic Wild Hunt.

More than 50 different artists have recorded versions of this classic. Charting versions were recorded by Vaughn Monroe ("Riders in the Sky" with orchestra and vocal quartet), by Bing Crosby (with the Ken Darby Singers), Frankie Laine, Marty Robbins and by Johnny Cash. Other contemporary versions were recorded by Peggy Lee (with the Jud Conlon Singers), and by Spike Jones and his City Slickers. Gene Autry sang the song in his 1949 movie, Riders in the Sky.Children of Bodom also made a notable cover.

According to Robby Krieger this song inspired the classic Doors song "Riders on the Storm.

Category:

Music

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• Ghostriders
• in
• the
• Sky
• rock
• blues
• soul
• folk
• music
• martijn
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• martijnhover
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[MartijnHover]

This is my very own version. Send me a pm with your e-mail and I'll see if I can send you a copy.

@ozznmonaut: Yes, Stan Jones wrote this, in the late 40s, I think. His record company was reluctant to release it because they thought it was too dire. Glad they did in the end.

[ozzmonaut]

I was always under the assumption that this story had been sung around fires and the like since the early 1900's, but that Stan Jones happened to be the first to record it. Any truth to that?

[MartijnHover]

@ozzmonaut No, it was actually written by Stan Jones. It has that timeless feel, though.

[KronprinzAdam]

Ghost riders of...Mordor?

[MartijnHover]

Why not? lol

[KronprinzAdam]

I enjoyed it anyway Martjin!! I just commented when I saw the kings of Middle Earth immediately after the Cadillac...But I liked your video!!

[MartijnHover]

Thank you!

[klebersigma]

@MartijnHover Could you send me the link of this song? to download or give me the name of who sings it because it is not famous any version can not find on ares or youtube and I would not try looking the other 50 versions wikipedia says i dont know how you are the only one have but I think is the best version especially when the drums start and not that of Stan Jones

[AZKMF]

@martenchinnock he was a working man.. not a professional singer

[stephenhayesuk]

briliant idea to link this song with the Nazgul

[martenchinnock]

i hate how he sings as if his mouth is half numb. i still gave it a like cuz its a must-like ....