Christmas Anthem: Go Tell It On The Mountain Lyrics And Chords!

‘Go tell it on the mountain song celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. But did you know that this song can be sung during Easter too? I remember vividly, my music tutor giving me this interesting fact while teaching me this staple of the holiday season. Go tell it on the mountain lyrics resonate deeply with all its listeners as it proclaims the birth of Christ!

The song emphasizes the joy of spreading the miracle known as the birth of baby Jesus. The words reflect on the hope, faith and liberation that comes along with the arrival of Jesus Christ. It is known as the celebratory Christmas anthem, if you know. Let’s explore the ‘Go tell it on the mountain’ lyrics, history, piano and guitar chords and whatnot!

Go Tell It On The Mountain Lyrics

Go tell it on the mountains 
Over the hill and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountains 
That Jesus Christ is born

Go tell it on the mountains 
Over the hill and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountains 
That Jesus Christ is born

While shepherds kept their watching
O’er silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens
There shone a holy light!

Go tell it on the mountains 
Over the hill and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountains 
That Jesus Christ is born

While shepherds feared and trembled 
When, lo! above the earth
Rang out the Angel chorus
That hailed our savior’ birth

Go tell it on the mountains 
Over the hill and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountains 
That Jesus Christ is born

Down in a lowly manger
Our humble Christ was born
And brought us all salvation
That blessed Christmas morn

Go tell it on the mountains 
Over the hill and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountains 
That Jesus Christ is born

Go tell it on the mountains 
Over the hill and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountains 
That Jesus Christ is born

Go Tell It On The Mountain History and Meaning

Go tell it on the mountain song originated from African-American roots. It is believed that this song were created by the enslaved Africans in the States during the 18th and 19th century. The tunes reflected a sense of faith, hope , resilience and resistance.

The meaning of go tell it on the mountain lyrics is pretty straightforward yet powerful. I believe the lyrics convey the story of the shepherds who spread the news of angelic announcement of the birth of baby Jesus.

The original lyricist of go tell it on the mountain’ is unknown. One of the first recordings of this carol was by Fisk Jubilee, an African- American singer in 1907. And over the years, this carol spread its wings through a wider range of artists to larger audiences.

Go Tell It On The Mountain Chords

This african- american spiritual is set in F major with the chords F, C, Dm, C7, G. Below is the detailed chord for this song.

F          
Go tell it on the mountains 

C
Over the hill and everywhere

F                                  Dm
Go tell it on the mountains 

           G       C7           F
That Jesus Christ is born

F                     
While shepherds kept their watching

                C                 F
O’er silent flocks by night

Dm  
Behold throughout the heavens

           G                     C7
There shone a holy night!

F          
Go tell it on the mountains 

C
Over the hill and everywhere

F                                  Dm
Go tell it on the mountains 

           G       C7           F
That Jesus Christ is born


While shepherds feared and trembled 

C
When, lo! above the earth

F                                  Dm
Rang out the angel chorus

  G                     C7
That hailed our savior’  birth

F          
Go tell it on the mountains 

C
Over the hill and everywhere

F                                  Dm
Go tell it on the mountains 

           G       C7           F
That Jesus Christ is born

F
Down in a lowly manger

C
Our humble Christ was born

F                        Dm
And brought us all salvation

G                                    C7
That blessed Christmas morn

F          
Go tell it on the mountains 

C
Over the hill and everywhere

F                                  Dm
Go tell it on the mountains 

           G       C7           F
That Jesus Christ is born

Go Tell It On The Mountain Sheet Music

The spiritual dynamic structure, rhythm and harmonies of this Christmas carol conveys a great deal of joy and celebrations. As years passed, the carol has taken different sounds from its gospel roots to other contemporary genres like pop, jazz, rock etc.

The call and response structure of this spiritual, creates participation of everyone in the vicinity to sing and celebrate the news of Jesus’ birth. It follows the diatonic scale of either C or F major. Go tell it on the mountain history suggests that this beloved Christmas staple is performed using upbeat Rhythms. I kind of enjoy listening to the traditional Syncopated rhythms (a rhythmic technique that uses accents on weaker beats). I feel like it creates a sense of energetic movement. The Time Signature is set in 4/4 (4 beats per measure) in a steadfast Tempo.

This beloved Christmas carol has been covered by hundreds of artists. Here are the few versions that I loved and cherished all through these years.

1.Pentatonix

YouTube player

2. Jennifer Hudson

YouTube player

3. Kids’ Version

YouTube player

4. Josh Turner Ft. Gaither Vocal Band

YouTube player

5. Zack Williams

YouTube player

FAQs

The original lyricist of ‘Go Tell It On The Mountain’ lyrics is unknown.

Yes, Go Tell It On The Mountain is a Christmas song. Its an African-American Spiritual(type of religious folk song)

Go Tell It On The Mountain , an african- american spiritual is set in F major with the chords F, C, Dm, C7, G, Bb.

So many artists including Frank Sinatra, Pentotonix, Dolly Parton, Jennifer Hudon, The Jacksons 5 etc., has covered  Go Tell It On The Mountain song

Go Tell It On The Mountain gospel song emphasizes the joy of spreading the miracle known as the birth of baby Jesus. The words reflect on the hope, hope and liberation that comes along with the arrival of Jesus Christ. 

Related Blog : Last Christmas lyrics and chords

Annie Jennifer

Annie Jennifer

Annie has a rich background in music holding a Diploma(ATCL) in Western Classical and Jazz music, a degree in Hindustani Classical Music and a Diploma in Carnatic Music.

music-popup

Book a FREE Trial Class

Live 1 to 1 ONLINE
MUSIC CLASS

Begin your music journey and get trained by a qualified music teacher

× Book a FREE Demo