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Johnny Cash — Ghost Riders In The Sky
Album: The Essential Johnny Cash
Avg rating:
7.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2333









Released: 1963
Length: 3:39
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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an old cowboy went ridin 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
plowin through the ragid skies and up a cloudy draw

their brands were still on fire and their hooves were made of steel
their horns were black and shiny and their hot breath he could feel
a bolt of fear went through him as they thundered through the sky
for he saw the riders comin hard and he heard their mournful cries

chorus:

yippie i ohhh ohh ohh
yippie i aye ye ye
ghost riders in the sky

their faces gaunt, their eyes were blurred
their shirts all soaked with sweat
he's ridin hard to catch that herd
but he aint caught em yet
cause they got to ride forever in that range up in the sky
on horses snortin fire as they ride on hear their cries

as the riders loped on by him he heard one call his name
''if you wanna save your soul from hell a-ridin on our range
then cowboy change your ways today or with us you will ride
tryin to catch the devil's herd across these endless skies

yippie i ohhh oh oh
yippie i aye ye ye
ghost riders in the sky
ghost riders in the sky
ghost riders in the sky
Comments (297)add comment
I heard Dick Dale's version earlier today, and I wished there was a version with Johnny's vocals and Dick's guitar.
Posted 3 months ago by skooba    [ Reply ]
I see what you did there - Richard Thompsons 1952 Vincent Black Lightning to Ghost Riders in the Sky  
Posted 10 months ago by hellsgardener    [ Reply ]
GREAT VERSION!!   Thanx RP!   
Posted 10 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
I really like the blues brothers version of this one 
Posted 1 year ago by Vivelimperium    [ Reply ]
Am I wrong or the simpsons were inspire on this tune to that infamous commercial of a faulty car (Canyonero) ?
Posted 1 year ago by upato    [ Reply ]
Anything johnny cash does is a 10
Posted 1 year ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
 junebaby65 wrote:

The Outlaws do a pretty kick butt version of this song.



The Outlaws version is my Fav.
Posted 1 year ago by jefobr    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

Ghosts of eternally-damned cowboys chasing the devil's herd of red-eyed cattle.  C'mon, man, keep up.


Hahaha!
Posted 2 years ago by bimmerfan739    [ Reply ]
Bill —your funny story after playing The Beatles ‘I Am The Wallrus’ made me laugh (giggle)
Hugs to you both and thanks  so much for making sounds, sound so yum.
xx tim (copenhagen)
Posted 2 years ago by tjamie    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

Huh?
cher, bono & zimmerman




I think that Bono is just great! You, too?
Posted 2 years ago by grhorn    [ Reply ]
 Aud wrote:


isn't that Bob not Johnny?


With Cher and Sonny, right?
Posted 2 years ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

Huh?
cher, bono & zimmerman




isn't that Bob not Johnny?
Posted 2 years ago by Aud    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

Huh?
cher, bono & zimmerman





Posted 2 years ago by MassivRuss    [ Reply ]
 legacyofrob827 wrote:

he can play and has great style sense but he still cant sing for shit its all style and not much substance really 7



I mean, you may not like it, but Johnny Cash is pretty much the epitome of substance in singing.
Posted 2 years ago by acolt    [ Reply ]
 legacyofrob827 wrote:
he can play and has great style sense but he still cant sing for shit its all style and not much substance really 7
 
Singing is all about style.  What sort of "substance" are you looking for?
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
I prefer this version, I reckon  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWTjjm-Gg3c
Posted 7 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Nice job by Johnny Cash. Really good version.

Favorite version is by The Prodigals : https://youtu.be/I8cJomVBafM
Posted 7 years ago by chasech5    [ Reply ]
Decent cover, but have heard better...
and I am a fan of Johnny Cash
Posted 7 years ago by Johnny-smooth    [ Reply ]
 legacyofrob827 wrote:
he can play and has great style sense but he still cant sing for shit its all style and not much substance really 7
 
Say what??  
Posted 7 years ago by Garyohh    [ Reply ]
he can play and has great style sense but he still cant sing for shit its all style and not much substance really 7
Posted 7 years ago by legacyofrob827    [ Reply ]
I love me some Johnny Cash, and I love me some Ghost Riders; but I don't think this is a great pairing. Still a solid 8 from me. :-)
Posted 7 years ago by CrispyDruid    [ Reply ]
 2020sk wrote:

Contrary, it would seem, to most commentators, I regard this as a rather drab and ordinary song by an artist I otherwise greatly admire. What am I missing?



 
Historical context? Memories? This song was released 4 years before I was born, but I recall it and it's variants from the earliest of ages. It conjures up the desire of every kid of my generation and before to head out to a fictional west and be a cowboy. Love it.
Posted 8 years ago by bb_matt    [ Reply ]

Contrary, it would seem, to most commentators, I regard this as a rather drab and ordinary song by an artist I otherwise greatly admire. What am I missing?


Posted 10 years ago by 2020sk    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:

Make up your mind, Poacher, and grab one. 

 

haha, good one!
 
Posted 10 years ago by Karhu    [ Reply ]

Damn straight. 


Posted 10 years ago by laskaguy    [ Reply ]
 TheKing2 wrote:
so who or what are the ghost riders in the sky?

 
Ghosts of eternally-damned cowboys chasing the devil's herd of red-eyed cattle.  C'mon, man, keep up.
Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
The man in black...
Posted 10 years ago by smf    [ Reply ]
Where's Trigger?  Seriously.....I LOVE this ......ICONIC!!!{#Crown}
Posted 10 years ago by Jannne    [ Reply ]
10, next
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:

Make up your mind, Poacher, and grab one. 

 
{#Lol}
Posted 10 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 ofanansky wrote:
one of the weirder Muppet Show bits
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5HRSmLlaiA
 

 
Yumm, thank you for the link, exquisite ! - I'm a die-hard fan. Of the Muppets, I mean.

I admire Cash, not really my cup of tea - but I do like this song.
Posted 10 years ago by fedtho    [ Reply ]
so who or what are the ghost riders in the sky?
Posted 10 years ago by TheKing2    [ Reply ]
Although country is not my cup of tea, this song is something outstanding. Therefore a 9. :-)
Posted 10 years ago by rgabriel    [ Reply ]
 junebaby65 wrote:
The Outlaws do a pretty kick butt version of this song.

 
Like it too, except they left off the (haunting) third verse.
Posted 10 years ago by Imkirok    [ Reply ]
 stegokitty wrote:

Agreed. Outlaw's version is my fave.

 
Yea, I have to go with this also.  The Florida Guitar Army!!!
Posted 11 years ago by xtalman    [ Reply ]
 junebaby65 wrote:
The Outlaws do a pretty kick butt version of this song.

 
Agreed. Outlaw's version is my fave.
Posted 11 years ago by stegokitty    [ Reply ]
The Outlaws do a pretty kick butt version of this song.
Posted 11 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
as much as I love johnneys take on this tune, I think that the best version of all time was done by "KOLIDeSCOPE" (SPEL?) Sol's voice and phrasing are dead on for the mood of the tune   {#Fire}
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]

Posted 11 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]

Everybody in my church loves this song...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
What I'm talkin' 'bout.  Not the original, but a damn fine version.  The original is "Godlike", this one an 8 to 9.
Posted 11 years ago by joelbb    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of my grandad and childhood.. :).. Love this song
Posted 11 years ago by spiggy    [ Reply ]
The Burl Ives version was a soundtrack to my early childhood. It must have got a lot of airplay in the UK - I used to tear around on my tricycle, cowboy hat on, Colt 45 at my hip and Winchester slung over my shoulder,  with this going round in my head.

Interesting genesis https://www.westernmusic.com/performers/hof-jones-stan.html

I think I prefer the Peggy Lee cover to Cash.
Posted 11 years ago by RobN    [ Reply ]
 shellbella wrote:
I know people just love Johnny Cash... I don't like his music, his voice, nadda... Doesn't do anything for me.....
 
Can´t see anybody around here denying you the right.
Posted 11 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
bill, please play kalidiscops  (spl.? ) version of this tune. it most "gets it "of all covers ever done. seriously ghost riders spooky and strange. you used to play it on fat radio.....
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
 Stratocaster wrote:
The definition of Classic Country.
 
Absolutely wrong.
Posted 11 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
Amen. (play this at a party, never a bad reaction)
Posted 11 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
 DD rabbi_phil wrote:


pardon the kibbitz but... you can Never watch too much nude womens volleyball...

 
amen
Posted 11 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:

You've been watching too much nudist women's beach volleyball, Poacher :o)

 

pardon the kibbitz but... you can Never watch too much nude womens volleyball...

Posted 12 years ago by DD rabbi_phil    [ Reply ]
one of the weirder Muppet Show bits
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5HRSmLlaiA
 
Posted 12 years ago by ofanansky    [ Reply ]
A great version. The first I heard was by the Spotnicks , (instrumental).
Posted 12 years ago by hbs47    [ Reply ]
 Byronape wrote:

Brilliant!
 
... not to mention hilarious
Posted 12 years ago by drivingunit103    [ Reply ]
i think that kolideiscope did the best cover of this tune ever made. john is always a joy tho.
Posted 12 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
Did Stan Jones REALLY write this?  Or did he have a "ghost writer in this guy"?
Posted 12 years ago by ubuntourist    [ Reply ]
Try Vaughn Monroe.
Posted 12 years ago by lawfitzg    [ Reply ]
 Poacher wrote:
Bum, titty bum, titty bum, titty bum, titty bum, titty bum, titty bum, titty bum, etc, etc  
 
You've been watching too much nudist women's beach volleyball, Poacher :o)

Posted 12 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:

Make up your mind, Poacher, and grab one. 
 
Brilliant!
Posted 12 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
"Yippie-Ki-Yay MF". To quote one of best lines from Bruce Willis in the movie Diehard. And then there's the varation, Yippie-yi-yo-ki-yay, from "I'm an Old Cowhand", performed by one of my favorite groups, Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks, which same song was also recorded by Frank Sinatra.

Posted 12 years ago by Kokoloco53    [ Reply ]
Hahhaha, my son and I went to see the new "Ghost Rider - Spirit of Vengeance" movie last night. I have to admit I am a comic book geek and I just had to.

Can't recommend it but the "Ghost Rider" effects were pretty cool. 
Posted 12 years ago by Propayne    [ Reply ]
The definition of Classic Country.
Posted 12 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
 Poacher wrote:
Bum, titty bum, titty bum, titty bum, titty bum, titty bum, titty bum, titty bum, etc, etc  
 
Make up your mind, Poacher, and grab one. 
Posted 12 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]

Great song...great singer... Thank you... This set is why I love RP and never fail to tell everyone to come and listen...Eclectic, old-new-human picked... No algorithm can match this and hit so many good songs. PLUS... NO paid play from A&R guys building a new star... Love the mix... 
Posted 12 years ago by AndyJ    [ Reply ]
I know people just love Johnny Cash... I don't like his music, his voice, nadda... Doesn't do anything for me.....
Posted 12 years ago by shellbella    [ Reply ]
A good way to end a crappy day! Thanks Bill! {#Daisy}
Posted 13 years ago by andy_pomus    [ Reply ]

Ghost Riders (In the Sky) - Willie Nelson & Johnny Cash:

"They sing a great duet!!! i grew up on Johnny Cash's music,, my unlces played his songs all the time, as they sit and drink a beer lol. First songs I remember is "I walk the line", & The Ring of Fire"...Now Johnny is in Heaven with all the other great musicians, sitting there, playing their guitars singing their songs. Rest in Peace!"     yvonnejm51

 


Posted 13 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Bum, titty bum, titty bum, titty bum, titty bum, titty bum, titty bum, titty bum, etc, etc  
Posted 13 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]
Right, cause movies are always the best way to take the real measure of a person's life. {#Silenced}
Posted 13 years ago by rebeccagrad    [ Reply ]
 johnjconn wrote:
Don't misunderstand me, I love Johnny.  But "a life well lived, for sure"????
Johnny's life would rarely be described as a life well lived.  Watch the movie, you'll understand.

 misterbearbaby wrote:
Johnny Cash- a life well lived, for sure.
 
 
Well he did get to play a bad guy on Columbo:

 
Posted 13 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
the MAN in Black...
Posted 13 years ago by MiracleDrug    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajumprope}
Posted 13 years ago by ferwoman    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:
Just a great song no matter who does it, personally The Outlaws version if my fav, but this one is outstanding too! 8
 
I agree with the Outlaws version being great, except that they left out the last verse.  If it wasn't for that, I'd put it up there with Johnny's.

Posted 13 years ago by Imkirok    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajam}

Posted 13 years ago by J_R    [ Reply ]
Johnny Cash- a life well lived, for sure.
Posted 13 years ago by misterbearbaby    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:

What?! How did Johnny Cash and Bono wind up in the same sentence?!
Apologize to Johnny, please.
:) 
  Nonsense.  Listen to The Wanderer at the end of Zooropa

Great artists from different time periods who admire and respect each other

Enough with these narrow minded comments comparing artists.


Posted 13 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]

Moves me to action, just not sure which type. Awesome.


Posted 13 years ago by katiediddler    [ Reply ]
 lawman wrote:
Best. Version. Everrrr.
 
That post looks like Charlie Sheen sounds.

Posted 13 years ago by bmeador    [ Reply ]
Gives me chills!
Posted 13 years ago by scmerriam    [ Reply ]
The trademark sound of cash guitars Dum dack dum. Turn up the tremelo and let er rip
Posted 13 years ago by martinc    [ Reply ]
Best. Version. Everrrr.
Posted 13 years ago by lawman    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
I spent my entire youth being deprived of country music because my parents hated it.  Once I was emancipated, I still steered clear of country for a long time.  Thank goodness, a door opened in my brain and I allowed country music into my realm.  And now, thanks to RP, I have a new appreciation for Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and the new generations of country artists.

Thank you, RadioParadise.
 
Its not Country... Its "Johnny".

Posted 13 years ago by januismer    [ Reply ]
Just a great song no matter who does it, personally The Outlaws version if my fav, but this one is outstanding too! 8
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Legendary. 'Nuff said.
Posted 13 years ago by maxgruv    [ Reply ]
I spent my entire youth being deprived of country music because my parents hated it.  Once I was emancipated, I still steered clear of country for a long time.  Thank goodness, a door opened in my brain and I allowed country music into my realm.  And now, thanks to RP, I have a new appreciation for Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and the new generations of country artists.

Thank you, RadioParadise.
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
This song is cool! I love every version of it!
Posted 13 years ago by natedog    [ Reply ]
 purplespider wrote:
Johnny Cash was cool before Bono was even born.{#Notworthy}
 
Huh?
cher, bono & zimmerman


Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 markander33 wrote:
Godlike is the appropriate adjective for rating this song!
 
Given the song topic, maybe Devil-like would be more appropriate? ;)

Cheesier than the Wensleydale Creamery, yet fun with it. This is one of the very few Cash songs that rates a 5 from the Nottingham jury.

Posted 13 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
I have never been so happy to hear this song, whew
Posted 13 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
Yippie ki yay, fother muckers
Posted 13 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
Honestly..I love that guitar solo !{#Guitarist}   {#Yes}
Posted 13 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:
dig this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWTjjm-Gg3c
 
Good one. My absolute favorite version from Ghost Rider movie by Spiderbait
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtXSmqEq1eA


Posted 13 years ago by Balthazar    [ Reply ]
 purplespider wrote:
Johnny Cash was cool before Bono was even born.{#Notworthy}
 
What?! How did Johnny Cash and Bono wind up in the same sentence?!
Apologize to Johnny, please.
:) 
Posted 13 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
dig this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWTjjm-Gg3c
Posted 13 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Johnny Cash was cool before Bono was even born.{#Notworthy}
Posted 13 years ago by purplespider    [ Reply ]
{#Good-vibes}
Posted 13 years ago by glassbuteo    [ Reply ]
My hero!
Posted 13 years ago by C019740    [ Reply ]
Irresistble!
Posted 14 years ago by denmom    [ Reply ]
This is an absolute classic of its type. Love it!
Posted 14 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]
{#Skull} {#Skull} {#Skull} {#Skull} {#Skull} {#Skull} {#Skull} {#Skull}
Posted 14 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
Wow... Never knew I liked Johnny Cash...
Posted 14 years ago by Mosay    [ Reply ]
Don't. Stop.
Don't stop.
Posted 14 years ago by Jim_Franklin    [ Reply ]
Yippie Eye - yea!!!! 
Posted 14 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]

Norah Jones and Kris Kristopherson - Guess Things Happen That Way, Live (2006)
"Norah Jones and Kris Kristopherson singing a Johnny Cash song"


Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Godlike is the appropriate adjective for rating this song!
Posted 14 years ago by markander33    [ Reply ]
This is the last artist I want to hear upon rising! Uugghh!
Posted 14 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
My favorite version, live with Willie Nelson!

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zol906ltPU
Posted 14 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
Cracking cheese, Gromit!


Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
More Cash!
Posted 14 years ago by Sodak_Scott    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:
Cash is an icon.  But you are wrong about the rest.  There are plenty of great American  and Canadian country acts.

....Stompin' Tom Connors...

 
I'd love to hear Tom on RP.

In the late 80s, I knew a guy who used to be in his band. When Tom came out of retirement, the guy quit his job to tour. The guy's boss couldn't understand it.

"But... aren't you happy here? We'll up your salary..."

"It's fine but Tom.... he's putting the band back together..."

"but.. you've got a good job here...."

"It's a great job but Tom..."

Posted 14 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
 crockydile wrote:
Ghost Rabbi in the sky! Yippie tae yo! Oi Veh!
 
Thanks for the laugh, crockydile, I needed it tonight! {#Drunk}

Posted 14 years ago by choffman2001    [ Reply ]
 dggeek wrote:
RIP Cash.  You're the only man that could make country music enjoyable. {#Cowboy}
 

Cash is an icon.  But you are wrong about the rest.  There are plenty of great American  and Canadian country acts.

 

Ian & Sylvia,  Stompin' Tom Connors, Gordon Lightfoot, Kris Kirstofferson, John Prine, Steve Goodman, Emmy Lou Harris.  I'm sure that I just scratched the surface.

Some of the country 'n western material is rather good too.


Posted 14 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
drile
Posted 14 years ago by simon_kogoj    [ Reply ]
Ghost Rabbi in the sky! Yippie tae yo! Oi Veh!
Posted 14 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
Happy early birthday to one of the kings!
Posted 14 years ago by djblitz    [ Reply ]
 keller1 wrote:

My vote is for the Outlaws version.

On the subject of JC covers, Michelle Shocked did an unbelievable version of One Piece at a Time. 
 

{#Yes} I like this one too.
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 Frater_Kork wrote:
Well upload it if you have it available! Bill is a complete sucker for covers, trust me. {#Cheesygrin}
 
I uploaded Jonathan Round doing Sympathy for the Devil and it got "sorry"-ed instantly.  There appears to be a limit to his cover suckerness.

Posted 14 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
 Frater_Kork wrote:

Well upload it if you have it available! Bill is a complete sucker for covers, trust me. {#Cheesygrin}
 

Good idea.  I'll put in my next batch of uploads.
Posted 14 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
 keller1 wrote:

On the subject of JC covers, Michelle Shocked did an unbelievable version of One Piece at a Time. 
 
Well upload it if you have it available! Bill is a complete sucker for covers, trust me. {#Cheesygrin}
Posted 14 years ago by Frater_Kork    [ Reply ]
 kaybee wrote:
Great version but not the best, which is probably Sons of the Pioneers or Marty Robbins...

 
My vote is for the Outlaws version.

On the subject of JC covers, Michelle Shocked did an unbelievable version of One Piece at a Time. 


Posted 15 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
 dggeek wrote:
RIP Cash.  You're the only man that could make country music enjoyable. {#Cowboy}
 

try this

https://www.amazon.com/Hanky-Panky/dp/B000002AZD/ref=cm_cmu_pg__header
Posted 15 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]

Johnny Cash - "Ghost Riders In The Sky" Live in Montreux (1994)

" Johnny Cash was one of the most influential figures in American music in the post war period. He managed to combine elements of folk, rock 'n' roll and country, which together with his distinctive voice and guitar style, created an instantly recognisable sound "

"Some people say, that this music is "all too simple". Well I say yes, Johnny indeed was a normal man, one of us. And he wasn't playing a thousand chords in each song - but that's exactly why we love him! Johnny - we miss ya!"
Posted 15 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]