Little Boy
The Kelly Family Lyrics


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Come they told me
Pa rum pum pum-pum
A 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?
Rum pum pum-pum
On my drum

Come they told me
Pa rum pum pum-pum
A 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
Rum pum pum-pum
When we come




Rum pum pum-pum
When we come

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Kelly Family's "Little Drummer Boy" tell the story of a young boy who is summoned to see a newborn King. The boy is told that the King is in need of visitors and gifts, so he decides to offer his talent as a drummer. Despite not having any material gifts to present, the boy uses his drum as a means of honoring the King.


The boy refers to himself as a "poor boy," indicating that he may come from a lower socioeconomic background. This emphasizes the contrast between his humble status and the grandeur of the King. The lyrics also highlight the idea that true love and devotion can be expressed through simple acts, and that material wealth is not necessary to pay homage to a higher power.


The repeated line "rum pum pum-pum" serves as a rhythmic element, mimicking the sound of a drumbeat. It reinforces the idea that the boy's drumming is the only gift he has to offer, and it also represents the joy and celebration that accompany the arrival of the newborn King.


Overall, "Little Drummer Boy" conveys the message that sincerity and the offering of one's talents, no matter how small, are valuable and meaningful ways to honor and celebrate something greater than ourselves.


Line by Line Meaning

Come they told me
I was informed to come


Pa rum pum pum-pum
Making a rhythmic sound on my drum


A newborn King to see
To witness the birth of a new King


Our finest gifts we bring
We present our most valuable offerings


To lay before the King
To place them in front of the King


Rum pum pum-pum
Continuing to play the drum rhythmically


So to honor Him
In order to show respect to Him


When we come
Upon our arrival


Little baby
Tiny infant


I am a poor boy, too
I am also a boy from a humble background


I have no gift to bring
I lack a present to offer


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


Shall I play for you
Should I perform music for you


On my drum?
Using my drum as an instrument


When we come
During our arrival


Rum pum pum-pum
Continuing to play the drum rhythmically


When we come
Upon our arrival


When we come
During our arrival




Lyrics © Kanjian Music, 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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