Story Behind The Song
This is perhaps the best known of all the spirituals, though few know it is indeed a spiritual -- for me this is a constant Christmas call, but not in this light treatment. When I arranged this work, I abstracted the first part of a common rhythm in African drumming, thereby reconnecting African American music to its ancient sources. I have also emphasized the word "Go" -- like that first drumbeat -- and also because it is so easy to forget to tell people why we have an eternal cause to celebrate . . .
Song Description
This is an African American Spiritual, hailing back to the days of the enslavement of Africans in America. In some sources it is described as the 'Christmas Song of the Plantation.'
| Song Length |
1:36 |
Genre |
Unique - Gospel |
| Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Jovial, Welcoming |
Subject |
Holidays |
| Era |
1800 - 1899 |
| |
Lyrics
Go! Tell it on the mountains,
Over the hills and ev'rywhere,
Go! Tell it on the mountains,
That Jesus Christ is born!
While shepherds kept their watching
Over silent flocks by night,
Behold, throughout the heavens,
There shone a holy light.
Go! Tell it on the mountains,
Over the hills and ev'rywhere,
Go! Tell it on the mountains,
That Jesus Christ is born!
And then when they had seen it,
They all bowed down and prayed,
And traveled on together
To where the Babe was laid.
Go! Tell it on the mountains,
Over the hills and ev'rywhere,
Go! Tell it on the mountains,
That Jesus Christ is born!