The song "When It's Springtime in Alaska (It's Forty Below)" by Johnny Horton tells the story of a man who travels from Point Barrow through a blizzard of snow and ends up in Fairbanks. The city is thriving, so he decides to visit the Red Dog Sea-loon. As he enters, he hears a beautiful voice singing, captivating his attention. The song being sung by a redhead named Lil talks about how when it's springtime in Alaska, the temperature drops to forty degrees below zero. The lyrics highlight the juxtaposition of the cold Alaskan weather with the concept of springtime, which is typically associated with warmer temperatures and the arrival of nature's renewal. The protagonist of the song, enticed by Lil's voice, takes off his snow packs and approaches her. They engage in a lively dance called the "eskeemo hop" all around the Sea-loon. The dance is characterized by a caribou crawl and a grizzly bear hug on a kodiak rug, reflecting the Alaskan wilderness and its wildlife. However, the innocence of the situation quickly unravels when the man realizes that Lil is actually engaged to a man named Big Ed. In a fit of jealousy, Big Ed throws a knife at the protagonist. The song concludes with the chilling realization that when it's springtime in Alaska, the protagonist will be six feet below, implying his death. Overall, this song tells a tale of a chance encounter in a lively Alaskan city, the allure of a beautiful voice, and the tragic consequences of pursuing forbidden love. It captures the unique blend of danger and beauty that can be found in Alaska's harsh winters.
