PEACE ON EARTH/LITTLE DRUMMER BOY #11
David Bowie / Bing Crosby Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Come they told me
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
A new born king to see
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Our finest gifts we bring
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Rum-pum-pum-pum
Rum-pum-pum-pum

Peace on earth, can it be
Years from now, perhaps we'll see
See the day of glory
See the day when men of good will
Live in peace, live in peace again

Peace on earth, can it be

Every child must be made aware
Every child must be made to care
Care enough for his fellow man
To give all the love that he can

I pray my wish will come true
For my child and your child too
He'll see the day of glory
See the day when men of good will
Live in peace, live in peace again





Peace on earth, can it be
Can it be

Overall Meaning

"Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" is a Christmas song originally performed by David Bowie and Bing Crosby in 1977. The song is a mash-up of the traditional Christmas carol "Little Drummer Boy" and a new song written by the American songwriter Ian Fraser, "Peace on Earth". The song is unique in its use of two completely different songs that complement each other surprisingly well.


The song begins with the drumming of a little boy announcing the arrival of a new born king. The drummer boy expresses his desire to meet the new king and offer him his finest gifts. The lyrics explore the theme of peace on earth, wondering if it can ever be achieved. The song underscores the importance of instilling values of love and care in every child, so that they may grow up to become men of goodwill who can live in peace with others. In the end, the song is a heartfelt prayer for peace on earth that is to be shared by all.


Line by Line Meaning

Come they told me
They came to me and said


Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
The sound of my drum


A new born king to see
To visit a king who is just born


Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
My drum is still sounding


Our finest gifts we bring
We bring our best presents


Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
My drum continues its rhythm


Rum-pum-pum-pum
My drum's beat goes on


Rum-pum-pum-pum
My drum's beat goes on


Peace on earth, can it be
Is it possible to have peace on Earth?


Years from now, perhaps we'll see
Maybe someday in the future


See the day of glory
Witness the glorious day


See the day when men of good will
See the day when people with positive intentions


Live in peace, live in peace again
Live in harmony with each other


Every child must be made aware
Every child should understand


Every child must be made to care
Every child must learn to be compassionate


Care enough for his fellow man
Have enough concern for others


To give all the love that he can
To give all the affection he can


I pray my wish will come true
I hope my wish will be granted


For my child and your child too
For my child and your child as well


He'll see the day of glory
They will witness the glorious day


See the day when men of good will
See the day when people with positive intentions


Live in peace, live in peace again
Live in harmony with each other


Peace on earth, can it be
Is it possible to have peace on Earth?


Can it be
Is it possible?




Lyrics © PHRASER MORTON MUSIC , Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY SIMEONE, HENRY ONORATI, KATHERINE K DAVIS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions