This Ain't The Same Old Range

This Ain't The Same Old Range was a song written by Bob Nolan for the 1938 film Cattle Raiders. The song is told from the perspective of an old cowboy, who has watched the "Wild West" fade away and evolve into a world which he no longer recognizes, as well as lamenting the passing of his fellow cowboys.

This Ain't The Same Old Range was the "Classic of The West" performed by Riders In The Sky on Mystery of The Lost Ozone Episode Four.

Lyrics
(Ranger Doug): The scenes have changed across the range since long ago.

There’s miles of rails and crossroad trails that I don’t know.

But now my days are numbered here and I don’t care.

My old gang’s waiting just beyond the rolling clouds up there.

(All Riders): This ain’t the same old range.

Everything seems to change.

Where are the pals I used to ride with?

(Too Slim): Gone to a land so strange.

(All Riders): This ain’t the same old range.

(Too Slim): Each night I see my old pals where the bright moon climbs,

Roundin’ up the shooting stars that stray sometimes,

Then brand them right and tie them tight so they just can’t fall

To some far place in empty space to ne’er be found at all.

(All Riders): This ain’t the same old range.

Everything seems to change.

Where are the pals I used to ride with?

(Too Slim): Gone to a land so strange.

(All Riders): This ain’t the same old range.

Riders Recordings

 * Riders Radio Theater: Mystery of The Lost Ozone Chapter Four
 * The live performance from RRT was later featured on the Live From The Golden Age of Riders Radio Theater album.

Trivia

 * While the song was written by Nolan in the Fall of 1937 (and used during production on Cattle Raiders that November), it wasn't registered for copyright until closer to the film's premiere in February, 1938.
 * Riders In The Sky performed this song as a tribute to their former manager David Skepner during their first live performance after his death in September, 2001.
 * It's possible that this song served as the inspiration of Woody Paul's Cowboy Song, as both involve a former cowboy who has watched America grow and the West disappear.