Dick Haymes (September 13, 19… Read Full Bio ↴Powerful, milky smooth, rich baritone.
Dick Haymes (September 13, 1918 – March 28, 1980) was one of the most popular American male vocalists of the 1940s and early 1950s.
He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His Irish-born mother, Marguerite Haymes (1894-1987), was a well-known vocal coach and instructor. He became the vocalist in a number of big bands, worked in Hollywood on radio and in many films throughout the forties and fifties.
He never became a United States citizen and avoided military service during World War II by asserting his non-belligerent status as a citizen of Argentina, which was neutral. Years later (1955), this act of his nearly caused his deportation to Argentina on an unrelated technicality in immigration law. During World War II, he was briefly detained at Ellis Island.
Haymes was married six times and had six children. His most famous marriages were to film actresses Joanne Dru (1941-1949) and Rita Hayworth (1953-1955). His daughter Stephanie Haymes was married to Sir Elton John's lyricist Bernie Taupin
He died in Los Angeles from lung cancer, at the age of 61.
Empty Saddles
Dick Haymes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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,
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
The song "Empty Saddles" by Dick Haymes is a melancholy ode to the lives of cowboys and their horses. The opening lyrics sets the scene in an old corral, where the singer feels a strange presence despite being alone. The reference to "empty saddles" suggests that the horses of the cowboys have passed away, leaving the singer feeling the emptiness and loss of the life he's known. As the song continues, the singer poses a question to his lost friends about where they might be now. Are they still out on the plains, herding cattle and seeking adventure? Or have they passed from this world entirely?
The chorus repeats the question of where the horses have gone, introducing various scenarios of cowboy life that illustrate the spirit of adventure and camaraderie. The final verses of the song evoke the haunting images of the old west: unused guns covered in rust, boots covered in dust, and the mournful presence of empty saddles. The singer then pleads with his lost friends to let him know that they are still with him, albeit in spirit.
Overall, "Empty Saddles" is a touching tribute to the cowboys and horses of the old west. The song's lyrics provide a window into the emotions of someone who has lost their closest friends and companions. It also highlights the bond between humans and horses, a powerful relationship that has been celebrated in art and literature for centuries.
Line by Line Meaning
There's something strange in the old corral
There is a feeling of unease in the old corral
There's a breeze, though the wind has died
Although the wind is not blowing, there is a slight breeze
Though I'm alone in the old corral
Even though I'm the only one here in the old corral
Seems there is someone at my side
It feels like there is someone standing right next to me
Empty saddles in the old corral
There are no riders and the saddles are empty in the old corral
Where do you ride tonight?
Where have the riders gone tonight?
Are you roundin' up the dogies, The strays of long ago
Are the riders rounding up stray cattle from long ago?
Are you on the trail of buffalo?
Are they chasing after buffalo on their horses?
Are there rustlers on the border, Or a band of Navajo
Are there cattle rustlers or Native American Indians at the border?
Are you headin' for the Alamo?
Are they on their way to the Alamo?
Empty guns covered with rust
The guns are not being used and are old and rusty
Where do you talk tonight?
Where are the riders talking or communicating tonight?
Empty boots covered with dust
No one has been wearing these boots and they are covered in dust
Where do you walk tonight?
Where are the riders walking to tonight?
My tears will be dried tonight
I will stop crying tonight
If you'll only say I'm lonely
If the riders would just say that they are also lonely
as you carry my old pal
as you are carrying my old friend in spirit
Empty saddles in the old corral
There are no riders around and this makes me sad
There is no smoke, still the fires burn
The fires are still burning even though there is no visible smoke
There's no song, still I hear guitars
Even though there is no audible music, I can hear guitars in my mind
There is no dust, still the ghosts return
Although there is no dust, the ghosts of the past still appear
Softly to vanish through the bars
The ghosts disappear quietly as if they are going through the bars of a prison cell
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: BRENNEN HILL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Trombonology Erstwhile
One of my favorite tunes from the then-popular cowboy genre; though I'll always associate the song most closely with the man who introduced it, Bing Crosby, I have to say that Dick does a wonderful, respectful job here.
Sadie
I'd like to take the time to wish you happy holidays and thank you for bringing this music to YouTube so others who may not have the LPs, 78s or 45s anymore or may have never came across this music era, may again enjoy. I was raised on this music and it is so nice to have it in digital form so my gramma and I may enjoy it!