Go Tell It On The Mountain

Go Tell It On The Mountain
Fannie Lou Hammer Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴When I was a seeker
I sought both night and day,
I asked the Lord to help me,
And he showed me the say.

Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,

Our Jesus Christ is born.

He made me a watchman
Upon a city wall,
And if I am a Christian,
I am the least of all.

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

When I was a seeker
I sought both night and day,
I asked the Lord to help me,
And he showed me the say.

Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,

Go tell it on the mountain,
Our Jesus Christ is born.


Overall Meaning

Fannie Lou Hamer’s song “Go Tell It On The Mountain” is a powerful gospel classic that explores themes of religious awakening and testimony. The song draws upon biblical imagery and phrases, highlighting the faith journey of the singer and her relationship with God. The song begins by describing the singer as a seeker who spent much time searching and praying for divine guidance. However, through this struggle, the Lord answers her prayers and shows her the way. This experience is then reaffirmed in the chorus, which encourages the witness of Jesus Christ’s birth to be proclaimed over the hills and through the valleys.


The second verse builds upon this idea, exploring the singer’s newfound role as a watchman on a city wall. This image again draws upon biblical metaphor, representing the role of the faithful in their communities, watching and protecting against spiritual danger. This message is reiterated in the final line of the verse, where the singer acknowledges her humility as a Christian, recognizing her place in the community and her duty to serve. The chorus repeats once more, affirming the message of the song and encouraging all believers to share the good news of Christmas.


Overall, “Go Tell It On The Mountain” is a song of hope and testimony that explores the journey of faith and the importance of sharing the story of Jesus Christ’s birth. The song speaks to the transformative power of religious experience and the responsibility of believers to share that experience with others.


Line by Line Meaning

When I was a seeker
During my time of searching for truth


I sought both night and day,
I searched tirelessly and without ceasing


I asked the Lord to help me,
I prayed for guidance and assistance from God


And he showed me the way.
And he provided me with direction and answers


Go tell it on the mountain,
Spread the news far and wide


Over the hills and everywhere,
To all corners of the earth


Go tell it on the mountain,
Share the message of Jesus' birth


Our Jesus Christ is born.
That Jesus Christ has been born


He made me a watchman
God has called me to be a guardian and protector


Upon a city wall,
To oversee and be responsible for the safety of the people


And if I am a Christian,
And if I follow Christ's teachings


I am the least of all.
I am humble and recognize my own shortcomings


Writer(s): Vangeloff

Contributed by Miles V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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