They started in 1993 by playing covers of Metallica, but once the concept became popular they wrote their own original works, maintaining the thrash metal influences on their albums Inquisition Symphony (mainly covers as well) and Cult. Since Reflections they have added drums to their recordings and live performances.
Members:
Eicca Toppinen - Cello
Perttu Kivilaakso - Cello
Paavo Lötjönen - Cello
Mikko Sirén - Drums
Former members:
Sami Kuoppamäki - Session Drums
Perttu Kivilaakso - Cello (1995)
Antero Manninen – Cello (1996–1999, usually plays live)
Max Lilja – Cello (1996–2002, when he joined Hevein)
Dave Lombardo - Drums [session member] (2003-2004, from the band Slayer. Also contributed drums on the songs Betrayal/Forgiveness, Last Hope and 2010 from 7th Symphony)
Little Drummer Boy
Apocalyptica Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
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,
So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.
Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?
Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
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.
The lyrics to Apocalyptica's version of "Little Drummer Boy" convey the story of a young boy who accompanies the three wise men on their journey to visit the newborn King. The singer is aware of the grandeur of their gifts and feels inadequate by comparison since he is a poor boy who has nothing fit to give. But he is determined to honor the King in his own way, and so he offers to play his drum for him.
When the boy begins to play, Mary nods her approval while the animals, an ox and a lamb, keep time. The singer gives his best performance and receives a smile of appreciation from the King in return. Overall, the song is a touching tale of how even the least among us can offer their gifts to God and be recognized for their efforts.
One possible interpretation of the song is that it emphasizes the importance of humility and sincerity in one's worship. The boy recognizes his own limitations but still wants to offer what he can, and his earnestness is what ultimately pleases the King. The animals' reactions to his drumming suggest that all of God's creatures can participate in the divine plan, regardless of their species or station in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
They informed me to accompany them with the sound of my drum, pa rum pum pum pum.
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
We are going to see a new-born King, pa rum pum pum pum.
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
We bring our choicest gifts to present, pa rum pum pum pum.
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
To lay the gifts before the King, pa rum pum pum pum.
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Drum beats continue in the background
So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
We play the drum to show respect to the King, pa rum pum pum pum.
When we come.
As we arrive to meet the King.
Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
The King is a little baby, pa rum pum pum pum.
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy just like Him, pa rum pum pum pum.
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
I have nothing to present as a gift, pa rum pum pum pum.
That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
Nothing worthy to offer the King, pa rum pum pum pum.
Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
May I play my drum for You, pa rum pum pum pum?
On my drum?
Shall I use my drum to make music?
Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
Mary gave me permission to play, pa rum pum pum pum.
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
Even the animals around were in sync with my music, pa rum pum pum pum.
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum as a tribute to Him, pa rum pum pum pum.
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
I played the best I could, giving my all to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum.
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Drum beats continue in the background
Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
In response to my tribute, He gave me a smile, pa rum pum pum pum.
Me and my drum.
Just me and my drum, honored to have played for the King.
Contributed by Bella M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.