What’s the News?

Song Meaning

Sister Rosetta Tharpe's insistent query, "What's the News?" isn't idle chatter; it's a spiritual Geiger counter set to detect the divine. On the surface, the song appears as a simple call-and-response, mimicking everyday greetings. But Tharpe, ever the subversive gospel queen, hijacks the mundane and infuses it with the revolutionary message of salvation. The 'news' isn't about earthly affairs or petty gossip. It's the earth-shattering announcement that Jesus Christ has "trampled death in hell." The repeated question transforms into a relentless evangelistic probe. Tharpe isn't just asking; she's demanding a recognition of the spiritual reality she inhabits. It's a savvy lyrical move that leverages the human tendency for small talk, weaponizing it for a higher purpose. The song’s genius lies in its simplicity and directness. There's no complex theological debate here, just a plain declaration of faith and its transformative power. The lyrics, like "since you've taken my sins away, He taught me how to watch and pray," highlight a personal relationship with Christ, emphasizing active participation in one's own salvation. Moreover, the song carries a defiant edge, particularly in the line "I will not go with you to hell." This isn't passive acceptance; it's a conscious rejection of worldly temptations and a bold assertion of spiritual autonomy. "What's the News?" becomes a litmus test, separating those who are awake to the divine from those still sleepwalking through sin. The guitar solos, signature Tharpe, act as ecstatic punctuation marks, underscoring the joy and liberation found in this newfound faith. The song’s meaning ultimately resides in its persistent, joyful proclamation of the Gospel, framing it not as ancient history, but as the most vital, urgent news imaginable.