Go Tell It on the Mountain (song) facts for kids

"Go Tell It on the Mountain" is a well-known African-American spiritual song. It was put together by John Wesley Work Jr. The song has been around since at least 1865. Many gospel and other singers have performed it. It is also a popular Christmas carol. This is because its first words celebrate the birth of Jesus:

Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere;
go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born.

Sometimes, the last line of the song is different. It might say "Jesus Christ is Lord" instead of mentioning his birth.

Famous Singers of the Song

Many artists have recorded "Go Tell It on the Mountain." Their versions have helped the song reach even more people.

Peter, Paul and Mary's Version

In 1963, the music group Peter, Paul and Mary created their own version. They worked with their music director Milt Okun. They changed the song and called it "Tell It on the Mountain." Their new words talked about the story of Exodus from the Bible. They used the phrase "Let my people go." This phrase also quietly referred to the Civil Rights Movement of the early 1960s. This movement was a big effort to gain equal rights for African Americans.

This version became quite popular for Peter, Paul and Mary. It reached number 33 on the US pop charts in 1964. The magazine Cash Box said it was a "rhythmic, updating of the folk oldie." They also noted its "plaintive message-song motif."

The Song's Role in Civil Rights

The song "Go Tell It on the Mountain" was important during the Civil Rights Movement. A leader named Fannie Lou Hamer often used it. She was an African-American civil rights activist. She is said to have combined this song with another spiritual called "Go Down Moses." She took the line "let my people go" from "Go Down Moses." Then she added it to the chorus of "Go Tell It on the Mountain."

Fannie Lou Hamer was very active in civil rights work starting in the 1950s. The story of Exodus, where people are freed from slavery, was very important to her. Singing spiritual songs like this one played a big part in her activities.

Other Popular Recordings

The country music group Little Big Town also recorded a version. Their song came out in 2006. It reached number 35 on the Hot Country Songs chart.