The song "Sam Magee" by Johnny Horton tells the story of a man named Sam McGee who ventures to a valley near the old North Pole in search of gold. He becomes sick during the journey, but before dying, he asks his companion to promise not to leave him in the cold if he passes away. After Sam's death, the narrator fulfills his promise and drags Sam's body on a sled for forty days until they reach a valley with a pine of driftwood. The narrator then gets an idea and decides to build a funeral pyre to cremate Sam's body. He lights a fire, places Sam's body on the pyre, and to his surprise, Sam sits up grinning with his pipe in his mouth. Sam sings joyfully, comparing the warmth of the fire to the South, which is known for its warmer climate. The flames and the Northern Lights in the sky create a beautiful scene, and Sam continues to sing happily as the fire burns. The song suggests that Sam's spirit is content and at peace in this final moment. Overall, the song portrays the loyalty and promise-keeping of the narrator, as well as the belief in finding comfort even in the coldest and most challenging circumstances.
