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
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
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born!
Go Tell It on the Mountain
Go Tell It on the Mountain Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The song "Go Tell It on the Mountain," performed by Maverick City Music, is a powerful rendition of a traditional African-American spiritual that has become a cherished Christmas carol. This particular version, released with a video on December 7, 2021, captures the vibrant and communal worship style for which Maverick City Music is known. The performance is characterized by rich vocal arrangements, often featuring a large ensemble and soloists, backed by dynamic instrumentation. It brings a fresh energy to the classic melody while retaining its profound spiritual core.
The history of "Go Tell It on the Mountain" dates back to the period of slavery in the United States, emerging as a spiritual shared among enslaved African Americans. These spirituals often served as a form of coded communication, expressions of faith, and sources of hope amidst immense hardship. While many spirituals spoke of freedom from earthly bondage, this one specifically focuses on the joyous proclamation of Christ's birth, finding parallels between liberation from sin and the Messiah's arrival. Over time, it transitioned from its origins into broader Christian worship and became widely recognized as a Christmas hymn celebrating the Nativity.
The lyrics recount the familiar narrative of Jesus' birth, beginning with the scene of the shepherds watching their flocks by night. This aligns directly with the biblical account found in Luke 2:8-20, which describes angels appearing to shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem to announce the birth of the Savior. The song emphasizes the fear and wonder experienced by the shepherds upon seeing the heavenly light and hearing the angel chorus, as detailed in Luke 2:9-14. It then moves to the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth, noting that he was born "Down in a lowly manger," a detail also found in Luke 2:7.
The central and repeated message of the song is an urgent call to action: "Go, tell it on the mountain / Over the hills and everywhere." This refrain serves as a powerful commission to spread the news of Jesus Christ's birth and the salvation he brings. It reflects the New Testament mandate to share the Gospel message, starting with the joyful tidings of the incarnation. The phrase "God sent us salvation / That blessed Christmas morn" encapsulates the theological significance of the event, highlighting that the birth in Bethlehem was not merely historical but a divine act to redeem humanity.
Maverick City Music's performance amplifies this message of joyful proclamation. Their musical arrangement and fervent delivery encourage listeners not just to hear the story but to participate in spreading the news. The collective nature of their worship style underscores the communal aspect of sharing the faith. The song inspires believers to actively participate in the "telling," carrying the message of hope and salvation found in the Christmas story to others, much like the shepherds did after visiting the manger (Luke 2:17-18). It is a call to celebrate the birth of Jesus not just with personal reflection, but with outward, enthusiastic declaration to the world.
