Mickey "Guitar" Baker was a music instructor, and Sylvia Robinson was one of his pupils. His guitar stylings, especially the insane soloing on "Love Is Strange", inspired a plethora of guitarists, including Sterling Morrison of the Velvet Underground.
Mickey & Sylvia had a hit with "Love Is Strange" in 1957. They continued to record together until 1965. After that, Mickey had a successful career as a studio musician. Sylvia had a huge hit (#1 R&B, #3 Pop) in 1973 with the song "Pillow Talk", and later assisted in the formation of the Sugar Hill rap label.
"Love Is Strange" appeared on the soundtrack to Dirty Dancing.
What Would I Do
Mickey & Sylvia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 lyrics to Mickey & Sylvia's song "What Would I Do" are actually the lyrics to the classic Christmas carol "The Little Drummer Boy." The song tells the story of a young boy who is approached by the Three Wise Men who invite him to see the newborn King. Although the boy is poor and has no material gifts to offer, he decides to play his drum as his gift to honor the King.
The lyrics begin with the boy being told to come and see the newborn King, and he brings his finest gift, which is his drum, to lay before the King. The boy acknowledges that he is also a poor boy and does not have any other gifts to bring. However, he asks if he can play his drum for the King instead. Mary, the mother of Jesus, gives her approval, and the boy proceeds to play his drum.
As the boy plays his drum, the animals, represented by the Ox and Lamb, keep time with the rhythm. The boy plays his best for the King and, to his surprise, the King smiles at him. The song ends with the boy feeling honored and grateful for the opportunity to play his drum for the newborn King.
Overall, the lyrics of "What Would I Do" convey a message of humility and the importance of offering what you have, no matter how simple or modest, as a gift of love and honor. It emphasizes the idea that it is not necessarily the material value of the gift that matters, but the intention and sincerity behind it.
Line by Line Meaning
Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum
They informed me to come and see the newborn King.
Our newborn King to see, pa-rum pum pum pum
We come to witness the arrival of our newly born King.
Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum pum pum pum
We bring our most valuable presents to offer to the King.
To lay before the King pa-rum pum pum pum
We intend to present these gifts as an act of respect and honor to the King.
Rum pum pum pum. rum pum pum pum
Sound of the drum beats playing.
So to honor Him pa-rum pum pum pum
We use the drum beats to show our reverence and homage to Him.
When we come
When we arrive.
Little Baby pa-rum pum pum pum
Addressing the newborn baby with the sound of drum beats.
I am a poor boy too, pa-rum pum pum pum
I, just like a poor boy, don't have rich offerings to bring.
I have no gift to bring pa-rum pum pum pum
I don't possess any presents worthy enough to present.
That's fit to give our King pa- rum pum pum pum
None of my offerings are suitable for the King.
Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
Continued sound of the drum beats.
Shall I play for you, pa-rum pum pum pum
Can I perform a drumming melody for you?
on my drum?
Using my drum as the instrument of choice.
Mary nodded pa-rum pum pum pum
Mary gave a gesture of approval in response to the drumming.
The Ox and Lamb kept time pa-rum pum pum pum
The Ox and Lamb synchronized their movements with the rhythm of the drum beats.
I played my drum for Him pa-rum pum pum pum
I performed my best with the drum to entertain and please Him.
I played my best for Him pa -rum pum pum pum
I gave my utmost effort in playing the drum for His enjoyment.
Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
Continued sound of the drum beats.
Then He smiled at me pa-rum pum pum pum
As a response to my drumming, He expressed happiness and satisfaction.
Me and my drum
Both me and my drum, as a pair, were appreciated and acknowledged.
Lyrics © INTERNATIONAL KORWIN CORP
Written by: ROGER EDENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@belvinsweat7742
Just love this great classic in 2020
@frankmerrill2366
A question for anybody in-the-know" WHO did a version of this song in 1959?? If I remember correctly, it was a male solo. I've been looking for it since 1959...