The Rawhide theme song, composed by Dimitri Tiomkin and performed by Frankie Laine, became an enduring classic in the realm of Western television. As the show’s first episode aired on December 24, 1959 in the UK, it marked the beginning of a captivating journey.
Across its eight seasons and 217 episodes, Rawhide’s theme song served as a captivating introduction to the adventures that awaited. Directors Christian Nyby, Ted Post, Thomas Carr, Harmon Jones, and Jesse Hibbs skillfully brought the Wild West to life, while cinematographers Neal Beckner, Philip H. Lathrop, John M. Nickolaus Jr., Howard Schwartz, and Jack Swain captured its rugged beauty.
Under the executive production of Ben Brady, Rawhide resonated with audiences, showcasing the trials and triumphs of a cattle drive. The theme song’s iconic melody and the heartfelt performance by Frankie Laine continue to evoke the spirit of the Old West, ensuring that Rawhide’s legacy lives on in the hearts of Western enthusiasts.
Rawhide Theme Song Lyrics
Rollin rollin rollin
Rollin rollin rollin
Rollin rollin rollin
Rollin rollin rollin
Rawhide
Keep rollin rollin rollin
Though the streams are swollen
Keep them dogies rollin rawhide
Through rain and wind and weather
Hell bent for leather
Wishin my gal was by my side
All the things I’m missin
Good vittles love and kissin
Are waiting at the end of my ride
Move em on head em up
Head em up move em on
Move em on head em up rawhide
Cut em out ride em in
Ride em in cut em out
Cut em out ride em in rawhide
Keep movin movin movin
Though they’re disapprovin
Keep them dogies movin rawhide
Don’t try to understand em
Just rope em throw and brand em
Soon we’ll be livin high and wide
My heart’s calculatin
My true love will be waitin
Be waitin’ at the end of my ride
Move em on head em up
Head em up move em on
Move em on head em up rawhide
Cut em out ride em in
Ride em in cut em out
Cut em out ride em in rawhide
Rollin rollin rollin
Rollin rollin rollin
Rollin rollin rollin
Rollin rollin rollin
Rawhide
Rawhide
