Waltz Across The States: Alaska

Alaska has no official state waltz.

However, there are at least two contemporary contenders for that honor, both titled Alaska Waltz. Youtube videos of both are below with more information on each below the videos.

Berde Farris's The Alaska Waltz:

Dave Stancliff's Alaska Waltz:

While the composition dates of both of these waltzes is unknown to me, I think the version by Berde Farris (1932-2015) is the earliest - probably early 1970's. It appeared on a self-published Far-Del LP (FRLP-102) initially titled "Introducing Dan and Berde" ( with a wedding photo of the couple on the cover). It was reissued with the photo shown in the above video on the cover. According to the interesting Hippiebilly section of Slipcue.com, Dan and Berde were both from California and lived in Rialto, California when they made the recording. The Farris's eventually settled in Hobbs, New Mexico and were regulars in the music scene there. I have found no evidence that they ever lived in Alaska. Lyrics and a score may be found at the bottom of this blog.

Dave Stancliff is a long time resident of Alaska, residing in a "snug log cabin in Tok, Alaska." He is a composer and singer of Alaskan songs and is clearly in love with the state. If you ever make it to the mystical tax-free, attorney-free metropolis of Tok during the summer (don't even think about going in the winter) you can catch Dave with his songs and stories most evenings at the Tok R.V. Village. Or, you can sit where you are and catch part of the show right here. If you like what you hear, you can hear a lot more by buying one his three CD's - all Alaska focused. Alaska Waltz appeared on his first CD, If Heaven's Not Alaska, ... However, the performance in the video is not from Alaska, it is from an October 20, 2009 performance at the White River Hoedown Theater in Mountain View, Arkansas. Appearing with Dave in the video are Joe Wadz - Mandolin, Robin Dale Ford - Bass, Pat Fitzgerald - Guitar, and Jordan Woody - Fiddle.

Before sharing lyrics and music, a few comments about these two waltzes. They are both fine tunes - tested and approved by our local String Theory band. The Farris waltz is musically the more traditional and interesting of the two but follows the pattern of many similar country lament waltzes. Alaska's role in the song is almost incidental. The Stancliff waltz is more a folk tune than a dance tune - and is much more fun to sing, particularly if you have an audience to join in on the chorus. Alaska plays a central role in the song. If I were to recommend one of the two the good legislators of Alaska as an official state waltz, the Stancliff waltz would be my choice.

Lyrics and Music:

Berde Farris - The Alaska Waltz

As I sit alone tonight, I can see the northern lights

It reminds of times that I spend with you

Now my heart is breaking so, but did I ever let you go

Won't you come back again to Alaska dear and near

The Alaskan moon is shining bright on this cold Yukon night

The lights of Fairbanks are dim with a silvery hue

Please forgive me once more for its you that I adore

and without you I am sad alone and so blue

So please come back and we can start our life once again

for you don't know how lonesome I've been

But I'll wait here for you though my heart is sad and blue

'til I dance once again the Alaska waltz with you

So please come back and we can start our life once again

for you don't know how lonesome I've been

But I'll wait here for you though my heart is sad and blue

'til I dance once again the Alaska waltz with you

Dave Stancliff - Alaska Waltz

When the moonlight kisses your mountains

And the ocean sits on your sands

I will waltz with you my darling

'Neath the northern lights glowing so grand