Go Tell It On The Mountain
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

"Go Tell It on the Mountain" is a traditional African American Christmas song that has been performed by various artists over the years. The Wailers' version of the song carries a significant message that probably goes beyond a mere celebration of Christmas. The lyrics implore the audience to spread the message of freedom by telling everyone, far and wide, that liberation has come. The real power of this song comes from the fact that the audience is reminded that all persons need liberation, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, or social standing, and it is our responsibility to make sure that they taste freedom in their lifetimes.


The song also makes allusion to Moses, the great leader who led the Israelites out of slavery from Egypt. This reference to Moses is relevant because it effectively situates the struggle for liberation as a eternal, spiritual one, that goes far beyond the quotidian material needs. In the lyrics, the "people Moses led" represents all persons who agitate for freedoms, and the song reminds all persons that just as Moses liberated his people through God's power, so too can persons achieve tangible and real freedom for all persons who are still held captive in modern-day slavery, be it political or economic.


Line by Line Meaning

Go, tell it on the mountain,
Spread the word across the mountains,


Over the hills and everywhere
Let everyone know, no matter where they are,


Go, tell it on the mountain,
Spread the word across the mountains,


Set my people free
Free my people from oppression and bondage


Who's there yonder dressed in red
Who is that in red clothing that I see in the distance?,


Sets my people free
They are the ones who will help free my oppressed people from their struggles.


Who's there yonder dressed in red
Who is that in red clothing that I see in the distance?,


Must be the people Moses led
It could be the people led by Moses out of slavery in Egypt,


Go tell iton the mountain
Spread this message across the mountains,


Set my people free
Free my people from oppression and bondage


Who's there yonder dressed in white
Who is that in white clothing that I see in the distance?,


Sets my people free
They are the ones who will help free my oppressed people from their struggles.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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