Ghost Riders in the Sky

"Ghost Riders in the Sky" or "Riders in the Sky" is a song broadcast on Appalachia Radio in Fallout 76. It is a classic country song written by Stan Jones in 1948, while the version that plays in-game is a recording by the Sons of the Pioneers, from 1960. The Fractured Steel reveal trailer for Steel Dawn uses another version of the song, performed by Outlaws, from 1980.

Background
The Sons of the Pioneers initially recorded in the song in 1949 for RCA Victor as "Riders in the Sky." The opening has a solo guitar.

They re-recorded the song in June 1959 for the album Cool Water released in 1960 by RCA Victor in mono and Living Stereo versions used in the game. The opening has strings, guitar, horns and a tambourine.

Conversely, the album also contains "Tumbling Tumbleweeds," but Fallout 76 uses the Sons of the Pioneers' older 1946 recording for RCA Victor.

The Fractured Steel release trailer for Steel Dawn uses another version of this song from 1980, performed by Southern rock band Outlaws.

Lyrics
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 A-plowing through the ragged sky and up the cloudy draw

Yi yay Yippie yi ooh Ghost 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 For he saw the riders coming hard and he heard their mournful cry

Yi yay Yippie yi ooh Ghost riders in the sky

As the riders loped on by him he heard one call his name 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

Yi yay Yippie yi ooh Ghost riders in the sky

Ghost riders in the sky Yippie yi ooh