About The Song
In the realm of country music, there are songs that tell tales of love, loss, and life’s simple pleasures. And then there are songs that transport us to a different time and place, painting vivid pictures with their lyrics and melodies. “North to Alaska” by Johnny Horton is one such song, an iconic ballad that captures the spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush and the allure of adventure.
Released in 1960, “North to Alaska” became an instant hit, topping the country charts and reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s popularity was further fueled by its inclusion in the Paramount Pictures film of the same name, starring John Wayne and Stewart Granger. Horton’s powerful vocals and the song’s catchy tune made it an enduring favorite, and it remains a staple of country radio and playlists to this day.
“North to Alaska” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a story, a chronicle of the hopes, dreams, and hardships of those who sought fortune in the frozen north. The lyrics follow the journey of Sam McCord, a prospector who leaves his home in Seattle to chase the dream of gold in Alaska.
The song opens with a rousing chorus that sets the stage for the adventure to come:
“North to Alaska, go north, the rush is on Way up north (North to Alaska) Way up north (North to Alaska) North to Alaska, go north, the rush is on North to Alaska, go north, the rush is on”
McCord and his companions face treacherous terrain, harsh weather, and the ever-present danger of other prospectors willing to do anything to strike it rich. But despite the challenges, McCord is driven by an unwavering belief that he will find his fortune.
The song’s second verse paints a vivid picture of McCord’s determination:
“Sam crossed the Majestic Mountains To the valleys far below He talked to his team of huskies As he mushed on through the snow With the northern lights a-runnin’ wild In the land of the midnight sun”
As McCord ventures deeper into the Alaskan wilderness, he begins to question his pursuit of wealth. He longs for the comforts of home and the love of a woman named Jenny. In the song’s bridge, he expresses his yearning:
“George turns to Sam With his gold in his hand Said Sam you’re lookin’ At a lonely, lonely man I’d trade all the gold That’s buried in this land For one small band of gold To place on sweet little Jenny’s hand”
Despite his longing for Jenny, McCord is ultimately unable to resist the lure of the gold. He continues his search, driven by a mix of hope and desperation. The song’s final verse captures the bittersweet nature of his quest:
“Where the river is windin’, big nuggets they’re findin’ North to Alaska – go north, the rush is on Way up north (North to Alaska) Way up north (North to Alaska) North to Alaska – go north, the rush is on North to Alaska – go north, the rush is on”
“North to Alaska” is more than just a song about the Klondike Gold Rush; it’s a story about human ambition, the pursuit of dreams, and the sacrifices we make along the way. It’s a reminder that true wealth is not always measured in gold, but in the love and connections we share with others.
Johnny Horton’s powerful vocals and the song’s evocative lyrics have made “North to Alaska” a timeless classic. It’s a song that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, reminding us of the power of dreams and the enduring spirit of adventure.
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Lyric
Big Sam left Seattle in the year of ninety-twoWith George Pratt his partner and brother Billy tooThey crossed the Yukon river and they found the bonanza goldBelow that old white mountainJust a little south-east of NomeSam crossed the Majestic mountains to the valleys far belowHe talked to his team of huskiesAs he mushed on through the snowWith the northen lights a-runnin’ wildIn the land of the midnight sunYes Sam McCord was a mighty manIn the year of nineteen-oneWhere the river is windin’ big nuggets they’re findin’North to Alaska go north the rush is onNorth to Alaska go north the rush is onGeorge turns to Sam with his gold in his handSaid Sam you’re lookin’ at a lonely lonely manI’d trade all the gold that’s buried in this landFor one small band of gold to place on sweet little Jenny’s hand‘Cause a man needs a woman to love him all the timeRemember Sam a true love is so hard to findI’d build for my Jenny a honeymoon homeBelow that old white mountainJust a little south-east of NomeWhere the river is windin’ big nuggets they’re findin’North to Alaska go north the rush is onNorth to Alaska go north the rush is on