Go Tell It on the Mountain (song)

Go Tell It on the Mountain ( mutatis mutandis dt: Go, call it from the mountain ) is an African-American Spiritual. Because of the chorus, which refers to the birth of Jesus in the text, it is regarded as a Christmas song.

Origin

The origin of the song dates back to the time of the end of the Civil War in 1865; original composer and librettist are unknown. It was first recorded in writing by African-American songs collectors and choral conductor John Wesley Work. Work only melody and chorus were known, the verses varied, however. Therefore, he should have added two verses to the song. Already in the 1880s, written down by Work version of his choir, the Fisk Jubilee Singers was listed publicly. In 1909 she was first published in compiled by Thomas P. Fenner Liedersammlung Religious Folk Songs of the Negro as Sung on the Plantations. The now well-known version of the song was by Works son John Work III. arranged and published in 1940 in American Negro Songs and Spirituals.

Interpretations

The song was recorded by numerous artists. The best-known version is by Peter, Paul and Mary, who reached number 13 in 1964 under the title Tell It on the Mountain and slightly modified text on the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Top 40. Another well-known version is by Frank Sinatra in duet with Bing Crosby, also from 1964. As Come, tell it all on! The song is to be found in Protestant hymnal under EC 225.

Chorus

Go, tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere. Go, tell it on the mountain, That Jesus Christ is born.

Go on, call it from the mountain, Over the hills and far beyond. Go on, call it from the mountain, That Jesus Christ is born.