Ghost Rider Song: A Guide to Download, Listen and Enjoy

If you are a fan of country, western, or rock music, you may have heard of the song Ghost Rider. This song is a classic that has been covered by many artists and has inspired many movies and comics. But what is the story behind this song? How can you download it legally and ethically? And how can you listen and enjoy it to the fullest? In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will explore the origin, history, popularity, influence, versions, covers, lyrics, meaning, mood, atmosphere, and best ways and occasions to listen to Ghost Rider song. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive guide to download, listen and enjoy this amazing song.

What is Ghost Rider Song?

Ghost Rider song is a cowboy-styled country/western song that tells a folk tale of a cowboy who has a vision of red-eyed, steel-hooved cattle thundering across the sky, being chased by the spirits 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 is also known as “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky: A Cowboy Legend” or “A Cowboy Legend”.

The origin and history of Ghost Rider Song

Ghost Rider song was written in 1948 by American songwriter, film and television actor Stan Jones. He stated that he had been told the story when he was 12 years old by an old Native American who resided north-east of the Douglas, Arizona border town. The Native Americans, possibly Apache, who lived within Cochise County, believed that when souls vacate their physical bodies, they reside as spirits in the sky, resembling ghost riders. He related this story to Wayne Hester, a boyhood friend (later owner of the Douglas Cable Company). As both boys were looking at the clouds, Stan shared what the old Native American had told him, looking in amazement as the cloudy shapes were identified as the “ghost riders” that years later, would be transposed into lyrics.

The melody of the song is based on the Civil War-era popular song “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”. The song was first recorded by Burl Ives on February 17, 1949. A number of versions were crossover hits on the pop charts in 1949, the most successful being by Vaughn Monroe. Members of the Western Writers of America chose it as the greatest Western song of all time.

Check the source of the download. Is it a legitimate site or platform that has the permission or license to distribute the song? Or is it an illegal or pirated site that offers free downloads without paying any royalties or fees to the artists?
Check the quality of the download. Is it a high-quality file that preserves the original sound and format of the song? Or is it a low-quality file that has been compressed or altered in some way?
Check the purpose of the download. Are you downloading the song for your personal use only? Or are you planning to share it with others or use it for commercial purposes?
Check your conscience. Are you downloading the song because you appreciate and support the artists who made it? Or are you downloading the song because you want to save money or avoid paying for it?
If you are unsure about any of these issues, it is better to err on the side of caution and avoid downloading Ghost Rider song from questionable sources. You can always buy or stream the song from legal and ethical sites and platforms that respect the artists and their work.

The best sites and platforms to download Ghost Rider Song

If you have decided to download Ghost Rider song legally and ethically, you need to know where to find it. There are many sites and platforms that offer music downloads, but not all of them are reliable or trustworthy

Some of the best sites and platforms to download Ghost Rider song legally and ethically are:

SoundCloud: A popular music streaming service that allows artists to upload their music and offer free downloads. You can find many versions and covers of Ghost Rider song on SoundCloud, such as Spiderbait’s version or Henry Rollins’ version. To download a song, you need to click on the More button and select Download file, if the artist has enabled this option.
Bandcamp: A platform that allows artists to sell their music and merchandise directly to fans. You can find many versions and covers of Ghost Rider song on Bandcamp, such as Johnny Cash’s version or DevilDriver’s version. To download a song, you need to pay what you want or the minimum price set by the artist.
Free Music Archive: A website that provides free music that can be downloaded and used in other creative works under Creative Commons licenses. You can find some versions and covers of Ghost Rider song on Free Music Archive, such as The Outlaws’ version or The Ventures’ version. To download a song, you need to click on the Download button and choose the format you want.
The Internet Archive: A website that offers free access to music recordings, audiobooks, podcasts, and radio programs. You can find some versions and covers of Ghost Rider song on The Internet Archive, such as Burl Ives’ version or Vaughn Monroe’s version. To download a song, you need to click on the Download options button and choose the format you want.

The steps and tips to download Ghost Rider Song

Depending on the site or platform you choose to download Ghost Rider song from, the steps and tips may vary slightly. However, here are some general steps and tips that apply to most cases:

Search for Ghost Rider song on the site or platform you prefer. You can use keywords like “Ghost Rider”, “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky”, “A Cowboy Legend”, or the name of the artist who covered the song.
Choose the version or cover of Ghost Rider song that you like best. You can listen to a preview or sample of the song before downloading it.
Check the quality and format of the download. You can choose between different formats, such as MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, and AIFF. You can also check the bitrate, which indicates the quality of the sound. The higher the bitrate, the better the quality, but also the larger the file size.
Check the license and terms of use of the download. You need to make sure that you are allowed to download and use the song for your intended purpose. Some songs may have restrictions or conditions, such as attribution, non-commercial use, or sharing alike.
Click on the download button or link and follow the instructions. You may need to create an account, sign in, enter your email address, pay a price, or agree to some terms before downloading the song.
Save the file to your device and enjoy listening to Ghost Rider song.

How to listen and enjoy Ghost Rider Song?

Now that you have downloaded Ghost Rider song to your device, you may wonder how to listen and enjoy it to the fullest. Here are some things to consider when listening to Ghost Rider song:

The lyrics and meaning of Ghost Rider Song

The lyrics of Ghost Rider song tell a story of a cowboy who encounters a supernatural vision of ghost riders in the sky. The lyrics are written in a poetic and symbolic way, using imagery and metaphors to convey the message. Here are some of the main lyrics and their meanings:

“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 a cloudy draw” – These lines introduce the setting and the main character of the story, an old cowboy who is riding on a dark and windy day. He sees a strange sight of a herd of red-eyed cows that are flying through the sky and disappearing into the clouds.
“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” – These lines describe the appearance and sound of the ghost riders and their cattle, which are supernatural and terrifying. They have fire, steel, blackness, heat, and fear as their attributes. They are coming closer to the cowboy and they are crying out in sorrow.
“Yippie yi yay / Yippie yi oh / Ghost riders in the sky” – These lines are the chorus of the song, which is repeated several times throughout. They are based on the traditional cowboy cry of “yippee-ki-yay”, which is used to express excitement or joy. However, in this context, they are ironic and contrast with the horror of the ghost riders. They also create a catchy and memorable hook for the song.
“Their faces gaunt, their eyes were blurred, their shirts all soaked with sweat / They’re riding hard to catch that herd, but they 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” – These lines describe the condition and fate of the ghost riders, who are doomed to chase the devil’s herd for eternity. They are suffering, exhausted, and hopeless. They are trapped in a cycle of torment and despair.
“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” – These lines reveal the warning and message of the ghost riders to the cowboy. They recognize him as one of their own and they urge him to repent and change his ways before it is too late. They tell him that he will join them if he does not turn away from his sins.

The mood and atmosphere of Ghost Rider Song

The mood and atmosphere of Ghost Rider song are dark, eerie, and haunting. The song creates a sense of mystery, suspense, and horror with its imagery, sound, and tone. The song uses elements such as:

The contrast between the dark and windy day and the bright and fiery sky.
The use of colors such as red, black, and white to symbolize fire, death, and fear.
The use of sounds such as thundering, snorting, crying, and calling to create tension and emotion.
The use of metaphors such as fire, steel, horns, breath, and sky to suggest supernatural and demonic forces.
The use of repetition, rhyme, rhythm, and melody to create a catchy and memorable song.

The best ways and occasions to listen to Ghost Rider Song

Ghost Rider song is a versatile song that can be enjoyed in different ways and occasions. Here are some suggestions for how to listen to Ghost Rider song:

If you want to appreciate the story and lyrics of Ghost Rider song, you can listen to it with headphones or speakers in a quiet and dark place. You can also read along with the lyrics or watch a video with subtitles.
If you want to feel the mood and atmosphere of Ghost Rider song, you can listen to it with headphones or speakers in a dimly lit or candlelit place. You can also watch a video with visuals or animations that match the song.
If you want to have fun and sing along with Ghost Rider song, you can listen to it with headphones or speakers in a lively and bright place. You can also watch a video with karaoke or lyrics on screen.
If you want to share and enjoy Ghost Rider song with others, you can listen to it with headphones or speakers in a social or festive place. You can also watch a video with live performance or cover versions by different artists.

Conclusion

Ghost Rider song is a classic country/western song that has been covered by many artists in various genres. It tells a folk tale of a cowboy who sees a vision of ghost riders in the sky who warn him to change his ways or join them in hell. The song has been very popular and influential since its creation. It has inspired many movies and comics, and has been recognized as the greatest Western song of all time. If you want to download, listen and enjoy Ghost Rider song, you need to be aware of some legal and ethical issues. You also need to know the best sites and platforms to download the song from, and the steps and tips to download it successfully. You can choose from different versions and covers of the song, depending on your preference and taste. You can also appreciate the lyrics and meaning of the song, and feel the mood and atmosphere of the song. You can have fun and sing along with the song, or share and enjoy it with others. Ghost Rider song is a song that can appeal to anyone who loves music, stories, and legends. It is a song that can make you think, feel, and imagine. It is a song that can transport you to another world, where you can see the ghost riders in the sky. We hope that this article has helped you to download, listen and enjoy Ghost Rider song. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for reading and happy listening!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Ghost Rider song:

Who wrote Ghost Rider song?

Ghost Rider song was written by Stan Jones in 1948. He was an American songwriter, film and television actor who also wrote other songs such as “The Searchers” and “The Ballad of Davy Crockett”.

What is the genre of Ghost Rider song?

Ghost Rider song is a country/western song that has elements of folk, rock, and pop. It is also considered a cowboy-styled song that tells a folk tale of a cowboy who sees a vision of ghost riders in the sky.

What is the meaning of Ghost Rider song?

Ghost Rider song is a moralistic story that warns people to change their ways or face eternal damnation. It is also a symbolic story that reflects the American culture and history of the West, where cowboys, outlaws, Native Americans, and settlers coexisted.

What are some of the movies and comics inspired by Ghost Rider song?

Some of the movies and comics inspired by Ghost Rider song are Ghost Rider (2007), Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011), and Ghost Rider (1973-1983). These feature a supernatural antihero who rides a flaming motorcycle and fights evil.

What are some of the best versions and covers of Ghost Rider song?

Some of the best versions and covers of Ghost Rider song are by Johnny Cash, The Outlaws, Spiderbait, DevilDriver, Marty Robbins, Elvis Presley, The Ventures, Dick Dale, Children of Bodom, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Blues Brothers, Henry Rollins, Rush, and The Shadows.

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The popularity and influence of Ghost Rider Song

Ghost Rider song has been very popular and influential since its creation. It has been covered by more than 50 artists in various genres, including country, western, rock, metal, punk, blues, folk, jazz, reggae, rap, electronic, and even death metal. Some of the most notable artists who have covered the song are Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, The Outlaws, Elvis Presley, The Ventures, Dick Dale, Children of Bodom, Spiderbait, DevilDriver, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Blues Brothers, Henry Rollins,, Rush,[ ^13^], and The Shadows. The song has also inspired several movies and comics, such as Ghost Rider (2007), Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011), and Ghost Rider (1973-1983), featuring a supernatural antihero who rides a flaming motorcycle.

The different versions and covers of Ghost Rider Song

As mentioned before, Ghost Rider song has been covered by many artists in different genres and styles. Here are some of the most notable versions and covers of the song, along with their distinctive features and differences:

Artist	Genre	Year	Features/Differences
Burl Ives	Country/Folk	1949	The first recorded version of the song, with a simple acoustic guitar accompaniment and a soft vocal delivery.
Vaughn Monroe	Pop/Country	1949	The most successful version of the song, reaching number one on the Billboard charts. It features a full orchestra, a chorus, and a dramatic vocal performance by Monroe.
Johnny Cash	Country/Rock	1979	A popular version of the song, featuring Cash’s distinctive deep voice, a driving rhythm, and a harmonica solo. It was included in Cash’s album Silver.
The Outlaws	Southern Rock/Country Rock	1980	A rock version of the song, featuring electric guitars, drums, bass, keyboards, and vocal harmonies. It was included in The Outlaws’ album Ghost Riders.
Spiderbait	Alternative Rock/Punk Rock	2004	A modern version of the song, featuring distorted guitars, fast drums, and a female lead singer. It was used in the movie Ghost Rider (2007) and its soundtrack.
DevilDriver	Groove Metal/Death Metal	2009	A metal version of the song, featuring heavy guitars, double bass drums, growling vocals, and blast beats. It was included in DevilDriver’s album Pray for Villains.

How to download Ghost Rider Song?

If you want to download Ghost Rider song to your device, you need to be aware of some legal and ethical issues. You also need to know the best sites and platforms to download the song from, and the steps and tips to download it successfully.

The legal and ethical issues of downloading Ghost Rider Song

Downloading music from the internet can be a tricky business. You need to make sure that you are not violating any laws or infringing any copyrights. You also need to respect the rights and interests of the artists who created the music. Here are some things to consider before downloading Ghost Rider song:

Check the source of the download. Is it a legitimate site or platform that has the permission or license to distribute the song? Or is it an illegal or pirated site that offers free downloads without paying any royalties or fees to the artists?
Check the quality of the download. Is it a high-quality file that preserves the original sound and format of the song? Or is it a low-quality file that has been compressed or altered in some way?
Check the purpose of the download. Are you downloading the song for your personal use only? Or are you planning to share it with others or use it for commercial purposes?
Check your conscience. Are you downloading the song because you appreciate and support the artists who made it? Or are you downloading the song because you want to save money or avoid paying for it?
If you are unsure about any of these issues, it is better to err on the side of caution and avoid downloading Ghost Rider song from questionable sources. You can always buy or stream the song from legal and ethical sites and platforms that respect the artists and their work.