| 1: 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 ya ride tonight? |
| are ya roundin' up the dogies, |
| the strays of long ago, |
| are ya on the trail of buffalo? |
| empty saddles in the old corral, |
| where do ya ride tonight? |
| are there rustlers on the border, |
| or a band of navajo |
| are ya headin' for the alamo? |
| empty guns covered with rust |
| where do ya talk tonight? |
| empty boots covered with dust |
| where do ya walk tonight? |
| empty saddles in the old corral, |
| my tears would be dried tonight |
| if you’ll only say i’m lonely, |
| as ya carry my old pal |
| empty saddles in the old corral |
| 2: 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 thru the bars |