Empty Saddles (In the Old Corral)

Victor Young & His Orchestra, Bing Crosby

About Empty Saddles (In the Old Corral)

"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:
1995
3:03
40 

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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

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Bing Crosby

Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby (May 3, 1903 – October 14, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Crosby's trademark bass-baritone voice made him one of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century, with over half a billion records in circulation. more »

31 fans

Written by: BRENNEN HILL

Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


8 facts about this song

Release Information
"Empty Saddles (In the Old Corral)" was recorded by Bing Crosby. - It was recorded on July 14, 1936 and released later that year by Decca Records.
Song Composition
A cowboy song in genre, "Empty Saddles (In the Old Corral)" was cited as being a fitting recording for Bing Crosby's baritone voice. - Bing sings this song from the perspective of a man reminiscing about his friends who used to work with him at a ranch but are no longer alive.
Collaborative Contribution
The song was arranged and directed by Victor Young, an American composer and arranger who worked with many popular singers and musicians of the era. - Accompanied by Victor Young and his Orchestra, Crosby imbued the song with a tangible sense of nostalgic sorrow.
Album Appearance
"Empty Saddles (In the Old Corral)" was featured on many albums, including "Bing Crosby – A Legendary Performer" and "On the Trail".
Song Background
The song was composed by Billy Hill and it's a classic in Western music. - Originally written for the movie "Rhythm on the Range" (1936), it's one of several songs used to underscore the film's themes of cowboy life and the changing American West.
Chart Performance
Although specific chart performance for "Empty Saddles" is not available, multiple songs from the "Rhythm on the Range" movie soundtrack, including Crosby's "I'm An Old Cowhand", did reach Billboard charts, suggesting this song was likely well-received as part of the soundtrack.
Historical Impact
"Empty Saddles (In the Old Corral)" is considered a classic cowboy song, contributing to the canon of American Western music. - The song's theme of reminiscing about the Old West and lost comrades resonated with audiences, helping to maintain the popularity of Western music and culture during the 1930s and 1940s.
Legacy
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, indicating its enduring popularity. - Through performances and recordings of this song, Bing Crosby played a significant role in popularizing Western music and cowboy culture in America.

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