PEACE ON EARTH/LITTLE DRUMMER BOY #6
David Bowie / Bing Crosby Lyrics
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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
"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
PL
As you wish, a few David Bowie suggestions: Space Oddity, Fame, Queen B*tch, Changes, Young Americans, and Modern Love. The last one is from the '80s and is a real bop that'll have you chair dancing all day :-)
ETA: There's a bunch more great songs from him, but I don't want to overwhelm you at once. I'm sure others will chime in with several more suggestions.
David S
2 singing legends get together and perform a magical rendition of 2 classic Christmas Carols! Too bad they're both not here anymore!
Fav76
I remember when this first aired on television. I must’ve been 11 or 12 years old. My older siblings and I couldn’t believe that this straight laced Bing Crosby would be singing a duet with that new rock singer from England. We knew him as Ziggy Stardust. What a great job they both did on this song.
Charles F
For other Bowie suggestions, there's "Heroes" and "Let's Dance" (Stevie Ray Vaughan plays on that one).
David S
David Bowie has a lot of songs to choose from, but I recommend Space Oddity, which is pretty iconic! I'd also like to mention he did some minor back up vocals on the song Reflektor by the alternative rock group Arcade Fire! It's pretty fire!
Chris Andersen
It's amazing to think Bing died about two months after recording this special and before it aired. This was filmed shortly after Bowie's time in Berlin where he recorded, among others, his record Heroes which is featured in the special as well.
Great song.
Geoffrey Marston
Great duet from the days of Christmas Special on TV.
Many stars had Specials . Magical time !
Russ
This is a classic number for Christmas and a very unexpected collaboration in the minds of many at the time it happened. Yet it has stood the test of time. Wonderful selection and reaction by you, Angela! Here's to your next one! 🙏🙂💜
Dale M
I remember watching this when it first aired all those years ago. Love it. ♥️🎼🎶🎵🍔🇨🇦
Barb Smith
When we heard this and watch it we were in shock that Bing Crosby would sing with Bowie. It was so cool for us to see and hear it back in the day. Unfortunately those days are gone.