Empty Saddles

The Sons of the Pioneers, Roy Rogers

About Empty Saddles

"Empty Saddles (in the Old Corral)" is a classic American cowboy song written by Billy Hill. Hill based the song on a poem by J. Keirn Brennan grieving for lost companions. The song became widely known to the public in July 1936, when Bing Crosby sang it with deep emotion in the Paramount musical Rhythm on the Range, and his Decca recording of it, made on July 14, 1936 with Victor Young and His Orchestra, reached the Top 10 that September. Crosby's recording of this and other "country" songs gave them a legitimacy by showing that they could appeal to pop sophisticates as well as rural audiences. He performed them with integrity and did not "look down his nose" at the music."Empty Saddles" was later recorded by many artists, including the Sons of the Pioneers, Johnny Bond, and Sons of the San Joaquin. Particularly notable recordings were by Roy Rogers (1947), Burl Ives (1961), Dean Martin (1966), and Jimmie Rodgers (1983). Members of the Western Writers of America chose it as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time. 


Year:
2009
2:43
149 
#5

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

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

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Roy Rogers

Roy Rogers, born Leonard Franklin Slye (November 5, 1911 – July 6, 1998), was an American singer and cowboy actor, one of the most heavily marketed and merchandised stars of his era, as well as being the namesake of the Roy Rogers Restaurants franchised chain. He and his wife Dale Evans, his golden palomino, Trigger, and his German Shepherd dog, Bullet, were featured in more than 100 movies and The Roy Rogers Show. The show ran on radio for nine years before moving to television from 1951 through 1957. His productions usually featured a sidekick, often either Pat Brady (who drove a Jeep called "Nellybelle"), Andy Devine, or the crotchety George "Gabby" Hayes. Rogers's nickname was "King of the Cowboys". Evans's nickname was Queen of the West. more »

3 fans

Written by: BRENNEN HILL

Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


8 facts about this song

Song History
"Empty Saddles" is a classic country song that was originally written by Billy Hill with the intent of using it in a film called “The Mysterious Rider” in 1936. The song eventually transcended its original purpose, becoming a staple in country music and earning multiple covers by various artists.
Burl Ives' Cover
Singer, actor, and folk song collector Burl Ives covered "Empty Saddles" in one of his albums. Known for his warm and distinctive voice, Ives was a prominent figure in the folk music scene during the 1940s and 1950s, which made his rendition of the song particularly popular.
Roy Rogers' Cover
Known as the "King of the Cowboys," Roy Rogers also offered his signature touch to the song, "Empty Saddles." With his natural country singing style, his version of the song became very popular among the western music scene and remains one of his often remembered performances.
Song Themes
Thematically, the song "Empty Saddles" is a poignant lament for lost cowboys. It often invokes imagery of the wild west and captures feelings of longing and regret, which was a common motif in many folk and country songs of that era.
Legacy
The song "Empty Saddles," especially with its covers by iconic artists such as Burl Ives and Roy Rogers, has become a beloved piece in the canon of traditional American Western music. It continues to be enjoyed by fans of the genre and is often used in pop culture to evoke feelings of nostalgia for the Old West.
Soundtracks
Because of its timeless appeal, "Empty Saddles" has made its way onto several film and television soundtracks, further solidifying its place in popular culture. These include the film "Buckaroo: The Winchester Does Not Forgive" (1967) and a television episode of "Rawhide" (1959).
Musical Accompaniment
As characteristic of country and western tunes, the song "Empty Saddles" typically features a simple, yet powerful, musical arrangement with instruments such as guitar and harmonica. This pairing of sparse instrumentation with poignant lyrics contributes to its emotional appeal to listeners.
Influence
"Empty Saddles" has had a considerable influence on subsequent country and western music, inspiring many other artists in the genre. Its emblematic cowboy theme and moving melody have made it a touchstone for songs about the American West.

Discuss the Empty Saddles Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Empty Saddles Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/17609864/Roy+Rogers/Empty+Saddles>.

    Missing lyrics by Roy Rogers?

    Know any other songs by Roy Rogers? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Empty Saddles

    60,718
    278     8

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    In "Rumour Has It", how old Adele says is the woman the guy left her for?
    A Half his age
    B Only seventeen
    C 25
    D 21

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Roy Rogers's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Roy Rogers tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!