The story of Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego!
There was three children from the land of Israel
Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego!
They took a little trip to the land of Babylon
Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego!
Nebudchanezzer was the king of Babylon
Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego!
He took a lot of gold, and made an idol
Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego!
And he told everybody when you hear the music of the trombone, ‿
And he told everybody when you hear the music of the clarinet, ‿
And he told everybody when you hear the music of the horn,
You must fall down and worship the idol! ‿
Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego!
But the children of Israel would not bow down!
Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego!
Couldn't fool em with a golden idol!
Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego!
I said you couldn't fool em with a golden idol!
Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego!
So the king put the children in the fiery furnace
Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego!
Heaped on coals and red-hot brimstone
Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego!
Eleven times hotter, hotter than it oughtta be!
Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego!
Burned up the soldiers that the king had put there
Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego!
But the Lord sent an angel with the snow-white wings
Down in the middle of the furnace
Talkin' to the children bout the power of the Gospel
Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego!
Well they couldn't burn a hair on the head of
Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego!
Laughin' and talkin' while the fire jumpin' round
Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego!
Old Nebudchanezzer called hey there! ‿
When he saw the power of the Lord
And they had a regal time in the house of Babylon
Shadrack! Meshach, Abednego!
Oh, Abednego!
About This Song
"Shadrack" is Louis Armstrong's spirited retelling of the biblical story of three Hebrew men who refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden idol and were thrown into a fiery furnace, only to emerge unharmed through divine protection. The song celebrates themes of faith, courage, and resistance to oppression, with Armstrong's characteristic gravelly vocals and jubilant trumpet work transforming the ancient tale into an uplifting spiritual anthem. The repetitive chanting of the three names-"Shadrack, Meshach, Abednego"-creates a hypnotic, call-and-response rhythm that connects to both African-American musical traditions and the oral storytelling of biblical narratives. Armstrong's interpretation infuses the story with New Orleans jazz energy and swing rhythms, making it both a religious celebration and a subtle commentary on standing firm against injustice. The song exemplifies how Armstrong could blend sacred and secular music, creating accessible spiritual entertainment that resonated with audiences during an era when faith and resilience were essential survival tools for African Americans.
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