John Wesley Work Jr. Grave

Hymn History: Go Tell It on the Mountain & Publisher: John Wesley Work Jr.

“”The reason why the Negro songs are so full of scripture, quoted and implied, is that for centuries the Bible was the only book he was allowed to ‘study,’ and it consumed all his time and attention.”
(John Wesley Work II)

The Origin of the Hymn “Go, Tell It on the Mountain”

Among the great treasures of American hymnody, “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” stands as one of the most beloved spirituals, cherished for its joyful proclamation of the birth of Christ. Its powerful message and vibrant melody have made it a staple of Christmas worship, yet its origin tells a story that is deeply intertwined with African American history, oral tradition, and the enduring resilience of a people who found hope in their faith.

African American Spiritual Roots

The hymn originated as an African American spiritual, a form of religious song created by enslaved people in the United States before emancipation. Spirituals were not only expressions of faith but also vehicles of hope, endurance, and sometimes coded communication. They were passed down orally from generation to generation, often without written notation, which makes it difficult to trace the exact origin of many of them.

“Go, Tell It on the Mountain” grew out of this tradition. Its refrain, “Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born,” carries the spirit of both biblical proclamation and the longing for freedom. The theme of announcing good news—shouting it from the mountaintop—resonated deeply with a people who longed for liberation and who identified with the biblical story of deliverance.

Collection and Publication by John W. Work Jr.

The spiritual might have remained in oral tradition were it not for the efforts of African American scholars and musicians who sought to preserve and publish these songs. Among the most significant figures in this effort was John Wesley Work Jr. (1871–1925), a scholar, musician, and educator at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Fisk University was home to the famous Fisk Jubilee Singers, who brought African American spirituals to a wider audience in the late nineteenth century. Work and his family were instrumental in collecting, arranging, and publishing these spirituals so that they would not be lost to time.

“Go, Tell It on the Mountain” first appeared in print in 1907 in Folk Songs of the American Negro, a collection edited by John Wesley Work Jr. Through this publication, the hymn was preserved and given new life, enabling it to reach churches, schools, and communities far beyond the oral tradition of the South.

A Hymn of Proclamation

Though originally a spiritual rooted in the African American experience, “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” found a natural place in Christian worship because of its universal message. Its central theme is proclamation: the joyous announcement of Christ’s birth. Unlike many Christmas carols that focus on the manger scene, shepherds, or wise men, this hymn emphasizes the responsibility of the believer to spread the good news everywhere.

This theme reflects not only the biblical command to evangelize but also the historical context of its origin. For enslaved people, the message of Christ’s birth—God’s entry into the world to bring salvation—was profoundly hopeful. Singing this song was both a celebration of faith and an act of spiritual resistance, affirming that God’s good news could not be silenced.

Development Over Time

After its publication, the hymn spread widely across denominations and communities. It became especially associated with Christmas services, Sunday school programs, and caroling traditions. Its lively rhythm and call-and-response quality made it accessible to children and adults alike, ensuring its popularity across generations.

Over time, various arrangements and adaptations were made. Choirs, gospel groups, and later popular artists recorded the hymn, adding to its reach. Despite its varied presentations, the core message of proclamation and joy has remained unchanged.

Enduring Legacy

Today, “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” is more than just a Christmas carol. It is a cultural artifact that preserves the voice of African American faith and resilience. It stands as a reminder of the creativity of enslaved people who, despite unimaginable suffering, composed songs of hope and freedom that continue to inspire.

The hymn has also become an ecumenical treasure. It is sung in churches of many traditions around the world, reminding Christians of the call to share the gospel. Its vibrant rhythm and joyful refrain transcend cultural and denominational lines, uniting believers in celebration of the Incarnation.

Conclusion

The origin of “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” lies in the rich soil of African American spirituals, born out of the experience of slavery yet carrying a message of joy and freedom that transcends its historical context. Preserved through the work of John Wesley Work Jr. and Fisk University, it has become a lasting contribution to both American music and Christian worship. Each time it is sung, it not only proclaims the birth of Christ but also honors the faith, endurance, and creativity of the people who first lifted their voices to tell the world the good news.