The number 4 has been tied to symbolism across world cultures for centuries, and if you think about it, it still has a strong foundation. There are 4 cardinal directions, 4 seasons, 4 natural elements, 4 sides to a square. Significantly, the number 4 has been linked to stability, security and the strength provided by the visually representative 4 sides of a home.

While not intentionally arranged, the 4th song from DocFell & Co.’s 4th album may very well embody those symbolic connections. Doc had always planned for “Fragile” to be the first single released from his upcoming album, Revelations. When he wrote the song, he was inspired by the word ‘fragile’ and immediately started interlacing his contemporary observations, and penned what we needed to hear.

We all have struggles and need to find stability.

We all endure hardships and need to find security.

And we can use these life experiences collectively to heal and gain strength.

The chorus was written first and the rest of the lyrics were written around to build the meaningful story. Doc’s powerful, yet soothing vocals drive these ideas home when he sings, “We’re all fragile/ we’re all faded/ we’re all tattered/ we’re all torn/ We’re rough around the edges, but we’re all solid to the core/ We’re all in this fight together no matter who we’re fighting for/ We’re all in this fight together no matter what we’re fighting for.”

Envisioned as a sequel to “Dandelions,” from their 2017 album, Dust Bowl Heart, both songs share the overarching theme of support and togetherness, and how we need to be kind as we overcome challenges and move forward in life. When I spoke with Doc about the songs, he mentioned drawing inspiration from the well-known quote, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle.” That connected conceptualization was true then, and with what is going on in the world, even more true now.

Doc and his highly talented bandmates Kyle Brown (lead guitar), John Barker (bass), and Brad Rice (drums), are joined by Hank Early on this track. Hank’s notable steel guitar adds the comforting traditional country sound throughout the well-crafted song. Tahlequah, Oklahoma’s Doc Fell & Co. gives us an anthem that we can sing along to from our places of shelter, both in physical structures and emotional forms. Until we can see it performed live, wherever you are, just sit back, close your eyes and press play on “Fragile.”

Scheduled for release in June, Revelations has eleven songs, and all of them are reflections on the human condition. With support from well-accomplished musicians Thomas Trapp, Jordan Cox, Autumn Ragland, Ahna Jennings, Brennan Marcotte, Terry Day, Hank Early, Kyle Nix and Amber Watson, this is definitely an album I’ve been anticipating. For now, we must be satisfied with the first stand-out single, but keep your ears open for the full release, and keep your eyes open for the live streams, as you’ll be hearing more from all of these fantastic artists soon!

Spotify: Fragile

Facebook: DocFell & Co.

Instagram: DocFell & Co.

Photos By Amber Watson: Amber Watson Fine Art

"Fragile" single art By Kyle Brown​