Go, Tell It on the Mountain

This page includes a lyric video, a brief history, sheet music, and other resources for the Christmas song “Go, Tell It on the Mountain.” Enjoy!

Enjoy this You Tube video with lyrics of “Go, Tell It on the Mountain”:

History of “Go, Tell It on the Mountain”:

John Wesley Work, Jr., the son of a talented Nashville choir leader, proved to be a competent scholar. In 1898, he graduated with a master’s degree from Fisk University (one of the several schools founded to meet the educational needs of freed slaves after the Civil War), and he was hired to teach Latin and Greek. His true passion, however, was evident in his work with music at Fisk, as well as in his publications. As early as 1889, Work was helping to organize singing groups at Fisk. Additionally, along with his brother Frederick, he began collecting and publishing spirituals.

The refrain of “Go Tell It On the Mountain” was an African-American spiritual that had been composed sometime in the early 1800s, but it had never been published. Work penned the words of the stanzas, coupled them with the popular refrain, and published the piece in 1907. Though it was a controversial task to promote songs born in the wretched days of slavery, Work unashamedly embraced the music of his heritage. In his book Folk Song of the American Negro, he wrote:

“In the Negro’s mind his music has held, and still holds, positions of variable importance. In the darkness of bondage, it was his light; in the morn of his freedom, it was his darkness; but as the day advances, and he is being gradually lifted up into a higher life, it is becoming not only his proud heritage, but a support, and powerful inspiration.”

For more intriguing history on “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” (and 19 other classic Christmas songs), you can purchase our Christmas Songs eBook (only $2.99; use code “celebrate20” for 20% off).

You can also download our free, complimentary Sheet Music for “Go, Tell It on the Mountain.”

For additional resources (like original sheet music), visit Hymns and Carols of Christmas or Net Hymnal.

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