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Little Drummer Boy
Johnny Cash Lyrics


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Come, they told me
Our newborn King to see
Our finest gifts we bring (pa-rum pum pum pum)
To lay before the King (pa-rum pum pum pum)
(Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum)

This, is to honor Him (pa-rum pum pum pum)
When we come (pa-rum pum pum pum)

Baby Jesus
I am a poor boy too
I have no gift to bring (pa-rum pum pum pum)
That's fit to give a King (pa-rum pum pum pum)
(Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum)

But may I play for you (pa-rum pum pum pum)
On my drum? (pa-rum pum pum pum)

The Mother Mary nodded
The Ox and Lamb kept time
I played my drum for Him (pa-rum pum pum pum)
I played my best for Him (pa-rum pum pum pum)
(Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum)

Then He smiled at me (pa-rum pum pum pum)
Me and my drum (pa-rum pum pum pum)

Overall Meaning

In Johnny Cash's version of the classic Christmas song Little Drummer Boy, the lyrics tell the story of a young boy who travels with his family to Bethlehem to see the newborn King, bringing with them their finest gifts to lay before Him. The boy, feeling unworthy and unable to contribute materially, asks if he can play his drum for Baby Jesus instead. The Mother Mary nods her approval, and as the boy begins to play, the animals in the stable - the Ox and Lamb - keep time with his drumming. Despite his humble offering, the boy plays his best for the King, and is rewarded when Baby Jesus smiles at him in response.


The song explores themes of humility, selflessness and the power of offering what one has, however small, with sincerity and purpose. It also highlights the idea of finding one's own unique way to contribute to a larger cause - in this case, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The boy recognizes that he cannot match the gifts of the other visitors, but offers his own special talent in tribute instead.


Overall, Johnny Cash's rendition of Little Drummer Boy is a heartfelt and poignant rendition of this holiday classic, conveying the spirit of love and generosity that lies at the heart of the Christmas season.


Line by Line Meaning

Come, they told me
They summoned me to come


Our newborn King to see
To behold our newly born king


Our finest gifts we bring (pa-rum pum pum pum)
We bring our most valuable offerings


To lay before the King (pa-rum pum pum pum)
To present them to the King


(Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum)


This, is to honor Him (pa-rum pum pum pum)
We do this to pay our respects to Him


When we come (pa-rum pum pum pum)
The time when we arrive


Baby Jesus
Infant Jesus


I am a poor boy too
As am I, a destitute youngster


I have no gift to bring (pa-rum pum pum pum)
I don't have anything to offer


That's fit to give a King (pa-rum pum pum pum)
That's appropriate for a King


(Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum)


But may I play for you (pa-rum pum pum pum)
May I perform music for you


On my drum? (pa-rum pum pum pum)
Using my drum?


The Mother Mary nodded
Mother Mary approved


The Ox and Lamb kept time
The ox and lamb provided rhythm


I played my drum for Him (pa-rum pum pum pum)
I performed using my drum for Him


I played my best for Him (pa-rum pum pum pum)
I gave my best performance for Him


(Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum)


Then He smiled at me (pa-rum pum pum pum)
Afterwards, he grinned at me


Me and my drum (pa-rum pum pum pum)
Me and my musical instrument




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Henry Onorati, Katherine K. Davis, Harry Simeone

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Malakina1964

I love his voice so much.

Edp445.2.0

Malakina1964 me too

Angie Beckit

Oh, my gosh, this song is a staple in my house!  I remember listening to this song as a child and feeling that this was what Christmas was about.  Can't do Christmas without it.

godragons100

Love this version. Merry Christmas to all!

Mandy Nobel

Not a bad version

Tony Vogler

God Bless Johnny Cash! I wanted my first Guitar because of him, He was so COOL!!!!!

R. Charter

one of the few songs that Johnny Cash acrually held in key, and did a wonderful job. I first heard this version in Japan where I was stationed at Misawa Air Base in 1958. (kinda makes me an oltimer lol)

Oh God wHY

Thank you for the story and thank you for your service.

I hope you and your loved ones are having a good christmas.

Zeke and Opie

Thank you for your service sir. Merry Christmas!

dragon beast

R. Charter what a story

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