The traditional Negro spiritual “Go Tell It On The Mountain” is one of the most beloved and widely-known African American spirituals. The song has been recorded by a number of well-known singers, including Mahalia Jackson, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and Aretha Franklin. The positive message of the song has also been adopted by civil rights activists and other social justice movements.
The lyrics of “Go Tell It On The Mountain” are simple and straightforward. The song speaks of the joy and hope that come from believing in Jesus Christ and accepting him as one’s savior. The lyrics are also a call to action, urging listeners to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.
Lyrics and Meaning
The first verse of the song is as follows: “Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.” This verse serves as a call to action, urging the listener to share the good news of Jesus’ birth with the world. The phrase “over the hills and everywhere” is a powerful reminder that the message of Jesus’ birth should be shared with people everywhere and not just in a single location.
The second verse speaks of the joy of believing in Jesus Christ: “While shepherds kept their watching, over silent flocks by night; Behold throughout the heavens, there shone a holy light.” Here, the song speaks of the joy of believing in the power of Jesus Christ, and the spiritual guidance and protection that come from trusting in him.
The third verse of the song is a call to action, urging the listener to accept Jesus Christ as one’s savior: “Go, tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is Lord; Go, tell it on the mountain that God’s Son has come.” Here, the song is emphasizing the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as one’s savior, and of living according to his teachings.
Historical Context
The song “Go Tell It On The Mountain” has been a part of African American culture for centuries. It is believed to have originated from the spirituals sung by African American slaves in the 19th century. These spirituals were often used as a form of protest against the injustices of slavery. The lyrics of “Go Tell It On The Mountain” reflect this history of struggle and resilience, as well as the hope for a better future.
The song has also been used as a form of protest in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. During this time, African Americans used the song to express their frustration with the injustices they faced, while also expressing hope for a better future. The lyrics of “Go Tell It On The Mountain” were also used to inspire civil rights activists and help them to keep fighting for justice.
Uses Today
The song “Go Tell It On The Mountain” is still widely known and sung today. It is often used in churches and other religious services, and is a popular choice for Christmas caroling. The song is also still used as a form of protest and a source of inspiration by civil rights activists and other social justice movements.
Legacy
The song “Go Tell It On The Mountain” has been an important part of African American culture for centuries. The song’s positive message of hope and resilience has inspired many people throughout history and continues to do so today. The song is a powerful reminder that no matter what circumstances one faces, there is always hope for a better future.
Conclusion
The traditional Negro spiritual “Go Tell It On The Mountain” is one of the most beloved and widely-known African American spirituals. The song has been recorded by a number of well-known singers and has been used as a form of protest in the civil rights movement and other social justice movements. The lyrics of “Go Tell It On The Mountain” are simple and straightforward, and speak of the joy and hope that come from believing in Jesus Christ and accepting him as one’s savior. The song has been an important part of African American culture for centuries and continues to inspire and uplift people to this day.
