Go Tell It On The Mountain

Song Meaning

This spiritual anthem paints a vivid scene of the Nativity, urging immediate proclamation of a monumental event. The core message is a powerful call to action: "Go, tell it on the mountain." This directive isn't confined to a single location; it expands outward to "Over the hills and everywhere," emphasizing the universal significance of the news. The lyrics establish a stark contrast between the quiet, ordinary world of shepherds and the extraordinary celestial announcement that interrupts it. The central tension arises from the juxtaposition of the mundane and the divine. Shepherds are introduced "keeping their watching / Over silent flocks," a picture of peaceful, earthly routine. This tranquility is shattered by a "holy light" and an "angels chorus," a divine intervention that instills fear and awe. The lyrics capture the human reaction to the miraculous – the shepherds "feared and trembled" – before revealing the source of this divine disturbance: the birth of the Savior. The most striking craft element is the repetition of the central command, "Go, tell it on the mountain," which acts as an insistent, driving force throughout the song. This refrain underscores the urgency and importance of the message. The imagery of the "lowly manger" grounds the divine event in humility, highlighting that salvation arrived not in a palace, but in the simplest of settings. The lyrics effectively build from the earthly scene to the heavenly announcement and back to the humble birthplace, creating a narrative arc of profound spiritual significance. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their directness and evocative imagery. They convey a message of immense joy and hope through simple, powerful language. The narrative moves from the quiet watch of the shepherds to the overwhelming angelic proclamation and the humble birth, creating a sense of awe and wonder. The repeated call to spread the word ensures the listener understands the magnitude of the event and the imperative to share it.