1. The Temptations … Read Full Bio ↴The Temptations may refer to at least two groups
1. The Temptations are an American Motown singing group whose repertoire has included doo-wop, soul, psychedelia, funk, disco, rnb, and adult contemporary. Formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1960 as The Elgins. The group, known for its finely tuned choreography, distinct harmonies, and stylish suits, has been said to be as influential to soul as The Beatles are to rock. Having sold an estimated 22 million albums by 1982, The Temptations are one of the most successful groups in black music history and were the definitive male vocal group of the 1960s. In addition, they have the second-longest tenure on Motown (behind Stevie Wonder), as they were with the label for a total of 40 years: 16 years from 1961 to 1977, and 24 more from 1980 to 2004 (from 1977 to 1980, they were signed to Atlantic Records). As of 2005, The Temptations continue to perform for Universal Records with only one original member, founder Otis Williams, in its lineup.
Like its sister group The Supremes, The Temptations' lineup has changed frequently over the years. The original group included members of two local Detroit vocal groups: second tenor/baritone Otis Williams, first tenor Elbridge Bryant and bass Melvin Franklin from The Distants; and first tenor/falsetto Eddie Kendricks and second tenor/baritone Paul Williams (no relation to Otis) from The Primes. Among the most notable future Temptations were lead singers David Ruffin and Dennis Edwards (both of whom became successful Motown solo artists after leaving the group, as did Kendricks), Richard Street (another former Distant), Damon Harris, Ron Tyson, Ali-Ollie Woodson, Theo Peoples, and G.C. Cameron.
Over the course of their career, The Temptations have released four number-one pop hit singles and 14 number-one R&B hit singles, and their material has earned them three Grammy Awards. Most of the early Temptations hits, including "The Way You Do the Things You Do", "My Girl", and "Get Ready" were written and produced by Smokey Robinson and other members of The Miracles, while composer/producer Norman Whitfield and lyricists Eddie Holland and Barrett Strong crafted most of the group's later hits, including "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", "I Wish It Would Rain", "Cloud Nine", "I Can't Get Next to You", "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)", and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone".
2. There was also a 50s doo-wop group from New York named the Temptations. They are best remembered for their 1960 top 40 hit "Barbara. After this hit, lead singer Neil Stevens went solo.
Little Drummer Boy
The Temptations 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
Me and my drum
Me and my drum
Me and my drum
"The Little Drummer Boy" is a song that speaks about the birth of Jesus Christ and the visit of the three wise men. The song focuses on the drummer boy's desire to offer something to the newborn King. Though he possesses nothing valuable to give, the drummer boy remembers that he can play his drum. The line "I am a poor boy too" acknowledges his humble and modest background, but despite his poverty, he is still able to honor the King with his musical talent. In this way, the drummer boy represents the idea that everyone, regardless of their status or wealth, can offer something meaningful to Jesus.
When the drummer boy plays his drum for Jesus, the animals in the stable join in with their own rhythms, creating a musical celebration for the newborn King. This moment symbolizes the unifying power of Jesus Christ and how He brings all creatures together in peace and joy. The song also emphasizes the idea that the value of the gift is in the intention behind it. Though the drummer boy's gift may not be the most expensive or luxurious, it comes from a place of genuine love and respect, which is what makes it truly valuable.
Overall, "The Little Drummer Boy" is a poetic representation of the humble and selfless spirit of Christmas, and how the smallest acts of kindness and love can have a profound impact. From a simple drumbeat, the drummer boy is able to create a beautiful expression of honor and love for Jesus, which serves as a reminder to all of us to find ways to offer our gifts, whatever they may be, to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Line by Line Meaning
Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum
They invited me to come with them
Our newborn King to see, pa-rum pum pum pum
To see the newborn King that has been born
Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum pum pum pum
The gifts that we have chosen to share and bring to Him
To lay before the King pa-rum pum pum pum
To offer the gifts before the King
Rum pum pum pum rum pum pum pum
The sound of the drum being played
So to honor Him pa-rum pum pum pum
To show respect and reverence towards Him
When we come
As we make our way to Him
Little baby pa-rum pum pum pum
A small and precious child was born
I am a poor boy too, pa-rum pum pum pum
I also come from humble beginnings
I have no gift to bring pa-rum pum pum pum
I don't have an extravagant gift to offer
That's fit to give our King pa- rum pum pum pum
That is appropriate and worthy to give to the King
Shall I play for you, pa-rum pum pum pum
May I play music for you?
On my drum?
Using my drum as the instrument for the music
Mary nodded pa-rum pum pum pum
Mary expressed approval for the idea
The Ox and Lamb kept time pa-rum pum pum pum
The animals were keeping the beat with the drum
I played my drum for Him pa-rum pum pum pum
I played music for Him using my drum
I played my best for Him pa -rum pum pum pum
I gave my best effort for Him
Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
The beat of the drum playing
Then He smiled at me pa-rum pum pum pum
He smiled in response to the music I played
Me and my drum
Just me and my drum together
Me and my drum
Only my drum and I
Me and my drum
Just myself and my drum
Me and my drum
Only me and my drum
Lyrics © DistroKid, INTERNATIONAL KORWIN CORP, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harry Simeone, Henry V Onorati, Katherine Kennicot Davis, Lorenzo Definti
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@suaveofjudah
I miss my mama…. These songs really bring her smile to my mind 😢 good memories and good tears
@Eagles7sjn
Us 80's babies nostalgia right here
@aeriellgreen5203
I played my drum for him... I played my best for him... then he smiled at me 🥺🥺❤️❤️❤️❤️
@christinebennett6859
It’s not Christmas but I listen to this all times of the year!! Love me some Temptations
@tyronesterling9987
This song takes me back when I was in the third grade as the little drummer boy
@janjordan-bonner9050
It’s 2023 and it’s still “the BEST “!
@shareesepm1484
I have to hear this song EVERY Christmas ❤ Here in 2023
@lenapoole3216
Love this reminds me of my grandfather R.I.P. he loved this!!
@whitneylongmire8202
They broke this song all the way down!!! My favorite part is the end. "Play on it! Play on it! Oh Little Drummer Boy, (whoa-oh) PLAY YOUR DRUM FOR HIM!!!"
@kayesnix
Its not officially Christmas until I start playing this album around the crib lol