About the song
“**(Ghost) Riders In the Sky**,” from the album **American Outlaws: Live at Nassau Coliseum, 1990**, is one of those timeless tracks that resonates with listeners of all generations. Originally written by Stan Jones in 1948, the song has undergone numerous interpretations, but few are as electrifying and haunting as this live rendition by **The Outlaws**. The **live performance** recorded at Nassau Coliseum showcases not only the band’s **musical talent** but also their ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level.
This version of **(Ghost) Riders In the Sky** carries the weight of a long tradition while infusing it with the band’s unique southern rock edge. The song’s eerie narrative—about spectral cowboys galloping across a fiery sky—has captivated listeners since its inception. The **Outlaws’** rendition, though, elevates the song into a true **rock anthem**, blending the original **country-western** elements with their signature sound. The live setting of **Nassau Coliseum** adds another layer, as the crowd’s energy amplifies the intensity of the performance, making it more than just a song but a full **musical experience**.
For those who grew up listening to **The Outlaws**, this live version of **(Ghost) Riders in the Sky** will likely stir nostalgic feelings. For new listeners, it offers a perfect entry point into the band’s distinctive blend of **rock** and **country** influences. The haunting melody and vivid imagery are enhanced by the raw, unfiltered nature of the live performance, making it a captivating listen.
What stands out in this recording is the **immediacy** and **urgency** that the band brings to the table, something that studio recordings simply can’t capture. There’s a sense of freedom, a wild energy that aligns perfectly with the **spirit of the song**—the idea of untamed forces that are just beyond human control. This version of **(Ghost) Riders in the Sky** is not just a tribute to the past, but a fresh take on a classic, making it a memorable experience for all who listen.
Video
Lyrics
Well, an old cowboy 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
Plowing through the ragged sky
And up the 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
He saw the riders coming hard
And he heard their mournful cry
Yippie-yi-ay (yippie-yi-ay)
Yippie-yi-yay (yippie-yi-yay)
Ghost riders in the sky
Their faces gaunt, their eyes were blurred, their shirts all soaked with sweat
He’s riding hard to catch that herd, but he ain’t caught ’em yet
‘Cause they’ve got to ride forever on that range up in the sky
On horses snorting fire
As they ride on hear their cry
As the riders passed on by him he heard one call his name (Merle Haggard)
If you want to save your soul from hell a-riding on our range
Then cowboy change your ways today or with us you will ride
Trying to catch the devil’s herd
Across these endless skies
Yippie-yi-ay (yippie-yi-ay)
Yippie-yi-yay (yippie-yi-yay)
You lost a “yippie” there
Ghost riders in the sky
Ghost riders in the sky
