Go Tell it on The Mountain is one of the most popular African-American spiritual songs and Christmas carols of all time. It was first compiled by John Wesley Work Jr, the first African-American folk collector, in around 1865.
The lyrics refer to the Nativity scene but in the 1960s another version of the song called “Tell in On The Mountain” about the civil rights struggle as well. The song became a hit in 1964. Another version that referenced the Civil Rights Movemebt was recorded by The Wailers in 1970.
“Go Tell it On The Mountain” Lyrics
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born!
While shepherds kept their watching
O’er silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens
There shone a holy light
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born!
The shepherds feared and trembled
When lo! Above the Earth
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed our Savior’s birth
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born!
Down in a lowly manger
Our humble Christ was born
And God sent us salvation
That blessed Christmas morn