“When It’s Springtime in Alaska” (song)

“WHEN IT’S SPRINGTIME IN ALASKA” IS A PARODY OF “When It’s Springtime in the Rockies,” a song Mary Hale Woolsey published in 1929 and Gene Autry made famous with his recording. The tune was probably based on old folk melodies. The new words were made up by colonists as they rode the train from their homes in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan toward the Matanuska Valley.

When It’s Springtime in Alaska

When it’s springtime in Alaska

And it’s ninety-nine below,

Where the Eskimos go barefoot

Through the white and drifted snow,

When polar bears get sunburned

At midnight or by day,

When it’s springtime in Alaska—

In Alaska far away.

Where the berries grow like pumpkins

And a cabbage fills a truck,

Where milk and cream are flowing,

For a market we’re not stuck,

Where the sun is always shining

And the seals sing all the day,

When it’s springtime in Alaska—

In Alaska far away.

Some people think we’re foolish

And are sure we will regret;

I’m afraid they are mistaken,

For I see no sign as yet.

We want to make a new start

Somewhere without delay,

So, here we are Alaska,

AND WE HAVE COME TO STAY!