The Little Drummer Boy
Katherine Davis Lyrics

The Little Drummer Boy by Katherine Davis is a beautiful Christmas carol with a message of humility and offering love to others. The song starts with the phrase 'Come, they told me,' a call to the audience to hear the story of the little drummer boy who was asked to play for the newborn King. The second line 'A new-born King to see' reinforces the idea of a new beginning, the birth of a savior, whom the drummer boy and the wise men wanted to honor. The next two lines, 'Our finest gifts we bring, to lay before the King,' reveal the intention of the wise men to offer the best of what they had to worship the baby Jesus.

The following verse 'I am a poor boy, too, I have no gift to bring,' emphasizes the contrast between the grandeur of baby Jesus, the King born to save the world, and the little drummer boy, who is poor and does not have any significant gifts to offer. However, he uses the only thing he has, his drum, and the question 'Shall I play for you' indicates the drummer boy's willingness to offer his best to Jesus. Mary nods, accepting the drummer boy's gift, and the ox and lamb keep time. Finally, the chorus reiterates the idea of playing his best and receiving approval from Jesus, who smiled at him. It was a humbling experience for the drummer boy, who left with just his drum, but it was also a profound moment of communion with the King.