Steven Curtis Chapman - Go Tell It On The Mountain Lyrics
Lyrics
Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born Jesus is born, yeah-yeah
While shepherds kept their watching Over silent flocks by night Behold throughout the heavens There shone a holy light
Let's go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born Yeah-yeah he's born, yeah
The shepherds feared and trembled When lo! above the earth Rang out the angels' chorus That hailed the Savior's birth
Let's go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born
He's born, He's born, hallelujah Jesus is born, He's born The Savior is born, yes He is Wake the neighbor, get the word out Climb the highest mountain and shout He's born!
Down in a lowly manger The 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 he is born He is born...
Hallelujah, the Savior is born
Video
Go Tell It On The Mountain
Meaning & Inspiration
Steven Curtis Chapman's rendition of "Go Tell It On The Mountain," featured on his 2005 album *All I Really Want for Christmas*, is a powerful and moving testament to the enduring significance of the Nativity story. This rendition doesn't just recount the events of Christ's birth; it invigorates the traditional spiritual with a contemporary urgency, urging listeners to actively proclaim the greatest news ever delivered. The story behind "Go Tell It On The Mountain" is deeply rooted in African American spiritual traditions, originally serving as a song of hope and liberation. Chapman's interpretation embraces this historical context while focusing squarely on the evangelistic imperative embedded in the lyrics. The core message is a direct echo of the angels' command to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-12, who were charged with sharing the news of a Savior's birth. Chapman emphasizes this by repeatedly calling listeners to "go, tell it on the mountain," a metaphor for broadcasting the gospel message far and wide, reaching every corner of the world, just as the prophets foretold. The lyrics paint a vivid picture, recalling the humble setting of the manger, a stark contrast to the celestial glory that accompanied the event. This juxtaposition highlights the radical nature of God's love, choosing to enter the world in such a lowly state. The song draws parallels to the awe and wonder of the shepherds who, upon witnessing the angelic host, were overcome with fear and astonishment, as described in Luke 2:8-9. However, their fear quickly turned to joyful proclamation, a response Chapman encourages in his listeners. The line "Wake the neighbor, get the word out" directly reflects the immediate obedience of the shepherds who, after seeing Jesus, spread the news throughout their region (Luke 2:15-17). The song beautifully articulates the theological weight of the Incarnation – that this newborn child is not just any birth, but the very salvation of humanity, a theme resonating with verses like John 3:16, which speaks of God sending His Son so that the world might be saved through Him. Chapman's performance imbues the familiar melody with a palpable sense of reverence and exhilaration, driving home the profound truth that "Jesus Christ is born." It’s a call to action, a reminder that the joy of Christmas isn't meant to be kept silent but shared, echoing the very first Christmas proclamation that brought light to darkness and hope to a waiting world.