Boys
The Hoots 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 "Little Drummer Boy" describe a poor young boy's visit to the newborn King Jesus. The boy, who cannot afford to bring any gifts, instead offers to play his drum for the infant Christ. This simple act of music becomes a beautiful offering to the King, as Mary nods and other animals, like the Ox and Lamb, keep time. The boy plays his best for Jesus, and in response, the baby smiles at him.

The song serves as a beautiful reminder of the power of music as a gift and the importance of giving from the heart, even if one's resources are limited. It also emphasizes the theme of humility, as the young boy recognizes that he is of a low station in life and cannot afford to bring lavish gifts like the "finest" ones mentioned in the opening verse. However, he still seeks to honor the King in the best way he knows how, with his gift of music.

Line by Line Meaning

Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum
People said to come and see the newborn King

Our newborn King to see, pa-rum pum pum pum
We want to see our new King

Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum pum pum pum
We bring our best gifts to offer

To lay before the King pa-rum pum pum pum
We want to give these gifts to the King

Rum pum pum pum. rum pum pum pum
Sound of the drum

So to honor Him pa-rum pum pum pum
We want to honor the King

When we come
We are going to come

Little Baby pa-rum pum pum pum
Little Baby King

I am a poor boy too, pa-rum pum pum pum
I am also a poor boy like you

I have no gift to bring pa-rum pum pum pum
I don't have any gifts to offer you

That's fit to give our King pa- rum pum pum pum
Anything worthy of being given to our King