An old cowpoke went riding out one dark and windy day Up on 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 jagged stars and up the cloudy draw Yippee-aye, yippee-ah-oh Closest 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 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 Yippee-aye, yippee-ah-oh Closest riders in the sky As they rode on by him he heard one call his name If you want to save your soul from hell or riding on our range Cowboy change your way today or with us you will ride Trying to catch the devil's herd across these endless skies Yippee-aye, yippee-ah-oh Closest riders in the sky In the sky