BOY
S*X Lyrics
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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 song "The Little Drummer Boy" originally titled "Carol of the Drum," was written by Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941. It tells the story of a poor and young boy who is summoned by the Magi to visit the newborn baby Jesus in Bethlehem. The boy is unable to bring any valuable gifts to present to the baby Jesus but his drum is his gift.
In the first stanza, the boy is invited to witness the birth of a new king, and the Magi emphasize that they're bringing their best gifts to lay before Him. The lyrics suggest that the King is divine, with the use of "Newborn King," and the emphasis on the importance of presenting valuable gifts. The repetition of "pa-rum pum pum pum" serves to emphasize the sound of the boy's drum and aids in conveying the emotions of the Magi as they come to honor the newborn King.
In the second stanza, the boy begins by acknowledging his social and financial status as a poor boy who cannot afford to bring a valuable gift. However, he suggests playing his drum, perhaps to offer some entertainment or show of appreciation to the newborn King. The lyrics emphasize the humility of the boy, who recognizes that he cannot make a comparable contribution to the baby Jesus compared to the Magi.
The final stanza describes the response of the baby Jesus to the boy's gift. Even though the boy cannot offer a valuable gift like the Magi, he can still contribute with what he has, his music. The lyrics suggest that Jesus was pleased with this gift, as he responded with a smile. The response of the ox and lamb in keeping time with the boy's drum helps to emphasize the music's importance and impact on those present.
Overall, "The Little Drummer Boy" can be interpreted as conveying the significant message that even the smallest of offerings can be treasured by those of great importance. The boy in the song represents many of us who do not have much to offer, but our skills or talents can make a difference.
Line by Line Meaning
Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum
They informed me to come with a rhythmic drum beating
Our newborn King to see, pa-rum pum pum pum
To witness and adore the birth of the new King of the world with our drumbeats
Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum pum pum pum
We brought our most valuable gifts with us making a rhythmic sound
To lay before the King pa-rum pum pum pum
As a sign of respect, we are offering our gifts to the King while playing drums
Rum pum pum pum. rum pum pum pum
The sound of our drums vibrating in the air
So to honor Him pa-rum pum pum pum
We are paying homage and showing our respect to the newly born King by making percussive sounds on our drums
Little Baby pa-rum pum pum pum
The King, newborn and innocent, laying quietly in a manger listening to our drums
I am a poor boy too, pa-rum pum pum pum
I am also a humble person without any expensive gifts to offer to the King
I have no gift to bring pa-rum pum pum pum
I am empty-handed and cannot afford any luxurious gift
That's fit to give our King pa- rum pum pum pum
I don't have anything valuable to give to the King that suits his stature
Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
But I can play my rhythmic drum and give that as a gift
Shall I play for you, pa-rum pum pum pum on my drum?
Should I play my drum for the King, as a gift of love and respect?
Mary nodded pa-rum pum pum pum
Mary, mother of the King, gives her approval for me to play the drum
The Ox and Lamb kept time pa-rum pum pum pum
Even the animals in the stable started to move in time with my drumbeats
I played my drum for Him pa-rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for the King, to keep him entertained and happy
I played my best for Him pa -rum pum pum pum
I played my drum as perfectly as I could for the King, to show my respect
Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
The sound of my drum, echoing through the stable and lifting the spirits of all present
Then He smiled at me pa-rum pum pum pum
The King, happy and content, smiled at me for playing the drum to entertain him
Me and my drum
I left the stable carrying my drum, feeling honored to have played for the King and his family
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Henry Onorati, Katherine K. Davis, Harry Simeone
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind