Emma Stevens - The Ballad of Shubenacadie (Official Video)

The Ballad of Shubenacadie is dedicated to the victims and survivors of the Canadian Indian residential school system.
To learn more about the Shubenacadie Residential School and the Canadian Indian residential school system visit:
parks.canada.c...
The Ballad of Shubenacadie was released on Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada, September 30, 2023.
Media and performance inquiries: [e-mail]
Songwriters: Carter Chiasson and Emma Stevens
Executive Producer / Music Production: Carter Chiasson
Audio Production: Jamie Foulds (Soundpark)
Video Production: Jason LeFrense (JLF Productions)
//SPECIAL THANKS//
Ed Woodsworth
Colin Grant
Shawnee Paul
Nicole Deveau
The Red Farm Sydney NS
Nryth
Baby Oliver
THE BALLAD OF SHUBENACADIE // LYRICS:
I always dread the time of year
When Summer turns to Fall
With the changing of the seasons
The writing’s on the wall
It makes no sense to me
That in the name of charity
I pack my bags for Shubenacadie
We were only 6 years old
In 1942
And all that mattered in my world
Was mom and dad, and me and you
But when night would fall and the lights went out, in the building on the hill
I’d close my eyes and time would stand still
And I’d cry for my mama’s touch
That in my dreams is real
And I’d cry for my daddy's love
That in my heart I feel
And I cry for the wasted years, the hurt, the fear and shame
Some things just cannot be explained
I wonder if I’ll ever be the same
I can still remember
The cold checkered floors
The echoes of the screams at night
And the slamming of the doors
I can still hear your voice
Broken and teary eyed
There’s nowhere left for me to run and hide
And I’d cry for my mama’s touch
That in my dreams is real
And I’d cry for my daddy's love
That in my heart I feel
And I cry for the wasted years, the hurt, the fear and shame
Some things just cannot be explained
I wonder if I’ll ever be the same
Through the coldest days and the darkest nights
I’d dream that I could hold you tight
I can’t help but feel just like
That nothing in this world feels right
For 40 years
It’s been of mind but out of sight
Every Summer turns to Fall
And I still can’t sleep at night
Despite the passing of the seasons, and the fading memories
My heart breaks for Shubenacadie
And I’d cry for my mama’s touch
That in my dreams is real
And I’d cry for my daddy's love
That in my heart I feel
And I cry for the wasted years, the hurt, the fear and shame
Some things just cannot be explained
I wonder if we'll ever be the same
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Photo of the Shubenacadie Residential School courtesy of The Sisters of Charity, Halifax, Congregational Archives.

[@georgemarshall5053]

Loved it! I played it on our Radio station today here in Potlotek for the first time. Keep em coming Emma1

[@gj9111]

Thxs Emma. Very touching. I won’t forget..this is my home.

[@waynemacnaughton]

Another very moving song from this very talented young artist. We must never forget the victims of the residential schools and make sure not to repeat these crimes. Bravo Emma!

[@cathyporter3864]

Gorgeous simplicity - goosebumps! Congrats on a lovely job :)

[@thebeatlesandcanada8465]

Superb, warm and beautiful. Emma your growth as an artist is a wonderful thing. The band is great too. Way to go!!

[@JohnSmith-lg2ie]

So beautiful and meaningful! Amazing talent and a voice for her people.

[@michelsoucy2343]

Extremely well written and well done. Let's hope we've all learned something and not repeat our past.

[@Acadienne1969]

Bravo!! C’est très touchant…et quelle belle voix!!

[@privatename8228]

Goosebumps and tears listening to this song. Beautiful musicians and beautiful voice! Powerful.

[@mirandabernard5808]

Love it!

[@williambernasconi5711]

Beautiful song. Keep them coming

[@RalphHamilton]

Sad and beautifully done. A great message.

[@marieknockwood]

I thank you from the depth of my heart

[@terencestone182]

Lovely! thank you, Emma!

[@jessicamacinnis831]

Beautiful ❤️❤️

[@agraciejohngracie4668]

Love it!!

[@augustandjune]

So good.

[@barontaylor7139]

I used to live near this school when I was younger and always thought that it was an institution for people with special needs

[@balticLaker]

Emma and Carter 👏

[@jacyntheaucoin5768]

Wow!

[@polkmnn098]

Wonderful and touching lament. We move forward remembering the past and seeing the suffering that is an inevitable part of being human. 🙏🥰

[@The_Story_Channel]

Lovely

[@amitygrant3854]

Lovely❤

[@jss1ca3]

❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥💔

[@anthonytaylor7840]

beautiful

[@trentmacnutt4545]

Awesome job!!

[@emilymcpherson5695]

Absolutely beautiful. Totally blown away.

[@CDA129]

Very nice

[@nicholasgraveline7384]

Very moving performance

[@stephen-j-jackson]

Excellent. Well done Emma and crowd.

[@shannonmacaulay3550]

🧡🧡

[@SgtVicoisUSMC]

should have sang it in Mi'gmaq