The Little Drummer Boy
Cassandra Wilson Lyrics


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Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum
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
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 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

Overall Meaning

Cassandra Wilson's rendition of "The Little Drummer Boy" is a beautiful interpretation of the classic Christmas carol. The lyrics describe a poor boy who accompanies the wise men on their journey to see the newborn King. He brings no gifts, but offers to play his drum for the baby Jesus as a testament of his devotion. Mary nods her approval, and the boy plays his best for the King. The Ox and Lamb keep time as he drums, and in the end, Jesus smiles at him, acknowledging his humble offering.


The song is a stirring reminder that the most meaningful gifts we can give to our loved ones, and to one another, are the ones we have within ourselves. We don't need wealth or possessions to honor those we care about; we can give the most profound gifts by simply opening our hearts and sharing our talents with those around us.


Overall, this rendition of "The Little Drummer Boy" is a poignant reminder of the true spirit of Christmas and a joyful tribute to the power of faith, music, and giving.


Line by Line Meaning

Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum
They informed me to come with a rhythmic beat


Our newborn King to see, pa-rum pum pum pum
We've come to see the King who was recently born


Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum pum pum pum
We bring the best of what we have to offer


To lay before the King pa-rum pum pum pum
We will present these gifts in front of the King


Rum pum pum pum. rum pum pum pum
The sound of our drums beats a rhythmic pattern


So to honor Him pa-rum pum pum pum
We play the drums as a mark of respect to honor the King


When we come
When we arrive at our destination


Little Baby pa-rum pum pum pum
The baby King we have come to see


I am a poor boy too, pa-rum pum pum pum
I am also a boy from a humble background


I have no gift to bring pa-rum pum pum pum
I do not have any present that is worthy of the King


That's fit to give our King pa- rum pum pum pum
That's appropriate to give to our King


Shall I play for you, pa-rum pum pum pum on my drum?
May I play my drum to entertain you?


Mary nodded pa-rum pum pum pum
Mary gave a nod of approval


The Ox and Lamb kept time pa-rum pum pum pum
The animals joined in the rhythm and kept the beat


I played my drum for Him pa-rum pum pum pum
I played the drum for the King


I played my best for Him pa -rum pum pum pum
I played to the best of my ability for the King


Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
The rhythmic beat of the drum goes on and on


Then He smiled at me pa-rum pum pum pum
The King smiled at me in appreciation


Me and my drum
I and my drum are united in bringing happiness to the King




Lyrics © Kanjian Music, INTERNATIONAL KORWIN CORP, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harry Simeone, Henry V Onorati, Katherine Kennicot Davis, Lorenzo Definti

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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