Johnny Horton
When It’s Springtime in Alaska (It’s Forty Below) [Personal File version]
[Verse 1]
I mushed from Point Barrow through a blizzard of snow
Been out prospecting for two years or so
Pulled into Fairbanks, the city was a boon
So I took a little stroll to the Red Dog Saloon
[Verse 2]
When I walked in the door, the music was clear
Prettiest voice I had heard in two years
The song she kept singing would make a man's blood run cold
When it's springtime in Alaska, it's forty below
[Verse 3]
It was red-headed Lil that was singing so sweet
I reached down and took the snow packs off of my feet
I reached for the gal that was singing the tune
We did the Eskimo hop all around the saloon
[Verse 4]
Where the caribou crawl and the grizzly bear hug
We did our dance on a Kodiak rug
The song she kept singing would make a man's blood run cold
When it's springtime in Alaska, it's forty below
[Verse 5]
Well, I was as innocent as I could be
I didn't know that Lil was Big Ed's wife-to-be
He took out his knife and he gave it a throw
When it's springtime in Alaska, I'll be six feet below