For Jack Casey - Lone Prairie (Sam Shackleton)

In Memory of Jack T. Casey of Dover, New Hampshire. Jack died in a helicopter crash on February 7, 2024, along with crewmates Donovan Davis, Alec Langen, Benjamin Moulton, and Miguel Nava. Jack is survived by his wife Emma; his parents Catherine and James; his siblings James, Patrick, Sean, and Catherine; and many others who will forever feel his loss. Mizpah, Jack.
I am playing a Levi Brown reproduction banjo. I am tuned to dADF#A, which is standard tuning but 2.5 steps down. I learned this song from Thomas Owen of Gloucestershire, who worked it out from recordings of Sam Shackleton of Stirling, Scotland. Mr. Shackleton writes: “I first heard this song on Cisco Houston’s 1952 album called ‘Cowboy Ballads’”.
Lone Prairie is a nineteenth-century American folksong. A few prominent online sources claim that it is based on Edwin H. Chapman’s 1839 poem “The Ocean Burial”, but the song itself is not attributed to anyone as far as I know. I am currently researching its origins. “Lone Prairie” is also known by the names “The Dying Cowboy”, “The Cowboy’s Lament”, and “Oh, Bury Me Not”, among others.
My friend Hank (‪@huckenfank6977‬) first shared Colter Wall’s rendition while I was traveling to Jack’s funeral. I then found Sam Shackleton’s banjo arrangement, which my friend Thomas (‪@ThomasOwenFolk‬) figured out by listening to Sam (‪@sorleythebard‬), then taught me.
The footage was kindly provided by Jeffrey Hastings (‪@aphototaker‬) and ColdnFrosty (‪@ColdnFrosty‬), linked below. They depict the Missing Man formation of USMC CH-53K’s and CH-53E’s practicing and executing the memorial flyover. The Missing Man Formation is a memorial flight formation dating back to WWII, whereby a squadron of aircraft flies over the memorial. Then, the second element leader suddenly breaks off from the formation, representing the departure of the fallen.
Jack Casey Obituary: www.purdyfuneralservice.com/m...
“Captain Jack Thomas Casey” (‪@aphototaker‬): • Captain Jack Thomas Casey
“USMC CH-53E's and CH-53K's Prep for Capt. Jack Casey Dedication | Pease ANGB (PSM) Formation Practice” (‪@ColdnFrosty‬): • USMC CH-53E's and CH-5...
Thomas Owen Rendition (‪@ThomasOwenFolk‬) • Lone Prairie (Sam Shac...
Sam Shackleton Rendition (‪@sorleythebard‬): • The Lone Prairie (Trad...

[@chickenindoubleC]

“O, bury me not on the lone prairie” These words came low and mournfully From the pallid lips, o' a youth who lay On his dying bed at the close of day “It matters not I have been told Where the body lies when the heart goes cold But grant o' grant this wish to me Bury me not on the lone prairie” “O, bury me not on the lone prairie Where the coyotes howl and the wind blows free Where not a soul will care for me O, bury me not on the lone prairie” “I wish to lie where a mother's prayer Or sister's tear will linger there Where friends can come and weep o'er me O, bury me not on the lone prairie” “O bury me not”, his voice failed there And we took no heed o' his dying prayer In a narrow grave, just six by three We buried him there on the lone prairie And the cowboys now as they roam the plains For we mark the spot where his bones were lain Put a handful o' roses o'er his grave And prayed to God for his soul to save

[@ThomasOwenFolk]

Very well done Madeleine, this was a beautiful way to honour your friend Jack.

[@chickenindoubleC]

Thomas, I want everyone to know I could not have done this without you. Thank you for teaching me the song and for helping me with the recording equipment.

[@knoxmassey6822]

Mau Captain Casey Rest in Peace. He's got Firewatch in heaven now.

[@tylerjgifford]

Absolutely wonderful rendition, Mads. I particularly like how you lead into some of your phrasings throughout. May his memory be eternal 🙏

[@chickenindoubleC]

Thank you, Tyler

[@NarcanMedic]

Beautiful. Gave me goosebumps.

[@chickenindoubleC]

Thank you for listening. Your encouragement has really helped me make so much progress ❤

[@oliviahartland]

Wow! What a beautiful tribute ❤

[@chickenindoubleC]

Thank you, Olivia. I've been thinking of Gabe, too.

[@oliviahartland]

@@chickenindoubleC I think he would have loved this song!

[@fernandobentayga4782]

🎼 🚁🪕🎶😌🎶🎙🚁🎼

[@chickenindoubleC]

🙏🏼😌🌄❤🌄😌🙏🏼