Christafari - Go Tell It On the Mountain Lyrics
Lyrics
You gotta wake the town and tell the people
About the Savior coming your way, eh eh eh
You better wake the town and tell the people
About this Good News comin' your way, eh eh eh
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
Over 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
Down in a lowly manger
The humble Christ was born
Yes God sent us salvation
On that blessed Christmas morn, yeah
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
When I was a kid
Christmas was all about opening up presents
Now it's all about being open to God's presence
Well this is my favorite time of the year
To tell of my Savior
To anyone who'll hear
Yes this is my favorite season of cheer
To tell them He's here
Tell them He's here
Well this is my favorite Season of love
To tell of my Savior that's sent from above
Yes this is my favorite time of the year
To tell them He's here
Jesus is here
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
That Jesus Christ is born
That Jesus Christ is born
Video
Christafari--GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN (OFFICIAL VIDEO) Operation Christmas Child/Samaritan's Purse
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on November 10, 2020, as part of Christafari's *Reggae Christmas 2: Reason for the Season* album, "Go Tell It On the Mountain" breathes vibrant new life into a timeless spiritual hymn. The original song, deeply rooted in African-American tradition, has long served as a powerful declaration of Christ's birth and the universal call to share that transformative news. Christafari’s rendition captures this historical essence, reinvigorating it with their signature reggae style while upholding its profound evangelical message, making it fresh and relevant for a contemporary audience eager to hear the Good News.
The song immediately sets an urgent tone, compelling everyone to "wake the town and tell the people / About the Savior coming your way." This opening line is a direct echo of the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, where He instructs His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations." It’s an unmistakable call to action, reminding us that the message of salvation isn't meant to be kept secret but proclaimed broadly and enthusiastically, much like the charge in Mark 16:15 to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." The repeated chorus, "Go tell it on the mountain / Over the hills and everywhere / Go tell it on the mountain / That Jesus Christ is born," powerfully reinforces this imperative. It conjures imagery from Isaiah 52:7, which speaks of the beauty of "the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings good news of salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" This is a message meant for everyone, transcending geographical boundaries and social divides.
The song then thoughtfully recounts the foundational story of Christ's birth, drawing directly from the Gospels. It speaks of the shepherds "kept their watching / Over silent flocks by night," only to be met by a "holy light" and angelic pronouncements throughout the heavens. This directly references Luke 2:8-14, where angels heralded the birth of the Savior to humble shepherds, making them the very first recipients and messengers of this miraculous event. The narrative continues to the "lowly manger" where "the humble Christ was born," emphasizing the profound humility of God becoming man, as described in Philippians 2:5-8, where Christ "made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant." This moment, the song affirms, was when "God sent us salvation / On that blessed Christmas morn," echoing Luke 2:11, which proclaims, "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord," and Matthew 1:21, stating that Jesus "will save his people from their sins." These core truths form the bedrock of Christian faith, and Christafari’s presentation ensures they remain central.
A particularly poignant and relatable aspect of Christafari’s version comes through a personal testimony embedded within the lyrics: "When I was a kid / Christmas was all about opening up presents / Now it's all about being open to God's presence." This profound shift from material focus to spiritual connection speaks to the heart of Christian growth and transformation. It’s a powerful testament to finding the true meaning of the season, aligning with Matthew 6:33 to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness." The song then frames Christmas as a cherished opportunity for sharing faith, with lines like "this is my favorite time of the year / To tell of my Savior / To anyone who'll hear" and "favorite season of love / To tell of my Savior that's sent from above." This highlights the unique cultural opening that Christmas offers for evangelism, encouraging believers to be proactive in sharing the hope they have found, embodying the spirit of 2 Timothy 4:2 to "preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season."
Ultimately, Christafari's "Go Tell It On the Mountain" isn't merely a festive tune; it's a vibrant anthem of evangelism. It fuses the ancient call to proclaim Christ with a contemporary sound, serving as a dynamic reminder that the message of Jesus' birth and the salvation it offers is as urgent and relevant today as it was over two millennia ago. The song inspires believers to embrace their role as messengers, carrying the Good News of a born Savior "over the hills and everywhere," making His presence known and celebrated in every corner of the world. It’s a powerful musical sermon, designed not just for enjoyment, but for activation in faith, encouraging everyone to be a herald of Christ's enduring love.