Introduction
The Statler Brothers and “The Fourth Man”: A Story of Faith
The Statler Brothers, a beloved American country gospel quartet, didn’t record “The Fourth Man” as an original song. Instead, it’s a retelling of a biblical story set to a warm, bluegrass-tinged melody.
The song draws inspiration from the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament. It tells the tale of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three young Hebrew men who refused to bow down to a golden idol erected by King Nebuchadnezzar II. Facing execution for their defiance, they were thrown into a fiery furnace. But according to the story, God intervened. King Nebuchadnezzar witnessed a miracle – a fourth figure appeared in the flames alongside the three men, protecting them from harm. This “fourth man” is traditionally understood to be a divine manifestation, a symbol of God’s unwavering protection for those who remain faithful.
The Statler Brothers’ version captures the essence of this narrative. Listen closely, and you’ll hear lyrics like “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego before the wicked king they stood” and “when the three were cast in, and the king rose up to witness this awful fate, he began to tremble at what he saw.” The song isn’t just a catchy tune; it’s a musical reminder of the power of faith and the potential for divine intervention.
While the exact date of “The Fourth Man’s” recording is unclear, the Statler Brothers were known for incorporating gospel themes throughout their career. This song exemplifies that dedication, offering a powerful message of faith wrapped in a comforting blanket of country music.