The last song I played with my father

Hey folks, sharing a video here today that is incredibly close to my heart. As some of you may know, my darling father Norman Shackleton tragically passed away last summer. This video was recorded on my dad's birthday in a beautiful wee spot he loved close to his home in Bridge of Allan, Scotland. The song we're playing is the American folk ballad the "Crawdad Song" - a busking favourite of ours for many years.
We always used to busk and play music together throughout my entire life however we hadn't in several months due to the pandemic, so I travelled through to see him on his birthday and play some music together where we recorded this video. I didn't realise at the time, but this video was actually the last time we would ever play music together. It truly breaks my heart that we will never play music together again in this life, but I know we will play together eternally in the next. Love you always, Norman.

[@dubhmor]

My dad was born in Glasgow in 1948. He came to Canada in 1969 to work in Fort Albany in Northern Ontario. Just a rough kid from Glesga in the frozen north. He worked in a general store for the Hudson Bay Company. Trading furs and selling supplies for trappers in the general store. After his 2 year contract with them was up, he moved to BC to be a logger. He had me in 1985 in Harrison Hot Springs, BC. My mom's dad was from Ayrshire too. I'm born in Canada, but Canada has a native indigenous people who have called it their home for millenia. I am not one of them. My roots, and a little part of my spirit, will always be there in Scotland. He raised me on The Corries and Rabbie Burns, he taught me the history, and provided me with the foundation to explore and celebrate my roots as an adult. When he died in 2021 I found the most solace and comfort in studying gaelic for the first time, rereading the old Nigel Tranter books from my youth, and learning some of the old songs on my guitar. I hope you find the same solace somehow, Sam.

[@Pack_leader1989]

I love it this is how we got our applacian music greetings from a American hillbilly 🇺🇲🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@bartoszs.3925]

All the best for the da. He's now somewhere, strummin and hummin, waiting to play with you again one day

[@DyarContreras]

May he rest in peace. Amazing dads always teach their kids how to live…sorry for your loss.

[@reckerfm2812]

I lost my father two years ago to the day yesterday. I recently discovered your music while going through a bit of a hard time and instantly wanted you on my playlist. This video was incredibly heartwarming to me and I just wanted to say you’re an incredible artist, hang in there, keep up your amazing work.❤

[@bgabriel6532]

Beautiful Sam, thanks for sharing. Really happy for you that you got this on video.

[@haydenelwell7221]

Love you and this, he raised quite the man. may he rest well forever in peace.

[@jkwb2222]

Thanks for sharing this. lovely stuff

[@KoltonMacEachen]

I come from a Scottish family, Specifically from Isle of Man & Argyll and Bute. My family went to Canada in 1699-1845 and are still deeply rooted in Scottish culture today. Hearing your accent and how beautiful the songs are makes me want to go back to the isles and make music until I die. Take a long rest Norman, you’ve deserved it. ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Squarekn0t]

My Da taught me to work hard and my Kilkenny Ma taught me how to drink Guinness , she always said- Father , Son, and Holy Spirit and the fourth one is the devel! And then cap it of with a shot of Tullymore Due

[@Milk__Milk]

He must've raised you well, God rest his soul

[@rustyshackleford4728]

I bet he was damned proud

[@xaqchilly]

i couldn't put into words how much i love this. a friend just introduced me to your version of Lone Prairie and im glad he did. you are a great musician and your your father was as well. thank you for sharing this with the world

[@bobbycrispy5459]

Loved it Sam , your father taught you well , what a mentor

[@craigmitchell8892]

what a beautiful moment! thank you so much for sharing

[@commanderty94]

Beautiful. Tonight we drink to you, Norman!

[@stoneface21]

Beautiful video, thank you for sharing it with us

[@claydavis8093]

Even the swans are loving it. Sorry for your loss Sam. Your Dad lives on in you. RIP Norman

[@JackKoff-l8d]

Thanks for sharing brother now he rests with the father behind the pearly gates singing his glory. I look forward to joining yall there when my time comes

[@ollyolsen697]

Just beautiful

[@bobbyking2490]

Beautiful, God bless you!

[@FatBoy42069]

as someone whos also lost there father I'll add your family to my prays. Just remember you have this video to look back on in future and when ever you do look onto it with joy.

[@GeoGlover]

Ah Sam. I saw this and my heart breaks for you. I think that your father would be so proud of you. Keep creating your music. It is a legacy.

[@teddy9970]

Sending love Sam! This will forever be beautiful

[@FFLD2007]

Sam, my late father passed on to me a real appreciation for good music,. Your music brings him top of mind bc it would be his absolute favorite. God bless you laddie.

[@the_not_so_operator_operat1704]

My dad use to sing this to me before bed time when I was a kid. I love this and sorry to hear about your loss.

[@connorkirby1730]

I got two young boys. Hoping to be able to share the same with them as they grow older. Love from the US.

[@fionnmcnessa]

I lost my father in May last year a glue the best father in the world thought me loads . I have absolutely no doubt he was proud as punch of you my man he is with you now every step of the way as you continue to make him proud with your fantastic music your father done a fantastic job raising you and he knows it. That tap from him on your shoulder said it all that's my boy and I'm so proud . May he find peace on his new journey 🙏

[@dirtypatwalsh]

Thank you for sharing such a precious moment with your father ❤ wonderful playing!!! I’m blessed to see this. 👍

[@dylanfielding7135]

So sorry for your loss! Great to see you guys made some great memories together. My father also took his own life. My condolences go out to you and your family

[@pjy3265]

Beautiful, RIP.

[@ayakasaito7577]

this is so beautiful! thank you for sharing this lovely memory. may he rest in peace

[@euls868]

Beautiful.. my dad passed away 3 years ago too. I think I was about your age then. Hurts, although I was never as close to my father as it seems you were to yours in this video. Love your music, love this video

[@andrewswan15]

Bless ya fella.

[@mariotaz]

So nice

[@alexflettmusic]

What a fun video! I am blessed to actively play gigs with my dad. Thank you for the reminder of what a blessing that is 🙏

[@lukekline9513]

This is absolutely devastating and beautiful. This is what the internet is for. I feel honored to have seen this, may he rest in peace. This video has touched me.

[@josht3125]

You’re very lucky to have videos of him, to be able to see him and hear his voice. I lost my dad last April and it took about a year to even begin to start feeling right.

[@gaving7380]

Lost my mother a year ago tomorrow. I find all the joy and peace in the world through your songs. Thank you.

[@qkav9461]

Hoping to see you in the states sometime soon. Take your time brother. Life is short. Look at the pride in his eyes.

[@LemonFlump]

A great video as always Sam. My heart breaks for your loss, may your father's musical soul forever find water and shade, and may you both find true peace.

[@JennaMonsoon8]

Thank you for sharing with us. 🙏🏼 What a special moment. I think he is up in the heavens playing some fantastic music and keeping an eye on you until you are reunited.

[@sexyseal3146]

Rest in Peace to your Father.

[@mikelinniii1186]

This is so special!Thanks for sharing ,Rest in peace Norman Shackelton🙏

[@mantolaman]

Precious moments! Thank you so much for this song.

[@juanro343]

I understand your pain. Thank you for this and for your vulnerability. I always like your work, but this feels truly special.

[@SharXIII]

Much love, so sorry for your loss. The music you two created is beautiful and long-lasting, thank you for sharing.

[@clippedwings225]

this is so sweet

[@marshallforshort]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful moment, Sam. May your father rest well and his memory continue to inspire you. Sending love from Canada ♥️ 🇨🇦

[@dontmakememad6759]

I never had a father in my life but im sure loaing one that means something to ya hits bad and sends ya down low but keep ya head up. Life is great. Theres something to fo everyday

[@Lucyavamaria]

Beautiful, x

[@Squarekn0t]

Never Lost but Often Adrift!

[@danf4635]

touching video. great performance- well done

[@IainBrown-bj5wb]

Absolutely amazing, bless u you both 🙏🏻

[@larsfrosznielsen3536]

R.I.P Norman🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼Great video

[@cormackjames]

Brilliant! Was this on a green screen? Where is it and what is in the background?

[@albusperkamentus5097]

Amazing performance. Is that tuned to relative gDGDD? I can't really figure it out

[@DannyRoseOfficial]

Beautiful to have this recorded boss, love to you brother ❤

[@tylerroney]

Well done. Thank you.