In the vast ocean of musical expression, certain songs not only capture the essence of an era but manage to transcend time, echoing truths that resonate with each subsequent generation. One such timeless classic is “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” as presented by the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel.
This post will delve deep into the background, historical context, and legacy of this song, providing an elaborate analysis of its lyrics, and the profound societal impact it has retained over the years.
Background and Historical Context
Before we plunge into the lyrical intricacies, it’s imperative to understand the roots from which this song has grown. “Go Tell It On The Mountain” is not an original Simon & Garfunkel composition, but rather a traditional African-American spiritual dating back to at least the 19th century. It was a song born out of the struggle and hardship of slavery, serving as a beacon of hope and a means of clandestine communication among slaves.
Fast forward to the civil rights movement of the 1960s, the song was resurrected as an anthem of freedom and resistance. It was in this turbulent sociopolitical backdrop that Simon & Garfunkel, known for their poetic articulation of the human condition and social issues, chose to cover “Go Tell It On The Mountain.”
While they never officially recorded it, their live performances of the song were poignant reminders of the song’s enduring relevance.
Lyrics, Meaning, and Interpretation
The Lyrics
On the surface, “Go Tell It On The Mountain” appears to be a simple retelling of the Nativity story, with references to Jesus Christ’s birth in Bethlehem. The chorus goes:
“Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born.”
However, as with many spirituals, the overt religious lyrics often housed deeper, coded messages and meanings.
The Meaning and Interpretation
Let’s dissect the song’s layers to uncover its profound significance.
The Call to Proclaim: The repetitive exhortation to “go tell it on the mountain” serves as a call to action. For the slaves, this was a directive to spread the news of hope and eventual liberation — a future where oppression would be no more. In the context of the 1960s, Simon & Garfunkel’s rendition echoed the call to advocate for civil rights and social justice.
Over the Hills and Everywhere: The directive to spread the message “over the hills and everywhere” symbolizes the universality of the message. It is not meant to be contained or restricted but to reach all corners of the earth. For the civil rights activists, it was a rallying cry, implying that the message of equality and justice knows no boundaries and must be heard globally.
That Jesus Christ is Born: While this line is a direct reference to the birth of Christ, it also metaphorically represents the birth of a new era — a world where the chains of slavery and segregation are broken. The birth of Jesus, a figure of salvation, parallels the birth of freedom movements aiming to liberate the oppressed.
As Simon & Garfunkel performed this song, they were not just covering an old spiritual; they were breathing new life into a message that was as urgent in their present as it had been in the past. Through their folk-infused harmonies, they amplified a call for change, one that would not be silenced until it was “told on the mountain.”
The verses of the song, which were likely improvised during live performances, further build on the central theme of revelation and liberation. Simon & Garfunkel may have added their own contemporary verses or simply let the traditional words speak for themselves. Each verse would add a layer of narrative to the birth of Christ, perhaps drawing parallels to the births and rebirths of social consciousness and awareness throughout history.
Legacy and Societal Impact
The legacy of “Go Tell It On The Mountain” is as towering as the mountains it invokes. It has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, each bringing their own flavor and perspective to the song. Simon & Garfunkel’s interpretation stands as a testament to the song’s adaptability and enduring power.
The societal impact of the song, particularly in the context of the civil rights movement, cannot be overstated. It became more than a Christmas carol; it was an anthem of hope and resistance. Its ability to convey a deeply spiritual message while simultaneously serving as a tool for social change is perhaps what has solidified its place in the pantheon of songs that have shaped the American cultural and political landscape.
In conclusion, “Go Tell It On The Mountain” as sung by Simon & Garfunkel is more than just a harmonic convergence of voices. It is a historical artifact, a cry for freedom, and a piece of music that continues to inspire and challenge us to “tell” the stories that need to be heard — of injustice, of faith, and ultimately, of transformation.
As we reflect on the layers of meaning within this spiritual, let us not forget the power of music to move mountains and the responsibility that comes with the songs we choose to sing and the messages we choose to amplify.
Thank you for joining me on this musical journey through the peaks and valleys of “Go Tell It On The Mountain.” May its echoes continue to inspire and instigate change wherever it resounds.