Go Tell It on the Mountain

Calling to mind Isaiah’s words “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings” (Isaiah 52:7), this African American spiritual captures the joy and excitement of proclaiming the birth of Christ. Although its specific creation date is unknown, the hymn originated among African Americans during the era of slavery in the United States. Because it was passed down orally for many years before being written down, many variants of this hymn exist.

Dedicated educator and musicologist John W. Work II wrote his own verses to accompany the existing tune and refrain. Work spent his life collecting and preserving the spirituals of his people. As director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, he helped bring those songs from the fields of the American South to concert halls across the United States and Europe, touching hearts with the good news of Jesus Christ through music. After Work’s death in 1925, his verses were published in 1940 by his son John W. Work III.

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for Go Tell It on the Mountain

On This Page

Scriptures

Principles

Because Heavenly Father loves His children, He sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to save all who believe in Him and obey Him.
Through sincere prayer and faith, we can know for ourselves that Jesus Christ came to earth to fulfill His divine mission.
The Lord invites us to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with all the world.

Questions to Ponder

Why was the announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ received as joyful news by the shepherds?
How would your life be different if Jesus Christ had not come to earth?
What are some ways that you can share the good news of Jesus Christ with others?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Act out the verses and move to the rhythm. Listen to the Gospel Library recording and sing along as a family. As family members become familiar with the hymn, invite them to act out the verses while singing. They could put a hand above their eyes as if watching, hunch their shoulders to show fear, or cradle their arms as if holding a baby. During the refrain, move or step to the swinging rhythm. Family members could take turns doing actions and moving to the rhythm. With adult help, they might stand on a stool, use a drum, or add other fun ways to “tell it on the mountain.”
Talk about Jesus Christ. We can “tell it on the mountain” in our own way today. After singing or listening to this hymn as a family, think of places where you can talk about Jesus Christ and share your testimony that He is the Son of God and that His Church has been restored. Ideas might include in family scripture study, at church, at school, at a park, on a plane, on a train or bus, or anywhere as a full-time missionary. Encourage family members to share one way they can talk about Jesus Christ this week.

Music Helps

The music instruction at the top of this hymn indicates that the music is in a swing rhythm. Normally, all eighth notes ( or ) would have equal length. In swing rhythm, eighth notes follow a long-short, long-short pattern. Listen to the recording and see if you can hear the swing rhythm, which is illustrated below:

Swing rhythm visual
This hymn includes a fermata ( ). It means that a note should be held for longer than normal. Look up to your music leader, who will give you a signal for how long to sing this note.