Go Tell It On The Mountain
Peter Tosh and the Wailers Lyrics


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Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain,
Set my people free

Who's there yonder dressed in red
Sets my people free
Who's there yonder dressed in red
Sets my people free
Whose there yonder dressed in red
Must be the people Moses led
Go tell iton the mountain
Set my people free





Who's there yonder dressed in white
Sets my people free

Overall Meaning

The song "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by Peter Tosh and the Wailers is a powerful call to action. The lyrics speak to the idea of spreading a message of freedom far and wide for people who are enslaved. The song starts with the repeated phrase "Go, tell it on the mountain," which serves as a rallying cry for listeners to take action. This phrase is repeated throughout the song, making it clear that the message needs to be heard in every corner of the earth. The following line, "Over the hills and everywhere," emphasizes the importance of spreading the message far and wide.


The next verse of the song asks the question "Who's there yonder dressed in red?" This is a reference to the biblical story of Moses leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. The color red is significant because it is associated with blood, which was a major part of the Passover story. The lyrics suggest that whoever is dressed in red must be the one leading the people to freedom, just like Moses did. The final verse of the song asks the same question but uses the color white instead. This could be interpreted as a reference to Jesus, who is often depicted wearing white robes in Christian art. The song ends with a call to action to "set my people free," once again emphasizing the importance of fighting for the freedom of those who are enslaved.


Line by Line Meaning

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


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


Set my people free
Free my people from oppression and injustice


Who's there yonder dressed in red
Who is that person wearing red clothing


Sets my people free
Setting free those who were once enslaved


Who's there yonder dressed in white
Who is that person dressed in white


Must be the people Moses led
That person is likely part of the group Moses led out of slavery in Egypt


Go tell iton the mountain
Spread the message of liberation


Set my people free
Let my people be free from oppression




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Peermusic Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL BATEMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@STRZB001

One of my favorite Tosh songs that I keep going back to! Bless the Wailers and Peter!

@t2sugars393

Lyrics made for tosh's voice, very beautifully executed. Wailers forever x

@willieluncheonette

Go Tell It on the Mountain, the fifth song on The Best of the Wailers LP, is a traditional American song that Peter, as a youngster, used to play on his sardine pan guitar. Here he sings lead in a very heartfelt effort and gives this spiritual a beautiful dignity.

@willieluncheonette

BTW this is the original album cover for The Best of the Wailers on Beverley's label released in April 1971

@ahmadkarriem3900

Thanks for sharing! Awesome

@marvingayle9427

Thanks for sharing that background piece breda nuff respect!

@STRZB001

Thanks for the knowledge!

@haveaniceday5693

All praises to YAH

@joeversgrove7129

Greatest Christmas Song Ever Recorded!!

@balorndawonde1984

Peter tosh oh that voice

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