Bing Crosby Lyrics

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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

The song “Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy” is a duet between David Bowie and Bing Crosby, recorded in 1977 for a Christmas television special. The song features a classic Christmas tune blended with powerful lyrics that evoke feelings of hope and longing for peace.

The song begins by describing the arrival of a newborn king, a reference to the birth of Jesus Christ. The “finest gifts” mentioned are symbolic of the gifts of the Magi, who traveled to see the baby Jesus and bring him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. However, the lyrics take a turn towards a deeper meaning when Bowie sings, “Peace on earth, can it be?” This line hints at the fact that while gifts may be a nice gesture, what the world truly needs is peace.

The rest of the song carries this theme, emphasizing the need for every child to be taught to care for their fellow man and give love to others. Bowie and Crosby both sing of their wishes for a world where “men of good will” can live in peace. The lyrics are hopeful yet realistic, acknowledging that peace may not come immediately, but it is a goal worth striving for.

Line by Line Meaning

Come they told me
I received a message from others

Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
The sound of my drum as I journeyed

A new born king to see
To witness the birth of a new king

Our finest gifts we bring
We come bearing our most precious gifts

Rum-pum-pum-pum
My drum continues to beat

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

Years from now, perhaps we'll see
Maybe in the future it will be realized

See the day of glory
Experience a time of triumph and honor

See the day when men of good will
Witness the day when those with good intentions

Live in peace, live in peace again
Live together without conflict

Every child must be made aware
It is important to inform every child