In 1958, Ben Nelson joined a doo wop group, The Five Crowns. Later that same year, The Drifters' manager fired the members of the group and replaced them with The Five Crowns, who had performed several engagements with The Drifters. He co-wrote the first hit by the new version of The Drifters, "There Goes My Baby" (1959). He also sang lead, using his birth name, on "Save the Last Dance for Me," a song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, "Dance With Me," "This Magic Moment," "I Count the Tears," and other The Drifters hits.
In 1960 he left the group after failing to gain a salary increase and a fairer share of the group's royalties. At this point he assumed the more memorable stage name Ben E. King in preparation for a solo career. Remaining on Atlantic, King scored his first solo hit with the stylish, Latin-tinged ballad "Spanish Harlem" (1961). "Stand by Me" was his next recording. "Stand by Me", written by King along with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller was voted one of the Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America. "Stand by Me" and "Spanish Harlem" were named as two of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and were both also given a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.
King's records continued to place well on the pop charts until 1963, when British pop bands began to dominate the popular music scene. His hits after 1963 were "What is Soul?" (1967), "Supernatural Thing, part 1" (1975), and the re-issue in 1986 of "Stand by Me" following the song's use as the theme music to the movie of the same name.
Go Tell it on the mountain
Ben E. King Lyrics
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Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
Jesus Christ is born
Down in a lonely manger
The humble Christ was born
That blessed Christmas morn
Hallelujah!
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
Jesus Christ is born
While shepherds kept their watch
O'er silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens
There shown a holy light
Hallelujah!
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
Jesus Christ is born
Down in a lonely manger
The humble Christ was born
And God sent salvation
That blessed Christmas morn
Hallelujah!
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
Jesus Christ is born
The lyrics to "Go Tell it on the Mountain" by Ben E. King express the joyous message of the birth of Jesus Christ. The song opens with the exclamation "Hallelujah!", setting a celebratory tone, and then urges the listener to spread the news far and wide. The lyrics emphasize that this news should be shared on the mountain, over the hills, and everywhere, emphasizing the universality of the message.
The song then describes the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth, as he is born in a lonely manger. Despite the humble setting, this event is significant because it marks the arrival of salvation to the world. The mention of God sending salvation on that blessed Christmas morning emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus' birth and the hope and redemption that he will bring.
The second verse of the song focuses on the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks at night. Suddenly, a heavenly light appears, signifying the birth of Jesus. This imagery evokes the biblical account in the Gospel of Luke, where angels appear to the shepherds and announce the good news of Jesus' birth. The shepherds become witnesses to this miracle and are inspired to share the news with others.
Overall, "Go Tell it on the Mountain" is a joyous and uplifting song that encourages spreading the good news of Jesus' birth. It reminds listeners of the humble circumstances of his arrival and the divine significance of this event, as well as the importance of sharing this message with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Hallelujah!
Praise the Lord!
Go tell it on the mountain
Spread the good news far and wide
Over the hills and everywhere
In every corner, nook, and cranny
Jesus Christ is born
The Savior has arrived
Down in a lonely manger
In a humble and modest feeding trough
The humble Christ was born
The meek Messiah came into the world
And God sent salvation
Divine redemption was granted
That blessed Christmas morn
On that joyful morning of Christmas
While shepherds kept their watch
As the guardians of the flock remained alert
O'er silent flocks by night
Watching over the quiet sheep during the dark hours
Behold throughout the heavens
Witness the celestial spectacle
There shown a holy light
A divine radiance illuminated
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Peermusic Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL BATEMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind