The Little Drummer Boy
Michael Jackson; The Jackson 5 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 lyrics to Michael Doucet's "Little Drummer Boy" describe the story of a poor boy who is asked to bring a gift fit for a king to the newborn baby Jesus. The young boy, unable to afford such extravagant gifts, offers to play his drum for the baby instead. Mary, the mother of the baby, nods in approval, and the boy begins to play. As he plays, the stable animals, an ox and a lamb, keep time, and the baby smiles at the boy in appreciation.


The song is a beautiful representation of the true meaning of Christmas, reminding us that love, faith, and kindness are the best gifts we can offer. The drummer boy's gesture of playing his drum for the baby, rather than bringing tangible gifts, symbolizes the power of music and the importance of using our talents to spread joy and happiness to others.


Overall, Michael Doucet's "Little Drummer Boy" is a timeless and heartwarming song that captures the essence of the Christmas spirit and teaches us the value of giving back in whatever way we can.


Line by Line Meaning

Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum
They informed me with great excitement


Our newborn King to see, pa-rum pum pum pum
To witness the arrival of a new King


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


To lay before the King pa-rum pum pum pum
To place these gifts before the new King


Rum pum pum pum. rum pum pum pum
Beating the drum with excitement


So to honor Him pa-rum pum pum pum
To pay reverence to the new King


When we come
Upon our arrival


Little Baby pa-rum pum pum pum
The new King is a tiny infant


I am a poor boy too, pa-rum pum pum pum
I am a destitute child just like the baby King


I have no gift to bring pa-rum pum pum pum
I don't possess any treasure to offer the new King


That's fit to give our King pa- rum pum pum pum
That is suitable to present to the majestic King


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


on my drum?
Using the only thing I have


Mary nodded pa-rum pum pum pum
The infant's mother gave her approval


The Ox and Lamb kept time pa-rum pum pum pum
Even the animals were tapping their feet in unison with the rhythm of the drums


I played my drum for Him pa-rum pum pum pum
I played my drum specifically for the infant King


I played my best for Him pa -rum pum pum pum
I played my drum with all my heart to honor the new King


Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
Continuing to play my drum with intensity


Then He smiled at me pa-rum pum pum pum
The infant King smiled back at me


Me and my drum
I and my drum will forever remember this momentous event




Lyrics © DistroKid, INTERNATIONAL KORWIN CORP, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harry Simeone, Henry V Onorati, Katherine Kennicot Davis, Lorenzo Definti

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@user-ys9hc6nk5p

I can't believe that this was little Michael Jackson singing. Awww I always tear up when he sings. Rip king and legend ❤️😢

@Airsoftcleaner

The Boy who would be King

@latoyaboyd3754

In 2023 I'm still playing my 🥁🥁🥁 this version touches the soul.

@nicholasbrinkley4453

Right here witcha

@youcantalwaysgetwhatyouwan6687

This is the best and the most iconic version for me

@j.brown70

Me too. Hands down the best.

@tonyktown

Michael's incredible voice, his brothers excceptional harmony...damn... This (in my opinion) is handsdown the best Christmas song ever recorded.

@jayskicksnfits9372

exceptional

@CHILL-bk7fy

Michael was so gifted and so were Jackie, Tito and the rest of the brothers singing in the background. And let's not forget the orchestra!

@emmaelonis8989

Michael is the only one who truly did this song justice

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