Tommee Profitt - Go Tell It On the Mountain Lyrics

Go Tell It On the Mountain

Go Tell It On the Mountain Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Tommee Profitt's rendition of the classic spiritual "Go Tell It On The Mountain" delivers a powerful and cinematic interpretation of the Christmas message. Known for his dramatic and often orchestral arrangements of traditional hymns and carols, Profitt brings a fresh intensity to this familiar song. This version retains the original's fervent call to spread the news of Christ's birth while enhancing its emotional impact through layered production and dynamic shifts, creating an atmosphere of urgency and celebration befitting the significance of the announcement.

The lyrics themselves follow the traditional narrative of the first Christmas, beginning with the humble setting of shepherds watching their flocks at night. This imagery paints a picture of a quiet, ordinary scene suddenly interrupted by the extraordinary. The appearance of a "holy light" signals the divine intervention that would change the course of history, highlighting the initial encounter that paved the way for the world-altering message that was soon to come.

The song progresses to describe the shepherds' reaction, their fear turning to wonder as the "angel chorus" breaks through the silence of the night. This celestial proclamation "hailed our Savior's birth," emphasizing that the announcement was not merely earthly but a heavenly decree. The contrast between the shepherds' initial fear and the joyous message delivered by the angels underscores the transformative power of the news.

Central to the song is the insistent, repetitive chorus: "Go, tell it on the mountain, That Jesus Christ is born!" This serves as a direct command and a missionary anthem, urging listeners to share the good news far and wide. The repetition builds momentum and reinforces the importance of disseminating this message, making it the driving force behind the entire piece and highlighting the evangelical core of the carol.

The lyrics also touch upon the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth, noting his arrival "Down in a lowly manger." This detail emphasizes the profound humility of the Incarnation, where God chose to enter the world in such modest surroundings. Yet, from this humble beginning, "God sent us salvation," signifying that this seemingly small event carried immense theological weight, bringing the promise of redemption on that "blessed Christmas morn."

The narrative elements of the lyrics align directly with the biblical account found primarily in Luke chapter 2. Verses 8 through 20 describe the shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem, the appearance of the angel of the Lord, the glory of the Lord shining around them, the heavenly host praising God, and the shepherds' subsequent journey to find the baby lying in a manger as the angel had told them. The song captures the essence of this biblical narrative, transforming it into a declaration of faith and a call to share.

Tommee Profitt's arrangement amplifies this call to action, giving the familiar words a sense of epic scope. The production builds in intensity, making the repeated chorus feel increasingly powerful, reflecting the idea that the news of Jesus' birth is a message meant to resonate loudly across the world. This rendition serves as both a commemoration of the Nativity story and an inspiration for contemporary believers to embrace the mission of sharing the hope and salvation that arrived with Christ.