Sister Rosetta Tharpe – Didn’t It Rain (Children)

"Didn't It Rain (Children)" is one of Sister Rosetta Tharpe's most celebrated songs, deeply rooted in the gospel tradition. A concert, in the rain, was recorded by Granada Television at the disused railway station at Wilbraham Road, Manchester, in May 1964. They had dressed the disused station up to resemble what they imagined the "deep South" would look like. Then the typical Mancunian weather drenched it. Sister Rosetta made the call to change the set list at the last minute and perform this as the opening number. The band performed on one platform while the audience was seated on the opposite platform. The song captures a sense of spirituality, reflecting on the themes of divine intervention and the feeling of being uplifted through faith during challenging times. Tharpe's energetic performance style combined with her remarkable guitar skills helped to bridge the gap between gospel and popular music, paving the way for future artists across various genres. Originally popularized in the 1930s, the song features a lively tempo and infectious rhythm, showcasing Tharpe's unique ability to infuse gospel music with the energy of blues and rock. Her influence can be seen in many artists who followed, and she is often credited with helping to lay the groundwork for rock and roll. Tharpe's contribution to music history extends beyond just "Didn't It Rain;" she was a trailblazer for female musicians, particularly in a time when the music industry was dominated by men. Her legacy continues to inspire musicians today, and her work is celebrated for its emotional depth and cultural significance.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe – Didn’t It Rain (Children) Lyrics

Didn't it rain, children
Talk 'bout rain, oh, my Lord
Didn't it, didn't it, didn't it oh my Lord
Didn't it rain?

Didn't it rain, children
Talk 'bout rain, oh, my Lord
Didn't it, didn't it, didn't it, oh my Lord
Didn't it rain?

It rained 40 days, 40 nights without stopping
Noah was glad when the rain stopped dropping
Knock at the window, a knock at the door
Crying brother Noah can't you take on more
Noah cried no, you're full of sin
God got the key and you can't get in

Just listen how it's rainin'
Will you listen how it's rainin'
Just listen, how it's rainin'
All day, all night
All night, all day

Just listen how it's rainin'
Just listen how it's rainin'
Just listen how it's rainin'

Some moaning, some groaning
Some groaning, some praying
Well, a whole
Didn't it rain till dawn
Rain on my Lord

Didn't it, didn't it
Didn't it, oh
Oh, my Lord
Didn't it rain

Oh, God sent a raven to spread the news
To hoist his wings and away he flew
And to the north, and to the south
And to the east, and to the west
All day, all night, all night, all day

Well just listen how it's rainin'
Well just listen how it's rainin'
Oh, listen how it's rainin'

Some prayin', some cryin'
Some runnin', some moanin'
Will you listen how it's rainin'
Just listen how it's rainin'
Just listen how it's rainin'

Didn't it rain, children
Rain on my Lord
Didn't it, didn't it, didn't it, oh
Oh, my Lord, didn't it rain
Rain, rain, rain, rain, rain