The Little Drummer Boy
Perry Como 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 of "The Little Drummer Boy" by Perry Como narrates a story about a young boy who visits a new born king bringing his humble offerings to pay homage to the newborn king. The song starts with the line "Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum" which signifies an invitation to the singer to come and see the newborn king. The song shows the boy's hesitancy to go see the king because he doesn't have anything to bring for the king. But eventually, he decides to play his drum for the king as his offering, saying "Shall I play for you, pa-rum pum pum pum, on my drum?"


The second stanza depicts the boy playing his drum for baby Jesus while animals such as the ox and lamb also keep time. The boy plays with all his might for the newborn king, saying "I played my best for Him pa-rum pum pum pum." The story ends on a positive note as the newborn smiles at the boy and his drum.


The lyrics of the song speak to the humbleness and the act of giving. The boy plays on his drum, which refers to his heart, and gives what he has without hesitation. The newborn king is satisfied with the boy's offering, which shows the message of the song that every act of giving, no matter how small or humble, is valuable.


Line by Line Meaning

Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum
After being informed, I decided to pay a visit, with the sound of my drum.


Our newborn King to see, pa-rum pum pum pum
I aim to see and honor a recently born king, with my drum in hand.


Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum pum pum pum
We have come prepared with our best offerings, accompanied by the rhythmic sound of our drums.


To lay before the King pa-rum pum pum pum
We plan to present our gifts to the king in a humble manner, while keeping the sound of our drums alive.


Rum pum pum pum. rum pum pum pum
The sound of the drums resonates all around, providing a fitting background to the occasion.


So to honor Him pa-rum pum pum pum
We have come here with utmost respect and the desire to honor the king -further illustrated by the sound of our drums.


When we come
Our arrival shall be characterized by the joyous sound of our drums, echoing throughout the land.


Little Baby pa-rum pum pum pum
Addressing the newborn king with tenderness, while continuing to play my drum.


I am a poor boy too, pa-rum pum pum pum
Although I come from humble origins, I have come with a pure heart and the sound of my humble drum.


I have no gift to bring pa-rum pum pum pum
I have no grand gifts to present; all I can offer is the rhythmic beat of my drum.


That's fit to give our King pa- rum pum pum pum
It may not be the most elaborate offering, but the sound of my drum fits perfectly as a tribute to our king.


Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
The sound of my drum provides a backing track for the occasion, highlighting the joyous mood of the moment.


Shall I play for you, pa-rum pum pum pum
May I present my humble offering to you, our newborn king? Shall I play my beloved drum?


on my drum?
I have come with my drum, ready to play in honor of you, our king.


Mary nodded pa-rum pum pum pum
As Mary hears the sound of my drum, she happily acknowledges and nods her head in approval.


The Ox and Lamb kept time pa-rum pum pum pum
Even the animals present at the scene keep beat with the sound of my drum, adding to the festive atmosphere.


I played my drum for Him pa-rum pum pum pum
I proceeded to play my drum with all my heart, in dedication of the newborn king.


I played my best for Him pa -rum pum pum pum
I have played my drum to the best of my ability, with the intention of offering the King the most memorable and heartwarming tribute I could give.


Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
The sound of my drum was heard near and far, vibrant and uplifting, dignifying the moment.


Then He smiled at me pa-rum pum pum pum
As a response to my offering, the king smiled lovingly upon me, recognizing my heartfelt tribute played on my humble drum.


Me and my drum
As I leave this moment, I shall remember it and the King, as I continue to play my drum in tribute to His greatness.




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
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