In 2008 the Chorus also performs its 5th BBC Proms concert - Verdi's Requiem on 31 August. Other recent engagements include performances with The Kinks' Ray davies at the Electric Proms and at Hampton Court Festival, and recordings for the Prince Caspian soundtrack and albums by Alfie Boe, Travis, Jonathan Ansell and Katherine Jenkins.
CEFC's conductor and co-founder is David Temple.
Little Drummer Boy
Crouch End Festival Chorus Lyrics
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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 "Little Drummer Boy" tells the story of a simple, poor boy who is invited to visit the newborn King with the other wise men. Despite feeling inadequate due to his lack of wealth and gifts for the King, he decides to play his drum for the infant Jesus. When he does so, the animals in the stable - the ox and lamb - join in with him to create a beautiful performance. The boy then realizes that the simple act of offering his music as a gift to the King is just as valuable as the gold, frankincense, and myrrh brought by the other travelers.
The lyrics of "Little Drummer Boy" convey a message of humility and gratitude toward the divine. The boy recognizes his own poverty and limitations but chooses to give what he has, out of respect and devotion to Jesus. The response that he receives - the ox and lamb keeping time with his music, Jesus himself smiling in approval - suggests that what matters to God is not the cost or grandeur of gifts, but the intention and spirit behind them. The song therefore encourages listeners to approach the holiday season with a similar mindset - to focus on generosity of spirit rather than materialism, and to remember that the greatest gifts we can offer are often the simplest.
Line by Line Meaning
Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum
Someone informed me with urgency, pa-rum pum pum pum
Our newborn King to see, pa-rum pum pum pum
We are going to see the new King, pa-rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum pum pum pum
We've got high quality presents to offer, pa-rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King pa-rum pum pum pum
So we can place them in front of the King, pa-rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum. rum pum pum pum
The drum sound that accompanies us as we walk
So to honor Him pa-rum pum pum pum
We want to show respect and admiration, pa-rum pum pum pum
When we come
At our arrival
Little Baby pa-rum pum pum pum
The newborn baby, pa-rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa-rum pum pum pum
I'm not wealthy either, pa-rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring pa-rum pum pum pum
I don't have a present to offer, pa-rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give our King pa- rum pum pum pum
That's appropriate for our King to receive, pa-rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
The drum beats continue while thinking about what to do
Shall I play for you, pa-rum pum pum pum
Would you like me to perform for you, pa-rum pum pum pum
on my drum?
Using this drum I carry
Mary nodded pa-rum pum pum pum
Mary agreed with a gesture, pa-rum pum pum pum
The Ox and Lamb kept time pa-rum pum pum pum
The animals rhythmically followed the drumming, pa-rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him pa-rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for the King, pa-rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him pa -rum pum pum pum
I gave my utmost effort in playing for Him, pa-rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
The final beats of the drum before the King
Then He smiled at me pa-rum pum pum pum
The King grinned at me, pa-rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum
I and my drum, together in front of the King
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVIS, KATHERINE K / SIMEONE, HARRY / ONORATI, HENRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind