Many African-American spirituals were transmitted via oral tradition for many decades before they were ever published in written form. John Wesley Work II (1873-1925) was professor of Latin and Greek at Fisk University in Nashville TN, and later president of Roger Williams University, also in Nashville. He wrote The Folk Song of the American Negro (1915), one of the earliest examinations of African-American music by someone actually descended from slaves. Along with his brother Frederick Jerome Work (1879-1942), he published several collections of spirituals in the early 20th century, including New Jubilee Songs as Sung by Fisk Jubilee Singers (1901) and Folk Songs of the American Negro (1907). The first publication of “Go Tell it On the Mountain” was in this latter collection.  But the song goes back at least to the middle of the 19th century, and possibly to the 18th century.

In many versions, just the first three stanzas are sung, focusing as they do on the narrative of the shepherds, angels, and manger. But the fourth and fifth stanzas are quite strong as well. The fourth stanza moves us to personal reflection on becoming Christian: Jesus is not only the Savior for the world, but has brought me to the place where I could myself encounter him personally. And the final stanza addresses two important aspects of the Christian life I am now to live, proclamation and humility: it draws from the Old Testament theme of the sentinel calling out a warning from atop the city wall (Isaiah 62:6; Ezekiel 3:17, 33:7), and from Christ’s words to his followers to take the lowly position of service (Mark 10:42-45).  

1. While shepherds kept their watching O’er silent flocks by night, 
Behold throughout the heavens, There shone a holy light.

Refrain:

Go, Tell It On The Mountain, Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain That Jesus Christ is born.

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

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

4. When I was a seeker, I sought both night and day;
I sought the Lord to help me, And He showed me the way. Refrain

5. He made me a watchman Upon the city wall,
And if I am a Christian, I am the least of all. Refrain

This is Dolly Parton’s Christmas Special version, complete with some surprise helpers. https://youtu.be/3nPFUh4j2OM


And here are The Blind Boys of Alabama.
https://youtu.be/EQupo8_7pPc