World-class composer, pianist and arranger, Richard Smallwood has clearly and solidly changed the face of Gospel music. He can impeccably blend classical movements with Traditional Gospel, and arrive at a mix that is invariably Smallwood's alone. A diverse and innovative artist, Richard Smallwood has achieved many honors; Dove Awards, Stellar Awards and a Grammy also attest to his talents.
Drummer Boy
Richard Smallwood 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 Richard Smallwood's "Drummer Boy" are a heartwarming tale of an impoverished boy who visits Baby Jesus and offers the only gift he has - playing his drum. The lyrics of the first verse set the scene, as the boy and his companions are told of the birth of a new king and decide to bring him gifts. They come to lay their finest gifts before the King, who they now know to be Jesus. The repetition of "pa-rum pum pum pum" throughout this verse serves as a beat, almost as if their feet are marching in time, and draws the listeners into the story.
Line by Line Meaning
Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum
They invited me to come with the beat of a drum
Our newborn King to see, pa-rum pum pum pum
To witness the arrival of the newborn King
Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum pum pum pum
We bring our best gifts as an offering
To lay before the King pa-rum pum pum pum
To present the gifts in front of the King
Rum pum pum pum. rum pum pum pum
The sound of the drum, the rhythm of the moment
So to honor Him pa-rum pum pum pum
To give respect and recognition to Him
When we come
As we arrive at His presence
Little Baby pa-rum pum pum pum
The infant, small and delicate
I am a poor boy too, pa-rum pum pum pum
I'm also a destitute, with no possessions
I have no gift to bring pa-rum pum pum pum
I don't have any present to offer
That's fit to give our King pa- rum pum pum pum
That would be worthy of giving to our King
Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
The sound of the drum, the rhythm of the moment
Shall I play for you, pa-rum pum pum pum
May I perform music for you?
on my drum?
Using my drum as the instrument of choice
Mary nodded pa-rum pum pum pum
Mary gave her approval through a nod
The Ox and Lamb kept time pa-rum pum pum pum
The animals in the manger kept the rhythm perfect
I played my drum for Him pa-rum pum pum pum
I performed music for Him
I played my best for Him pa -rum pum pum pum
I gave my greatest musical effort for Him
Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
The sound of the drum, the rhythm of the moment
Then He smiled at me pa-rum pum pum pum
He responded with a smile to my performance
Me and my drum
The humble player and his instrument
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ROGER EDENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind