The Little Drummer Boy
Gatlin Brothers 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 Little Drummer Boy is a classic Christmas carol that tells the story of a poor boy who visits the nativity scene to see the newborn King. The lyrics begin with the boy being told by others to come and see the King, and that they are bringing their finest gifts to lay before Him. The boy laments that he is too poor to have any fitting gifts for the King, but asks if he can play his drum for Him instead. Mary agrees, and the boy plays his drum for the newborn King.
The simple and powerful lyrics of the song convey the message that everyone can offer something, no matter how small, to honor the Son of God. Even a poor boy with nothing to give can offer a simple song, played with all his heart. In the final verse, the boy learns that his simple act has pleased the King, and he leaves the scene with a smile on his face.
Overall, The Little Drummer Boy is a beautiful and timeless carol that reminds us that the best gifts are often the ones that come straight from the heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum
They announced to me with the sound of trumpets and drums
Our newborn King to see, pa-rum pum pum pum
To get a glimpse of our newly born King
Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum pum pum pum
We bring our best possessions
To lay before the King pa-rum pum pum pum
To present as an offering to the King
Rum pum pum pum. rum pum pum pum
The sound of the drums echoing in the air
So to honor Him pa-rum pum pum pum
To show respect and reverence to Him
When we come
In the time that we arrive
Little Baby pa-rum pum pum pum
A small and innocent child
I am a poor boy too, pa-rum pum pum pum
I am also poor and without wealth
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 is worthy of presenting to our King
Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
The steady beat of my drum
Shall I play for you, pa-rum pum pum pum
May I serenade you with my drum?
Mary nodded pa-rum pum pum pum
Mary agreed with a nod of her head
The Ox and Lamb kept time pa-rum pum pum pum
The animals kept the same rhythm as my drum beats
I played my drum for Him pa-rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for the King
I played my best for Him pa -rum pum pum pum
I gave my greatest effort to honor the King
Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
The rhythmic sound of the drum beat
Then He smiled at me pa-rum pum pum pum
The King smiled at me with approval
Me and my drum
Myself and my humble instrument
Lyrics © INTERNATIONAL KORWIN CORP, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harry Simeone, Henry V Onorati, Katherine Kennicot Davis, Lorenzo Definti
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind