Abney Park began around 1997, but their popularity exploded with the onset of internet music, with much success through MP3.com in the early 2000’s. The band was a regular chart topper, often holding the number 1 – 5 positions in Goth and Darkwave, and Industrial Dance music charts. In 2005 the band morphed from a more Darkwave/Industrial inspired act to a Steampunk inspired act.
Abney Park's music has been featured on a number of movie soundtracks, including "Insomnis Amour", "Goth", and "Lord of the Vampires". The band's music has also been featured in many compilation CD’s, including Cleopatra Records “The Unquiet Grave” vol. III, "Annihilation and Seduction", "Eighteen" and many more.
Abney Park has performed all over the North America, appearing in Portland, Chicago, Las Vegas, Reno, Hollywood, and countless shows in their home base of Seattle. Their fans form a near-cult following, and have been known to travel from as far as New Zealand and Mexico City just to see them perform.
The Little Drummer Boy
Abney Park Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A new born King to see,
Our finest gifts we bring,
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
So to honor Him,
When we come.
Little Baby,
I am a poor boy too,
I have no gift to bring,
That's fit to give our King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Shall I play for you,
On my drum?
Mary nodded,
The ox and lamb kept time,
I played my drum for Him,
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.
The Little Drummer Boy is a popular Christmas song that narrates a story about a drummer boy who visits the newborn King of Israel with no valuable gifts to offer but his drumming skills. The song begins with the boy being informed by the Wise Men about the birth of a newborn King, and the invitation to see Him in his manger. The boy, being poor and having no gifts to offer, is reluctant, but he decides to visit the King and plays His drum in honor of Him.
The song portrays the essence of Christmas, which is not about lavish gifts, wealth, or status but about humble acts of kindness, love, and giving. The Little Drummer Boy represents the idea that everyone, regardless of their position in society, can make a valuable contribution, whether it be small or big, to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
The song also emphasizes the power of music as a universal language that can convey emotions and connect individuals from diverse backgrounds. The boy's drumming serves as a means of expressing his adoration and respect for the newborn King, which is acknowledged by Mary and the animals in attendance. Finally, the song culminates in a heartwarming scene where the King smiles at the little drummer and his drum, implying that the boy's tribute is highly appreciated.
Line by Line Meaning
Come they told me
I was summoned to come
A new born King to see
To witness the arrival of a King who was just born
Our finest gifts we bring
We bring the utmost valuable presents
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
To offer as tribute to the King with joyous melody from the drums
So to honor Him
To show respect and pay homage to Him
When we come
At the time of our arrival
Little Baby
The newborn King was just a tiny infant
I am a poor boy too
I am also a destitute young lad
I have no gift to bring
I don't have anything to offer as a present
That's fit to give our King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
That would be acceptable as a gift to our King, accompanied by my drum beat
Shall I play for you
May I entertain you with my drumming?
On my drum?
With the use of my little percussion instrument?
Mary nodded
Mary gave a sign of approval
The ox and lamb kept time
The ox and lamb tapped their feet in tune with my drumming
I played my drum for Him
I performed on my drum for His entertainment
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
I showcased my best skills, along with the drum's rhythmic beats to bring joy to Him
Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
At that moment, He beamed a broad joyous smile on me
Me and my drum.
Just me and my percussion instrument were fortunate to make the King happy
Contributed by Oliver R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.