In 1958, Ben Nelson joined a doo wop group, The Five Crowns. Later that same year, The Drifters' manager fired the members of the group and replaced them with The Five Crowns, who had performed several engagements with The Drifters. He co-wrote the first hit by the new version of The Drifters, "There Goes My Baby" (1959). He also sang lead, using his birth name, on "Save the Last Dance for Me," a song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, "Dance With Me," "This Magic Moment," "I Count the Tears," and other The Drifters hits.
In 1960 he left the group after failing to gain a salary increase and a fairer share of the group's royalties. At this point he assumed the more memorable stage name Ben E. King in preparation for a solo career. Remaining on Atlantic, King scored his first solo hit with the stylish, Latin-tinged ballad "Spanish Harlem" (1961). "Stand by Me" was his next recording. "Stand by Me", written by King along with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller was voted one of the Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America. "Stand by Me" and "Spanish Harlem" were named as two of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and were both also given a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.
King's records continued to place well on the pop charts until 1963, when British pop bands began to dominate the popular music scene. His hits after 1963 were "What is Soul?" (1967), "Supernatural Thing, part 1" (1975), and the re-issue in 1986 of "Stand by Me" following the song's use as the theme music to the movie of the same name.
Drummer Boy
Ben E. King Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Our newborn 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
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 our 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 song "Drummer Boy" by Ben E. King tells the story of a poor boy who goes to see the newborn King with nothing to offer except his drumming skills. He asks if he can play for the baby Jesus, and after receiving a nod of approval from Mary, he starts playing his drum. The animals in the stable keep time with the music, and the boy plays his very best for the baby King. When he finishes, Jesus smiles at him, and the boy leaves feeling honored to have played for such a special occasion.
This song is all about the idea of giving what you have to offer, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. The poor boy in the song doesn't have fancy gifts or riches to bring, but he still wants to honor the newborn King in the best way that he knows how. He humbly offers his drumming talent and it turns out to be just what Jesus wanted. It's a message that reminds us that we all have something to offer, no matter our background or circumstances.
Overall, "Drummer Boy" is a touching and inspiring song that highlights the importance of humility and generosity. It reminds us that the things that truly matter in life can't be bought or acquired through material possessions, but rather through acts of kindness and selflessness.
Line by Line Meaning
Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum
They came and told me with joyous sound.
Our newborn King to see, pa-rum pum pum pum
To pay a visit to our newly born King.
Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum pum pum pum
We bring the best presents we've got.
To lay before the King pa-rum pum pum pum
To offer them humbly before the feet of the King.
Rum pum pum pum. rum pum pum pum
Beating the drum pleasantly and melodiously.
So to honor Him pa-rum pum pum pum
In order to pay respect to Him.
When we come
At the time of our visit.
Little Baby pa-rum pum pum pum
The baby is small, delicate and precious.
I am a poor boy too, pa-rum pum pum pum
I'm also a poor child like Him.
I have no gift to bring pa-rum pum pum pum
I don't have anything worthy to give Him.
That's fit to give our King pa- rum pum pum pum
Something that is suitable for presenting to our King.
Shall I play for you, pa-rum pum pum pum
Can I at least play my drum for you and your joy?
Mary nodded pa-rum pum pum pum
Mary gave her consent by nodding her head.
The Ox and Lamb kept time pa-rum pum pum pum
Even the animals kept the beat and rhythm with my drumming.
I played my drum for Him pa-rum pum pum pum
I banged my drum out of love and respect for Him.
I played my best for Him pa -rum pum pum pum
I played so hard that it was my best effort ever.
Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
Still beating my drum happily and agreeably.
Then He smiled at me pa-rum pum pum pum
Suddenly, He gave me a smile, indicating His eternal love and blessings.
Me and my drum
Both me and my drum together glad in satisfaction with the love and warmth we received.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ROGER EDENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@michaelwashington6680
This is one of my favorite Christmas songs of all time, Ben E. King ,One of the greatest singers of all time, absolutely magnificent.
@bennyjazzful
Another masterpiece from Ben E.King. What a voice.He must be in the top ten of all vocalists,especially Soul & R & B. Amazing sounds & so,so good. That backing is superb also.
@baddogmaine
This is one of my absolute favorite Christmas songs. And the whole album is magnificent!
@tennagerofthe60s
the best singer, ever. Love him
@drea2453
He was the very best !
@lmartinich
This one gets me moving!
@Nitetrainism
100% Memphis Music.
@pisoipisoi7584
aretha`franklin`sing`at`his`funerals..,
@peterfernandez9670
SiriusXM brought me here