Little Dreamer
Murray McLauchlan Lyrics


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Come they told me
Pa rum pum pum pum
A new born 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
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
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 of Little Dreamer by Murray McLauchlan describe the story of the Nativity, in which the three wise men or Magi come to visit Jesus, the newly born King. The lyrics highlight their bringing of gifts to place before Him, demonstrating recognition of his divine presence. The poor boy, who has nothing fit to give, chooses to play his drum for the baby Jesus as his gift to Him. Mary, the mother of Jesus, acknowledges the presence of the poor boy and his drum. He then plays his drum with great spirit and skill, playing his very best for the baby King. In response to his playing, Jesus smiles at him, reminding the boy that the gift of music, given with all his heart, is a precious gift that can bring joy and blessings to others.


The lyrics of Little Dreamer convey that true giving comes from the heart, and even the simplest gift can be of great value. The character of the poor boy, with his humble and sincere offering of music, represents the spirit of giving in its purest form. The song reminds listeners that the best gifts are those that are given with love, compassion, and generosity, rather than material possessions. The festive and upbeat tune, combined with the touching story of the Nativity, makes Little Dreamer a joyful and heartwarming song.


Line by Line Meaning

Come they told me
We were informed to come


Pa rum pum pum pum
Refrain or sound effect


A new born King to see
To witness a recently born King


Our finest gifts we bring
We brought our most exquisite offerings


To lay before the King
To present before the King


So to honor Him
To pay respect to Him


When we come
As we arrive


Little Baby
A small infant


I am a poor boy too
I am also an indigent youth


I have no gift to bring
I don't have any present to offer


That's fit to give our King
That is suitable for our King


Shall I play for you
May I perform a piece for you


On my drum
On my percussive instrument


Mary nodded
Mary gave a slight indication of approval


The ox and lamb kept time
The animals synchronized with the rhythm


I played my drum for Him
I performed music for Him with my drum


I played my best for Him
I gave my utmost musical ability for Him


Then He smiled at me
Afterwards, He expressed contentment with me


Me and my drum
I left with my most prized possession - my drum




Contributed by Lauren J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@senatorsable

Ahhh excellent

@vanillabean38

Awesome Canadian stuff love it when someone posts great music from a country I love so much

@shelleystearman3657

Had the pleasure of meeting Mr. McLauchlan at a 50's dance in Uxbridge ON around 23 years ago. When I said to him (yes very lame, but oh well) "Wow" I loved Little Dreamer!! He said....So you were the one that bought it!! lmao!! Amazin experience for me and he made me feel....not so lame.. ;)...Still in love with him!

@ol49rrrrr

Shelley Stearman Great story. Thanks for sharing.

@Builder99

Wow I was just reading your comment and just happy for you...At first I thought your dad was gone and you had a good memory from this song...But then I see he is still with you and that made me even happier for you both...My Dad died in 1981 at 63 years old and I have many things I wish I could go back and say and do...But that's all game over now...I met Murray and he is the real deal...

@Ottawarocket

Always been a huge fan of Murrays ..Thanks for uploading this one Rocket

@ol49rrrrr

Hope your Dad enjoys the show. I will be seeing him in Cobalt, Ontario on November 7th. Cheers.

@ol49rrrrr

You're welcome. I think this is one of the few MM songs you can actually dance to. I've been a fan for a long time too.

@dagny1207

Very good!! New fan:-)

@ol49rrrrr

Murray is a unique and treasured Canadian icon but what the heck.... guess I'll share his music with the rest of the world too. Check out Try Walking Away, another great MM tune.

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