The Little Drummer Boy
Frank Sinatra and Fred Waring & His Pennsylvanians 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

The song "The Little Drummer Boy" is a classic Christmas carol that has deep religious significance. The lyrics are about a poor young boy who is visited by three wise men, who ask him to come and see the newborn King. Despite his poverty, the boy decides to bring his gift to the King, which is playing his drum. The boy asks Mary if he can play his drum for the child, and she agrees. The animals in the stable also join in with the beat of the drum, as the boy plays his best for the newborn King. In the end, the King smiles at the boy, in recognition of his sincere offering.


The song's emphasis on the value of giving is a central theme of Christmas. It teaches the lesson that everyone, no matter how poor or humble, can give something of themselves to the ones they love. The drummer boy's gift of playing his drum represents the beauty of simplicity in the spirit of giving. It conveys the message that sometimes the most unassuming offerings are the most heartfelt.


Line by Line Meaning

Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum
We were informed to come, with the sound of our drums


Our newborn King to see, pa-rum pum pum pum
To witness the birth of our King


Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum pum pum pum
We bring our most precious offerings


To lay before the King pa-rum pum pum pum
To present them as offerings to our King


Rum pum pum pum. rum pum pum pum
The drums continue to play in rhythm


So to honor Him pa-rum pum pum pum
To pay tribute to Him


When we come
As we arrive


Little Baby pa-rum pum pum pum
Sweet little infant with the sound of drums


I am a poor boy too, pa-rum pum pum pum
I am also a humble boy with a drum


I have no gift to bring pa-rum pum pum pum
I have nothing of value to offer


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


Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
The drums continue to play in rhythm


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


on my drum?
To the beat of my drum?


Mary nodded pa-rum pum pum pum
Mary indicated for him to play


The Ox and Lamb kept time pa-rum pum pum pum
The animals in the manger listened to the beat of the drum


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


I played my best for Him pa -rum pum pum pum
He played with all his heart for the King


Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
The drums continue to play in perfect rhythm


Then He smiled at me pa-rum pum pum pum
The King smiled at the little boy playing his drum


Me and my drum
The boy and his drum, united in the presence of the King




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Henry Onorati, Katherine K. Davis, Harry Simeone

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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