The Fourth Man In The Fire
Johnny Cash · Unearthed [2003]
They wouldn't bend
They held on to the will of God so we are told
They wouldn't bow
They would not bow their knees to Idols made of gold
They wouldn't burn
They were protected by the Fourth Man in the fire
They wouldn't bend
They wouldn't bow, they wouldn't burn.
Now the prophet Daniel tells about
Three men who walked with God
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
Before the wicked king they stood
And the king commanded them bound and thrown
Into the fiery furnace that day
But the fire was so hot that the men were slain
That forced them on their way.
Refrain:
Now when the three were cast in and the king rose up
To witness this awful fate
He began to tremble at what he saw
In astonished tones he spake
Did we not cast three men bound
Into the midst of the fire
Well, Lo, I see four men unhurt
Unbound and walkin' down there;
There's Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
And the fiery coals they trod
But the form of the Fourth Man that I see
Is like the Son of God
About The Fourth Man In The Fire
Johnny Cash's "The Fourth Man In The Fire" appears on the 2003 compilation *Unearthed*, a collection of previously unreleased material that highlights his prolific output beyond his standard discography. As a defining figure of country and gospel music, Cash often wove themes of spiritual struggle and human connection into his songwriting, reflecting the deep faith that permeated his life and career. This recording, like many tracks found in such archival releases, offers listeners a rare glimpse into his artistic evolution and the breadth of his catalog. The song stands as a testament to his ability to craft narratives that resonate across generations, maintaining the emotional gravity and storytelling prowess characteristic of his work throughout his career.