Shane & Shane - Go Tell It On The Mountain Lyrics
Lyrics
While shepherds kept their watching over silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens, there shone a holy light
And the shepherds feared and trembled, when lo above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus, that hailed the Savior's birth
That hailed our Savior's birth
Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and ev'rywhere
Go tell it on the mountain, Jesus Christ is born
Down in a lowly manger, the humble Christ was born
And God sent us salvation, that blessed Christmas morn, yeah
Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and ev'rywhere
Go tell it on the mountain, Jesus Christ is born
He made me a watchman, upon the city wall
And if I am a Christian, I am the least of all
I am the least of all
Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and ev'rywhere
Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born
Video
Go Tell It On the Mountain
Meaning & Inspiration
Shane & Shane’s rendition of "Go Tell It On The Mountain," released on December 2, 2014, as part of their "A Worship Initiative Christmas" album, breathes fresh life into a beloved spiritual, transforming it into a powerful call to action for the modern believer. The song seamlessly weaves the timeless narrative of Christ’s birth with a personal commitment to evangelism, making it more than just a carol; it’s a mission statement set to music.
The song’s foundation rests on the ancient spiritual tradition, originating from enslaved African Americans who found solace and hope in the story of a liberating Savior. This spiritual, passed down through generations, became a powerful anthem of good news, proclaiming freedom and the arrival of the Messiah. Shane & Shane honor this rich heritage by keeping the core message vibrant while infusing it with their distinctive worship style. The lyrics open with the serene yet profound scene of shepherds "watching over silent flocks by night," only to be interrupted by a divine, "holy light." This immediately transports us to Luke 2:8-9, where angels appear to the humble shepherds, igniting fear before delivering the most joyous news. Their trembling gives way to wonder as the "angel chorus" declares "the Savior's birth," echoing Luke 2:10-14, which announces "good news of great joy that will be for all the people." The choice of shepherds, the marginalized of society, as the first recipients of this heavenly announcement powerfully underscores God’s heart for all humanity, starting with the overlooked.
The chorus, the heart of the song, acts as an urgent, joyful command: "Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and ev'rywhere / Go tell it on the mountain, Jesus Christ is born." This isn't merely a recounting of history; it’s an imperative to participate in God's ongoing story. It directly reflects the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations," and Mark 16:15, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." The directive to share "everywhere" emphasizes the universal, boundless nature of the Gospel message, intended for every person, in every corner of the earth.
The narrative then shifts to the humble beginnings of Christ, "Down in a lowly manger, the humble Christ was born," reinforcing Luke 2:7, which states there was "no place for them in the inn." This image of God incarnate choosing such a modest entry point underscores His humility and profound love. Crucially, the song declares, "And God sent us salvation, that blessed Christmas morn." This line moves beyond mere historical recounting to articulate the profound theological truth that Christ’s birth wasn’t just an event but the very beginning of humanity's redemption. It points to the core message of the Gospel—that through Christ, salvation is offered, fulfilling prophecies and establishing the path to eternal life, as seen in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
A unique and deeply personal verse added by Shane & Shane elevates the song from a traditional retelling to a contemporary declaration of commitment: "He made me a watchman, upon the city wall / And if I am a Christian, I am the least of all." This profound statement reveals the personal responsibility inherent in being a follower of Christ. The imagery of a "watchman" immediately brings to mind biblical figures like Ezekiel (Ezekiel 33:7-9), who was appointed by God to warn the people, or the watchmen in Isaiah 62:6, who were called to "give yourselves no rest" in prayer for Jerusalem. It signifies a vigilance and a prophetic duty to proclaim truth, to warn, and to guide. This isn't a passive faith but an active, vigilant role in God's kingdom. The subsequent line, "I am the least of all," reflects a spirit of profound humility, echoing the apostle Paul’s declarations in 1 Corinthians 15:9 ("For I am the least of the apostles") and Ephesians 3:8 ("To me, though I am the very least of all the saints"). It’s a powerful acknowledgment that one’s standing is not based on personal merit but on divine grace, emphasizing that the message is paramount, not the messenger's status or accomplishments. This humility fuels the urgency to "go tell it," recognizing that the glorious news of Jesus' birth and salvation is too significant to keep to oneself, regardless of one's perceived stature.
Ultimately, Shane & Shane’s "Go Tell It On The Mountain" is a vibrant, compelling anthem that transcends the season of Christmas. It’s a timeless reminder of the astonishing grace of God in sending His Son, and an unwavering call for every believer to become an active participant in spreading this glorious news. The song inspires us to embody the watchman’s vigilance and the humble servant’s heart, propelling us to share the liberating message of Jesus Christ, not just on a mountaintop, but across "the hills and ev'rywhere." It stands as an encouragement for all who follow Christ to embrace their sacred duty to make His birth known, not as an ancient tale, but as the living, transforming reality of salvation.