27 Most Popular Songs about Alaska Ever Written
Discover the Spirit of the North: 27 Songs About Alaska
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From vast snow-covered landscapes to tales of solitude, escape, and reinvention, Alaska has long fascinated songwriters. Whether used as a literal setting or a powerful metaphor, the Last Frontier shows up in all kinds of music—from classic country and indie rock to bluegrass, metal, and acoustic folk. This curated playlist highlights 27 of the best songs about Alaska, capturing the mystery, romance, and raw beauty that define America’s wildest state.
You’ll find timeless tracks like Johnny Horton’s gold rush anthems, modern indie reflections from Maggie Rogers and Pinegrove, and heartfelt folk storytelling by John Denver and Michelle Shocked. Some songs celebrate real places—Anchorage, Nome, Fairbanks—while others use Alaska as a symbol for emotional distance, inner peace, or a total life reset. Whether you’re dreaming of heading north or just fascinated by the frozen frontier, these Alaska-themed songs offer a musical journey into the soul of the 49th state.
Here’s a list of 27 songs about Alaska—including tracks that reference the state directly, capture its rugged beauty, explore its isolation, or celebrate its cultural mystique. These songs span country, folk, rock, indie, and even pop:
#1 “North to Alaska” by Johnny Horton (1960) – Legendary Country Song About Gold Rush Dreams
About this song:
- Album: Greatest Hits / Soundtrack to North to Alaska
- Release Date: August 22, 1960
- Artist: Johnny Horton
- Genre: Country / Western
- Key Lyric: “North to Alaska / Go north, the rush is on.”
“North to Alaska” is a classic Johnny Horton hit written for the 1960 film of the same name, starring John Wayne. The song quickly became an anthem for frontier ambition, telling the story of a man who leaves Seattle during the Klondike Gold Rush in search of fortune—and ultimately love.
With a booming baritone and galloping rhythm, Horton paints Alaska as both wild and promising. It remains one of the most iconic country songs about Alaska, capturing the spirit of adventure and the American frontier mythos.
#2 “Alaska” by Maggie Rogers (2016) – Indie Pop Meditation on Self-Discovery in Nature
About this song:
- Album: Heard It in a Past Life
- Release Date: October 14, 2016
- Artist: Maggie Rogers
- Genre: Indie Pop / Electro-Folk
- Key Lyric: “And I walked off you / And I walked off an old me.”
“Alaska” is the breakout single that launched Maggie Rogers into stardom after a viral video of Pharrell Williams reacting to it. The song reflects a literal hike Rogers took in Alaska, using the landscape as a metaphor for personal growth, emotional clarity, and transformation.
With minimalist production, layered harmonies, and natural sounds woven into the beat, it’s an introspective and hypnotic journey. This track is a standout among modern indie songs inspired by Alaska’s wilderness and healing power.
#3 “When It’s Springtime in Alaska (It’s Forty Below)” by Johnny Horton (1959) – Icy Country Ballad with a Deadly Twist
About this song:
- Album: Johnny Horton Makes History
- Release Date: January 1959
- Artist: Johnny Horton
- Genre: Country / Ballad
- Key Lyric: “When it’s springtime in Alaska / I’ll be six feet below.”
This ballad tells a chilling tale of romance and revenge in the frozen north. Horton’s narrator meets a red-headed woman in Fairbanks and dances with her, unaware that her jealous partner is nearby. The upbeat melody masks a dark ending, adding a twist of drama to the icy setting.
With vivid storytelling and a haunting refrain, it remains one of the most memorable and dramatic Alaska-themed country songs ever written.
#4 “Alaska and Me” by John Denver (1980) – Gentle Acoustic Ode to Wilderness and Reflection
About this song:
- Album: Autograph
- Release Date: February 1980
- Artist: John Denver
- Genre: Folk / Country
- Key Lyric: “I was born in a country where people admire / Their neighbors instead of their neighbors’ attire.”
“Alaska and Me” finds John Denver reflecting on what it means to return to simplicity and peace in a rugged natural landscape. With soft acoustic guitar and poetic lyricism, Denver honors Alaska not just as a place, but as a state of mind—offering spiritual renewal and grounded values.
The song is heartfelt, serene, and introspective, capturing the deep emotional connection many people feel toward the Alaskan frontier. It’s a beautifully tender folk ballad about Alaska’s purity and quiet wisdom.
#5 “Alaska” by BROCKHAMPTON (2017) – Experimental Hip-Hop Cut Exploring Distance and Fame
About this song:
- Album: SATURATION II
- Release Date: August 25, 2017
- Artist: BROCKHAMPTON
- Genre: Hip-Hop / Alternative Rap
- Key Lyric: “My heart’s in Alaska, my mind’s in a cage.”
“Alaska” by BROCKHAMPTON is a moody, layered track that plays with ideas of isolation, introspection, and identity. The reference to Alaska is symbolic—standing in for emotional distance, retreat, and inner conflict amidst growing fame.
With genre-bending production and alternating rap styles, the song reflects the collective’s signature mix of vulnerability and swagger. It’s one of the most compelling hip-hop songs that use Alaska as a metaphor for solitude and escape.
#6 “Alaska Highway” by Dan Bern (2003) – Witty Folk-Rock Storytelling Along the Iconic Road
About this song:
- Album: Fleeting Days
- Release Date: March 4, 2003
- Artist: Dan Bern
- Genre: Folk Rock / Americana
- Key Lyric: “Up the Alaska Highway / I’m gonna ride all night and day.”
“Alaska Highway” by Dan Bern is a freewheeling, humorous, and introspective road song filled with vivid imagery and poetic detours. As he travels the legendary route, Bern contemplates everything from politics to relationships to dreams of escape.
His clever lyrical style and laid-back vocal delivery give the song a narrative tone that blends adventure with reflection. It stands out as a literary and unconventional folk song about traveling to Alaska, perfect for long drives and deep thoughts.
#7 “Midnight Sun” by Willie Nelson (2010) – A Tender Country Ballad Rooted in Alaskan Romance
About this song:
- Album: Country Music
- Release Date: April 20, 2010
- Artist: Willie Nelson
- Genre: Country / Traditional
- Key Lyric: “Your lips were like a red and ruby chalice / Warmer than the summer night.”
Willie Nelson’s “Midnight Sun” is a romantic old-fashioned ballad that references Alaska’s endless daylight to symbolize enduring passion. Though originally written in the 1940s by Lionel Hampton and Johnny Mercer, Nelson’s version adds a country flavor and heartfelt sincerity.
The imagery of Alaska’s unique lightscape gives the song a dreamy, timeless quality. It’s one of the most poetic country songs inspired by Alaska’s midnight sun and eternal longing.
#8 “Alaska and the Airplane” by Lizzy McAlpine (2020) – Intimate Acoustic Song of Farewell and Growth
About this song:
- Album: Give Me a Minute
- Release Date: August 13, 2020
- Artist: Lizzy McAlpine
- Genre: Indie Folk / Singer-Songwriter
- Key Lyric: “You were Alaska / I was the airplane.”
Lizzy McAlpine’s “Alaska and the Airplane” is a metaphorical exploration of love, distance, and timing. In this tender acoustic ballad, Alaska represents someone grounded and still, while the airplane symbolizes someone who must move on.
Her vocal delivery is soft and emotionally rich, paired with sparse guitar and lyrical honesty. It’s one of the most emotionally resonant modern indie songs using Alaska as a symbol of stillness and separation.
#9 “Fairbanks, Alaska” by Jon Bryant (2012) – Atmospheric Folk Rock with Themes of Escape
About this song:
- Album: What Takes You
- Release Date: October 9, 2012
- Artist: Jon Bryant
- Genre: Folk Rock / Indie
- Key Lyric: “If I could I’d go / To Fairbanks, Alaska.”
“Fairbanks, Alaska” is a song of yearning—an aching call to leave behind life’s noise and find solace in a far-off, quiet place. Jon Bryant uses the city of Fairbanks as a metaphor for freedom, clarity, and emotional distance.
The ambient production and haunting melodies underscore the deep desire to escape. This track stands out as a soulful and reflective folk song about Alaska as a place of refuge and reinvention.
#10 “Alaska” by Dr. Dog (2008) – Indie Rock Groove That Blends Adventure and Absurdity
About this song:
- Album: Fate
- Release Date: July 22, 2008
- Artist: Dr. Dog
- Genre: Indie Rock / Psychedelic Pop
- Key Lyric: “Alaska, oh Alaska / I think I’m coming down with a cold.”
Dr. Dog’s “Alaska” is quirky, infectious, and filled with oddball charm. The band’s retro-tinged indie sound gives the track a playful feel, while the lyrics paint a surreal picture of life in the snowy north.
The song isn’t just about geography—it’s about emotional weather, ironic detachment, and unexpected detours. It’s one of the more offbeat and catchy indie rock songs referencing Alaska’s cold and character.
#11 “Road to Alaska” by Bee Gees (1972) – Bluesy Rock Tale of Escape and Reinvention
About this song:
- Album: To Whom It May Concern
- Release Date: October 1972
- Artist: Bee Gees
- Genre: Rock / Blues Rock
- Key Lyric: “I’m on the road to Alaska, and I’ve got nowhere to go.”
“Road to Alaska” marks a departure from the Bee Gees’ signature harmonies, leaning into a gritty blues-rock groove. The lyrics follow a restless traveler headed north without a clear destination, using Alaska as a symbol of isolation and possible redemption.
The stripped-down sound reflects the starkness of the Alaskan wilderness, while the journey theme resonates with anyone seeking a fresh start. It’s a unique and raw classic rock song about hitting the road to Alaska in search of meaning or escape.
#12 “Alaska” by Between the Buried and Me (2005) – Progressive Metal Odyssey with Brutal Intensity
About this song:
- Album: Alaska
- Release Date: September 6, 2005
- Artist: Between the Buried and Me
- Genre: Progressive Metal / Metalcore
- Key Lyric: “This is what I live for… the road to Alaska.”
“Alaska” is the title track of Between the Buried and Me’s genre-defying third album, and it serves as a sonic onslaught of shifting tempos, brutal breakdowns, and technical precision. While not literally about the state, the name evokes the vast, untamed, and extreme—mirroring the song’s wild compositional structure.
For fans of metal and progressive rock, it’s a bold and powerful Alaska-inspired track symbolizing intensity, isolation, and unpredictability.
#13 “Alaska” by Pinegrove (2018) – Indie Rock Reflection on Distance and Emotional Cold
About this song:
- Album: Skylight
- Release Date: September 28, 2018
- Artist: Pinegrove
- Genre: Indie Rock / Emo Folk
- Key Lyric: “Alaska, the distance, it hardens me.”
Pinegrove’s “Alaska” is full of lyrical ambiguity, emotional weight, and sonic warmth. The song explores physical and psychological distance, using the imagery of Alaska as a stand-in for emotional barriers and the passage of time.
Evan Stephens Hall’s vocals are earnest and understated, backed by rootsy instrumentation that gives the song depth and texture. It’s a poignant and poetic indie song about Alaska as metaphor for detachment and personal reckoning.
#14 “Alaska” by Little Hurt (2020) – Upbeat Pop-Rock Song About Escaping Urban Chaos
About this song:
- Album: Every Second (EP)
- Release Date: May 2020
- Artist: Little Hurt
- Genre: Indie Pop / Alt Rock
- Key Lyric: “Let’s move to Alaska and forget the rest.”
“Alaska” by Little Hurt is a bright, catchy alt-pop anthem with an escapist message. In the song, Alaska is a destination of calm, a faraway place to flee the stress and overstimulation of modern life.
With driving percussion, sunny melodies, and clever lyrics, the track balances upbeat energy with a sense of existential dread. It’s one of the more accessible and modern pop songs about moving to Alaska for peace of mind.
#15 “Alaska” by The Silver Seas (2010) – Lush Soft Rock Fantasy About Disappearing Into Nature
About this song:
- Album: Château Revenge!
- Release Date: July 6, 2010
- Artist: The Silver Seas
- Genre: Soft Rock / Indie Pop
- Key Lyric: “I wanna move to Alaska / And never come back.”
This smooth, retro-leaning pop track fantasizes about leaving everything behind for a simpler life in the Alaskan wilds. The Silver Seas pair polished harmonies with tongue-in-cheek lyrics and easygoing instrumentation.
While it’s playful on the surface, the song taps into a deeper cultural desire for isolation, tranquility, and reinvention. It’s one of the more whimsical yet earnest soft rock songs about fleeing to Alaska for a fresh start.
#16 “North Country Fair” by Nanci Griffith (1993) – Poetic Folk Tribute to Alaska’s Northern Charm
About this song:
- Album: Other Voices, Other Rooms
- Release Date: February 1993
- Artist: Nanci Griffith
- Genre: Folk / Americana
- Key Lyric: “And if you’re traveling in the north country fair / Where the winds hit heavy on the borderline…”
Though originally written by Bob Dylan, Nanci Griffith’s cover of “Girl from the North Country” (often retitled “North Country Fair” in tribute) evokes the icy northern beauty that easily parallels the landscapes of Alaska.
Her gentle delivery and acoustic arrangement transform the song into a heartfelt tribute to love and geography. In Griffith’s hands, it becomes a symbolic folk ballad about Alaska’s northern isolation, longing, and wind-swept romance.
#17 “Cold Alaska” by Leon Russell (2001) – Bluesy Americana Track About Loss and Solitude
About this song:
- Album: Rhythm & Bluegrass: Hank Wilson, Vol. 4
- Release Date: April 2001
- Artist: Leon Russell
- Genre: Country / Americana
- Key Lyric: “Cold Alaska, where the winds blow free / There’s nothing left for me.”
Leon Russell’s “Cold Alaska” delivers gritty vocals and a heartfelt narrative about being emotionally and physically left out in the cold. Using Alaska’s unforgiving climate as a metaphor, the song weaves themes of heartbreak, loneliness, and resignation into a slow-burning country tune.
It’s an evocative and emotional Alaska-themed country song about heartbreak, cold distance, and human frailty.
#18 “Alaska” by Phosphorescent (2005) – Lo-Fi Indie Reflection with Sparse Instrumentation
About this song:
- Album: Aw Come Aw Wry
- Release Date: August 30, 2005
- Artist: Phosphorescent
- Genre: Indie Folk / Lo-Fi
- Key Lyric: “Alaska, you won’t forgive me.”
Phosphorescent’s “Alaska” is hauntingly beautiful, combining minimal instrumentation with ghostly vocals and melancholy lyrics.
The song suggests guilt, remorse, and a desire for reconciliation, with Alaska representing emotional distance and a place of silent judgment. It’s subtle, yet powerful—making it one of the most moving lo-fi indie songs about emotional exile and Alaskan metaphor.
#19 “Alaska” by Cattle & Cane (2016) – Atmospheric Indie Anthem About Leaving It All Behind
About this song:
- Album: Home
- Release Date: September 2016
- Artist: Cattle & Cane
- Genre: Indie Pop / Alternative
- Key Lyric: “Take me away, take me to Alaska.”
With pulsing drums, reverb-heavy guitars, and yearning vocals, “Alaska” by Cattle & Cane is an energetic yet emotional anthem about starting over.
The chorus calls out for escape, with Alaska standing as the ultimate destination for clarity, peace, and distance from modern life. It’s a cinematic and uplifting indie pop song about escaping to Alaska for reinvention and solitude.
#20 “Juneau” by Funeral for a Friend (2003) – Post-Hardcore Anthem Tied to Distance and Desperation
About this song:
- Album: Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation
- Release Date: October 20, 2003
- Artist: Funeral for a Friend
- Genre: Post-Hardcore / Emo
- Key Lyric: “And I stare, I stare / A thousand miles away.”
While “Juneau” doesn’t lyrically reference Alaska, its title—a nod to the state capital—frames the song’s themes of emotional distance and unreachable connection. Funeral for a Friend’s blend of melodic hooks and intense delivery creates a feeling of desperation and longing.
It’s a passionate and cathartic emo-rock song with Alaska-inspired symbolism about isolation and unreachable love.
#21 “Anchorage” by Michelle Shocked (1988) – Folk Letter Song Bridging Distance and Friendship
About this song:
- Album: Short Sharp Shocked
- Release Date: August 1988
- Artist: Michelle Shocked
- Genre: Folk / Americana
- Key Lyric: “Anchorage, Anchorage / Hey, girl, what’s it like to be in Anchorage?”
“Anchorage” is a conversational folk song written as a musical letter between old friends. Michelle Shocked sings with gentle honesty about life changes, motherhood, and distance—both emotional and geographic. Alaska’s largest city becomes a symbol for growing apart but still caring deeply.
The song’s understated arrangement lets the lyrics shine, making it one of the most heartfelt and authentic folk songs about life in Alaska and enduring friendship.
#22 “Nome, Alaska” by The Gordon Lightfoot Tribute (Various Artists, 2009) – Nostalgic Folk Instrumental Honoring the Far North
About this song:
- Album: North Winds: A Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot
- Release Date: 2009
- Artist: Various Artists
- Genre: Folk Instrumental
- Key Lyric: *[Instrumental]*
“Nome, Alaska” appears on a tribute album honoring Canadian folk legend Gordon Lightfoot. While the track is instrumental, it paints an evocative sonic picture of Nome’s rugged isolation and frontier spirit.
Fingerpicked guitar and soft melodies conjure images of snow-covered plains and long Alaskan nights. It’s a beautifully reflective piece among instrumental folk songs about remote Alaska towns, ideal for quiet contemplation or scenic soundtracks.
#23 “Alaska and You” by Quiet Company (2006) – Indie Rock Song About Distance and Possibility
About this song:
- Album: Shine Honesty
- Release Date: November 2006
- Artist: Quiet Company
- Genre: Indie Rock / Emo
- Key Lyric: “I would move to Alaska with you / If you asked me to.”
“Alaska and You” is a sweet yet slightly melancholy love song that uses Alaska as a metaphor for commitment and willingness to go anywhere—even the most distant place—for love. With crisp guitars and a soaring chorus, the track walks the line between vulnerability and optimism.
It’s one of the most earnest indie love songs about Alaska and emotional devotion, resonating with anyone willing to go to great lengths for connection.
#24 “Ice Fishing in Alaska” by Bearfoot (2006) – Bluegrass Jam Rooted in Alaskan Culture
About this song:
- Album: Follow Me
- Release Date: May 2006
- Artist: Bearfoot
- Genre: Bluegrass / Americana
- Key Lyric: “I’m going ice fishing in Alaska, don’t care what the weatherman says.”
Bearfoot, a band formed in Alaska, delivers this toe-tapping bluegrass tune with authenticity and regional pride. “Ice Fishing in Alaska” celebrates the quirky, rugged culture of the Last Frontier, where winter recreation and tradition go hand in hand.
With lively mandolin, fiddle, and group harmonies, this track is an upbeat, hyper-local gem among bluegrass songs about Alaska’s rural lifestyle and frozen fun.
#25 “Alaska” by Walking on Cars (2019) – Atmospheric Rock Ballad of Yearning and Distance
About this song:
- Album: Colours
- Release Date: April 12, 2019
- Artist: Walking on Cars
- Genre: Alternative Rock / Indie Pop
- Key Lyric: “Take me to Alaska / Where no one knows my name.”
With soaring vocals and cinematic production, “Alaska” by Walking on Cars captures the feeling of needing to disappear and start over. The chorus longs for the anonymity and clarity only Alaska can offer, echoing the common use of the state as a metaphor for isolation and renewal.
It’s a rich, emotional anthem among modern rock songs about escaping to Alaska and rediscovering yourself.
#26 “Alaska Young” by The Scene Aesthetic (2006) – Acoustic Emo Ballad Inspired by Fictional Character
About this song:
- Album: Building Homes from What We’ve Known
- Release Date: March 2006
- Artist: The Scene Aesthetic
- Genre: Acoustic / Emo
- Key Lyric: “Alaska, I hope you’re warm tonight.”
Named after the lead character in John Green’s novel *Looking for Alaska*, this song is a tender, acoustic-driven reflection on emotional warmth and memory. It’s not about the state itself, but uses the name as a symbol of longing and poetic distance.
The sparse production and heartfelt lyrics make it a favorite among emo-acoustic songs inspired by Alaska as an emotional touchstone.
#27 “Alaska” by The Dodos (2011) – Experimental Folk Track with Rhythmic Drive and Subtle Power
About this song:
- Album: No Color
- Release Date: March 15, 2011
- Artist: The Dodos
- Genre: Indie Folk / Experimental Rock
- Key Lyric: “Go to Alaska, somewhere I’ve never been.”
The Dodos’ “Alaska” builds tension and release with pulsing percussion, finger-picked guitar, and cryptic lyrics.
The track explores the idea of leaving familiarity behind, using Alaska as a metaphor for stepping into the unknown. It’s layered, atmospheric, and emotionally rich—one of the more nuanced and artistic indie folk songs about Alaska’s allure and ambiguity.
Final Thoughts on Alaska-Inspired Music
These 27 songs reveal just how deeply Alaska resonates in the world of music. Artists across genres have turned to Alaska for its metaphors, majesty, and meaning—drawing on its sense of isolation, adventure, healing, and raw power.
Whether it’s a stomping country track, a haunting indie ballad, or a whimsical love song, each one captures a different shade of what Alaska represents. This playlist is more than a celebration of a place—it’s a soundtrack to the untamed spirit of the north.
