EMPTY SADDLES
From the film "Rhythm On The Range" (1936)
(Billy Hill / J. Keirn Brennan)

Bing Crosby (Film soundtrack) - 1936
Bunny Berigan & The Rhythm Makers - 1936
Johnnie Ray - 1959
Johnny Bond - 1961
Dean Martin - 1966
Also recorded by: Dick Haymes; Burl Ives; Tex Ritter;
Roy Rogers & The Sons Of The Pioneers; Jimmy Wakely;
Tom Morrell & The Time Warp Tophands; Frank Sinatra.


There's something strange in the old corral
There's a breeze, though the wind has died
Though I'm alone in the old corral
Seems there is someone at my side

Empty saddles in the old corral
Where do you ride tonight?
Are you roundin' up the dogies, the strays of long ago
Are you on the trail of buffalo?

Empty saddles in the old corral
Where do you ride tonight?
Are there rustlers on the border, or a band of Navajo
Are you headin' for the Alamo?

Empty guns covered with rust
Where do you talk tonight?
Empty boots covered with dust
Where do you walk tonight?

Empty saddles in the old corral
My tears will be dried tonight
If you'll only say I'm lonely as you carry my old pal
Empty saddles in the old corral

There is no smoke, still the fires burn,
There's no song, still I hear guitars,
There is no dust, still the ghosts return
Softly to vanish through the bars


(Contributed by Bill Huntley - December 2004)