Neil Leslie Diamond (born January 24, 1941) is an American singer and songw… Read Full Bio ↴Neil Leslie Diamond (born January 24, 1941) is an American singer and songwriter, born in Brooklyn, NY.

From the 1960s to the 1980s, Diamond was one of the more successful pop music performers, scoring a number of hits. As critic William Ruhlmann writes, "as of 2001, he claimed worldwide record sales of 115 million copies, and as of 2002 he was ranked third, behind only Elton John and Barbra Streisand, on the list of the most successful adult contemporary artists in the history of the Billboard chart."[1] As of May 2005 he has sold 120 million records worldwide, including 48 million records in the U.S.[2]

Though his record sales declined somewhat after the 1980s, Diamond continues to tour successfully, and maintains a very loyal following. Diamond's songs have been recorded by a vast array of performers from many different musical genres.

Diamond was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984, and then in 2000 was given its Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the early part of 2011.

In 2008 Neil Diamond scored his first ever Billboard number one album with "Home Before Dark", the album also became his first studio album to get to number one in the UK.

Go Tell It on the Mountain
Neil Diamond Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

While shepherds kept their watching
Over silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens
There shone a holy light

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

That Jesus Christ is born

The shepherds feared and trembled
When lo! above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed our Savior's birth

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

Down in a lowly manger
Our humble Christ was born
And God send us salvation
That blessed Christmas morn

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

When I am a seeker i seek both night and day
I seek the Lord to help me
And He shows me the way

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

He made me a watchman upon the 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
That Jesus Christ is born

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Neil Diamond's "Go Tell It on the Mountain" depict the biblical story of the shepherds who witnessed the birth of Jesus Christ. The song begins by describing how the shepherds were watching over their flocks at night when suddenly a holy light appeared in the heavens. This represents the divine intervention and heavenly presence that surrounded the birth of Jesus.

The chorus of the song urges the listeners to spread the news of Jesus' birth far and wide, proclaiming that they should "go, tell it on the mountain." The mention of mountains and hills signifies the universal message of Jesus' birth, suggesting that the news should be shared everywhere to reach people across all lands and cultures.

The second verse emphasizes the shepherds' initial fear and amazement when they heard the angelic chorus announcing the birth of the Savior. Their trembles and awe encapsulate the sense of reverence and honor bestowed upon the event. This verse reinforces the divinity and significance of Jesus' birth.

The third verse shifts the focus to the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth, portraying him being born in a lowly manger. It reminds us that Jesus came into the world as a symbol of hope and salvation, with God's love and mercy being extended to humanity. The mention of "that blessed Christmas morn" captures the joy and celebration associated with the birth of Jesus.

The final verse takes a personal perspective, highlighting the seeker's journey in finding the Lord day and night. The lyrics emphasize the individual's reliance on God's guidance and support in their life. The lyrics also explore the Christian idea of being a watchman, someone who watches over and protects the city. It recognizes that even as a follower of Christ, the singer considers themselves the least important or humblest among fellow believers.

Overall, the song conveys the timeless message of the birth of Jesus Christ and the call to spread the good news of his arrival to the world. It emphasizes the transformative power of faith and the importance of sharing the love and hope of Jesus with others, no matter one's position in life.

Line by Line Meaning

While shepherds kept their watching
While the shepherds remained vigilant and attentive

Over silent flocks by night
Guarding quiet herds in the darkness

Behold throughout the heavens
Witness the celestial sight

There shone a holy light
A divine radiance illuminated the surroundings

Go, tell it on the mountain
Spread the news joyously and loudly

Over the hills and everywhere
To every corner and beyond

Go, tell it on the mountain
Spread the news joyously and loudly

That Jesus Christ is born
That the Savior, Jesus Christ, has been born

The shepherds feared and trembled
The shepherds were filled with awe and fear

When lo! above the earth
When suddenly, high above the land

Rang out the angel chorus
The angelic voices resounded