You help make Hymnary.org possible.

In 2025, more than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources, and encouragement here. If Hymnary has meant something to you this year, would you take a moment to help sustain it? A gift of any size — and a note of encouragement, if you'd like to share one — directly supports the server costs, research, and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org (c/o Calvin University)
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for being part of this important online ministry resource.

5a. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

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

1. While shepherds kept their watching
O'er silent flocks by night,
Behold thru-out the heavens
There shone a holy light.

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

3. Down in a lowly manger
The humble Christ was born,
And God sent us salvation
That blessed Christmas morn.

Text Information
First Line: While shepherds kept their watching
Title: Go, Tell It on the Mountain
Author (stanzas): John W. Work Jr. (1940)
Meter: 7.6.7.6 with refrain
Language: English
Publication Date: 2025
Scripture:
Topic: Christmas
Notes: Stanzas by John W. Work Jr. of Fisk University, from American Negro Songs and Spirituals (1940).
Tune Information
Name: [While shepherds kept their watching]
Incipit: 13556 53
Key: F Major or modal
Notes: Refrain, melody from Hampton University’s Religious Folks Songs of the Negro (1909), arr. The Pilgrim Hymnal (1958).



Media
More media are available on the text authority and tune authority pages.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.