The Wilson sisters and Phillips were friends from childhood, growing up in southern California in the 1970's and 1980's. The three shared a love of music and songwriting, and developed their own style of vocal harmonies. In 1989, producer Glen Ballard and SBK Records signed the trio to a record deal.
Wilson Phillips released their debut album Wilson Phillips in 1990. They shot to fame with their debut single, the # 1 hit "Hold On". The album was a hit, producing three number one singles and selling 10 million copies worldwide.
They released their follow-up album Shadows and Light in 1992. It was much less successful, producing no top ten singles and selling one million copies. Shortly after, the group decided to split up.
During the next decade, the group went their separate ways. Chynna Phillips released a solo album, "Naked and Sacred" in 1995, while the Wilson sisters released a Christmas album in 1993 and an album "The Wilsons" in 1997. Carnie also went on to host her own television talk show, while Phillips married actor William Baldwin. A "Greatest Hits" album was released in 2000, although the group did not officially reunite for this release. Carnie made headlines in 1999 when she underwent gastric bypass surgery live on the internet and lost over 20 dress sizes.
Wilson Phillips reunited in 2004 to release California, an album of cover songs. A single, 'Go Your Own Way,' a remake of the original by Fleetwood Mac, peaked at #13 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The album debuted at #35 on the charts with 31,000 copies sold but due to the lack of promotion the album has yet to reach sales of 100,000 copies. In New Zealand the album was a surprise hit, reaching the top 10 and amassing gold sales following 'Go Your Own Way' topping the adult contemporary radio chart for several weeks.
The Little Drummer Boy
Wilson Phillips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A new-born King to see (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
Our finest gifts we bring (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
To lay before the King (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum
Rum-pa-pa-pum, rum-pa-pa-pum)
So to honor Him (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
When we come
I am a poor boy, too (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
I have no gift to bring (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
That's fit to give a King (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum
Rum-pa-pa-pum, rum-pa-pa-pum)
Shall I play for you (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
On my drum?
Mary nodded (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
The ox and lamb kept time (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
I played my drum for Him (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
I played my best for Him (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum
Rum-pa-pa-pum, rum-pa-pa-pum)
Then, He smiled at me (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
Me and my drum
The Little Drummer Boy is a traditional Christmas carol that tells a story of a young boy who is too poor to present a gift to the newborn baby Jesus at his birth, and so he plays his drum instead. The song conveys the message that even the simplest, humblest gifts are significant in the eyes of God, and he will love us solely for who we are. The lyrics begin with the boy being called to come and see the newborn king by those who are bringing their finest gifts to lay before him. While the boy admits that he has no gift suitable for the king, he asks if he can play his drum for the child. Mary agrees, and the little drummer boy plays his drum as the ox and lamb keep time.
The lyrics of the song illustrate the idea of giving what one can, regardless of how little or insignificant it may seem. The little drummer boy’s gift of music is valued because he is expressing his love and good wishes to newly born Jesus. The song also highlights the significance of the shepherds' visit, who brought just their admiration and love to Baby Jesus instead of expensive presents. The song reassuringly reminds us all that each one of us, regardless of how modest or ordinary, has something worthy to give in the honor of the king.
Line by Line Meaning
Come, they told me (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
I received a message to go and see the new-born King with a rhythmic sound
A new-born King to see (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
I got to see the King who just arrived to the world with the same signature sound
Our finest gifts we bring (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
I carry the most excellent presents to give to the King, with that drum-like beat
To lay before the King (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum
Rum-pa-pa-pum, rum-pa-pa-pum)
I will put these gifts in front of the King with the rhythmic beat of my drum
So to honor Him (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
I choose to respect the King with the sound of my drum
When we come
We will reach our destination with the rhythmic beat sequence
Baby Gesu (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
I met the Baby Jesus and my drum kept a beat
I am a poor boy, too (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
I am just a kid with hardly any wealth to afford gifts to the King, but my drum can give
I have no gift to bring (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
I can't afford costly presents or offerings for the King
That's fit to give a King (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum
They're not matured enough for royal offerings
Shall I play for you (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
Can I entertain you with my drum song? With my signature beat
On my drum?
I have the skill set with my drumset, can I interest you to listen?
Mary nodded (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
Mary allows me to play my drum for the Baby Jesus
The ox and lamb kept time (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
The animals follow the beat of my drum as I play
I played my drum for Him (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
I used my drumset to play music for the Baby Jesus
I played my best for Him (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum
I gave my best music through my drumset for the Baby Jesus
Rum-pa-pa-pum, rum-pa-pa-pum
My drum kept giving rhythmic sounds
Then, He smiled at me (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
The Baby Jesus showed his gratitude with a smile
Me and my drum
The Baby Jesus was pleased with me playing my drum for him
Lyrics © INTERNATIONAL KORWIN CORP, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harry Simeone, Henry V Onorati, Katherine Kennicot Davis, Lorenzo Definti
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind