Words by the clergyman Joseph Simpson Cook (1859-1933) in 1859
Music from the from Piae Cantiones
With its inspiring tune and captivating lyrics, Go Tell It on the Mountains has gained in popularity over the years. In 2004, it was voted to be the Christmas Carol of the Year, indicating its growing popularity among the American public. However, this carol is not secular, but one of the strongest calls to action for Christians during the holiday season to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
The tune itself describes the birth of Christ and is not a secular tune. However, the specific history of the tune, however, is not completely clear. Many people think that the tune was written anonymously, but William Studwell, professor emeritus from Northern Illinois University and a world renowned expert on Christmas carols, states that a man named Frederick Jerome Work wrote the piece. A black composer and teacher, Studwell believes that Work did not get the credit he deserved for the popular carol. Studwell’s research indicates that Work’s nephew John Wesley Work arranged the piece and distributed it out to the masses.
In the 1920s, the piece started gaining popularity, but wasn’t an instant classic. The Fisk University Singers put it in the repertoire, but the tune gained in slow appreciation versus instantaneous appeal. In the 1950s, the song took hold in the collective American public and started to win over more and more listeners with its enthusiastic lyrics and call to action during the holiday season. While many of the older carols are seen as simple reflections or praise of the birth of Christ and the holiday season in general, Go Tell It On the Mountains is a more energetic call to action accompanied by a cheerful tune.
One of the reasons why Studwell points to Work as the creator of this now-popular carol is its lyrical content. While some of the older carols are more sedated and calm, many of the African American carols and spirituals praise the event while calling the congregation to do something as well. These carols are more emotional and will occasionally be poignant in addition to celebrating the holiday season.
During the 1960s, many African Americans and members of the civil rights movement embraced the carol and promoted it to its higher place as a popular favorite during the Christmas season. The lyrics itself have been analyzed and come to represent more things than a simple celebration of the birth of Christ for many Americans. In addition to its simple song of Christmas, many see the lyrics as an anthem for freedom as well as a strong hymn of faith for Christians. Although there are numerous versions and adaptations of Go Tell It On The Mountains, it is a joyful and popular song that resonates with Christians and is a frequent choice during Christmas services.
Go Tell It On The Mountains
compiled by John Wesley Work, Jr
Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
Our Jesus Christ is born.
When I was a seeker
I sought both night and day,
I asked the Lord to help me,
And he showed me the way.
Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
Our Jesus Christ is born.
He made me a watchman
Upon a city wall,
And if I am a Christian,
I am the least of all.
Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
Our Jesus Christ is born.
You can learn the instrumental guitar arrangement for Go Tell It On The Mountain.