Little Drummer Boy
Bing Crosby / David Bowie Lyrics
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Lights out was sounded long ago
So close your eyes my little drummer boy
And dream of the ones that you love so
Reveille will sound in the morning
Once more on parade you will go
So close your eyes my little drummer boy
So close your eyes my little drummer boy
And say goodnight to all your friends and foes.
The lyrics to Bing Crosby and David Bowie's song Little Drummer Boy are quite simple but carry a profound message. The song is about a young drummer boy who has had a long day, and it’s time for him to go to bed. The lights have been turned off for some time now, but as a child, he has been unable to sleep. It is at this point that his mentor, likely a military officer or an experienced drummer, approaches the child and urges him to close his eyes and dream about his loved ones.
The second paragraph of the song indicates that the young drummer boy will be awakened in the morning when reveille is sounded for parade. It’s likely that the boy is a soldier at war, and his job is to play the drums to lead his fellow soldiers during the parade. Despite having friends and possibly enemies on the opposite side, the mentor still urges the young boy to say goodnight to all of them. The message here is that even though there might be differences between us, we must still show respect and care for others, including our enemies.
Line by Line Meaning
The day is ended little drummer boy
The day has come to a close, little drummer boy.
Lights out was sounded long ago
It's been a while since the lights were turned off, indicating bedtime.
So close your eyes my little drummer boy
It's time to shut your eyes, dear drummer boy.
And dream of the ones that you love so
Think happy thoughts and dream about the people you love.
Reveille will sound in the morning
You'll hear the call to wake up in the morning, drummer boy.
Once more on parade you will go
You'll be marching in the parade again tomorrow, like you always do.
So close your eyes my little drummer boy
It's time to go to bed, dear little drummer boy.
And say goodnight to all your friends and foes.
Wish everyone a good night, no matter if they are friend or foe.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HENRY ONORATI, KATHERINE K DAVIS, HARRY SIMEONE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@laurensavard6506
Thank you for sharing, John! Your words really resonated with me and my own sentiments regarding this song, and I wondered if you might appreciate an additional fact on it.
In late 2020, I learned through an ordinary internet search for facts about this song that it was recorded on September 11, 1978. To think that exactly 24 years to the day before 9/11 occured, two men from two different generations and countries would get together and sing such a beautiful song praying for peace on earth and goodwill among humanity gets me every time it comes to mind!
Something that especially touches me is when David Bowie shares before they sing that his son was 6 at the time they recorded the song, and he soon sings the line that his child would see a "day when men of goodwill would live in peace again." Interestingly, I've felt called to serve in response to 9/11 longer-term and plan to move from my home in Maryland to greater NYC (likely North Jersey) to do so. Since I was born in 1995, I was the age his son was on 9/11 (age 6). I've started listening to this song year-round as my sense of calling has developed, as it reminds me to do my part to work towards the vision Bing Crosby and David Bowie sang about all those years ago and to do what I can to encourage others to do the same thing.
While I've always loved it, this song has become so dear to me with these thoughts in mind over the past two years. I hope and pray their masterpiece can help many others in their own ways! 💙🙏🏻🇺🇸🇬🇧🌏
Best wishes and blessings for you and your loved ones from Harford County, MD, for Christmas, 2023, and always! 🙏🏻🎄☃️
@dorisblack7631
This song touches my soul everytime I hear it! Still listening in 2023! Two phenomenal artists. May they both rest in peace!!
@bottletree33
Yeah it’s beautiful. I try to listen to it every year. Great voices coming from two very different worlds.
@christinehughes6928
So magical love it ❤
@majorthumbsup8563
The finest!
@72mossy
It was like passing the old to new,
@DeborahAbelha
Me too 😢😢😢❤❤love
@EriksAngel15
Whoever came up with the idea to pair these two singers together was an absolute genius.
@bren4061
Took the word's out of my head
@I_Am_The_Paulrus
Bing Crosby's kids apparently
@stone1andonly
It was the combination of a couple very quirky tv producers and Bowie's mother's love of Bing Crosby that made it happen. They get the credit for putting together the icons of two different ages to create one of the holiday season's most immortal duets, one that will outlive us all. I was fortunate enough to be watching that show that night.