Go Tell It on the Mountain  

Hymn History  

By Savannah Logan

The hymn “Go Tell It on the Mountain” carries a powerful legacy rooted in faith, resilience, and joy. Its history not only celebrates the African American spiritual tradition but also resonates deeply with the essence of Christmas—the sharing of good news and the celebration of Jesus’ birth. 

The African American spirituals, born from the fields of slavery, are a uniquely American contribution to hymnody. These songs, created and passed down orally, served as a means of expression, faith, and hope in the face of unimaginable hardships. Among these enduring works is “Go Tell It on the Mountain”, a hymn adapted by John Wesley Work Jr., an African American educator and musicologist. 

Work Jr., a graduate and later professor at Fisk University, was instrumental in preserving and popularizing spirituals. Together with his father, John Wesley Work Sr., and brother Frederick, he worked alongside the Fisk Jubilee Singers to bring these melodies to a wider audience. This choir introduced spirituals to the world, performing before audiences as prestigious as Queen Victoria and President Chester Arthur. 

The tune of “Go Tell It on the Mountain” exemplifies the creative genius of spirituals. Built on the pentatonic scale, its simple yet rich melody carries a rhythm full of energy, often described as a “jazz shuffle.” The song’s joyful and spirited nature embodies the excitement of proclaiming good news, a sentiment central to the Christmas season. 

Antonín Dvořák, the renowned composer, once noted the profound emotional depth of African American spirituals. He described them as embodying every mood and purpose, from the solemn to the jubilant. “Go Tell It on the Mountain” exemplifies this versatility, weaving together the jubilant rhythms of spirituals with the sacred message of Christmas. 

 

At its heart, “Go Tell It on the Mountain” captures the Christmas story. It echoes the shepherds’ reaction after hearing the angels proclaim the birth of Jesus: they couldn’t keep the news to themselves. As described in Luke 2:17-18, the shepherds “spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed.” 

Singing this hymn today is much like the shepherds’ proclamation—it is a way to share the joy of Christ’s birth. Just as families excitedly share news of a new baby, this hymn encourages believers to spread the good news of the Savior’s arrival, completing the joy of Christmas through sharing and worship. 

As we sing “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” we participate in a centuries-old tradition of sharing joy, faith, and hope. This hymn reminds us that the story of Jesus’ birth is not just an event to remember but a message to proclaim—on the mountains and everywhere.