Anne Murray - The Little Drummer Boy Lyrics
Lyrics
Come, they told me (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
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.
Baby Gesu (pa-rum-pa-pa-pum)
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...
Video
The Little Drummer Boy
Meaning & Inspiration
Anne Murray's rendition of "The Little Drummer Boy," featured on her 2001 album *What A Wonderful Christmas*, offers a profoundly touching interpretation of this enduring Christmas narrative, focusing on the spiritual core of the story rather than mere melody. The song’s genesis lies in a story that, while not directly chronicled in Scripture, beautifully captures the essence of humility and the universal spirit of giving in the presence of divine majesty. It speaks to the simple yet powerful act of offering one's best, even when that best is unadorned, to the newborn King. The lyrics paint a picture of various travelers bringing valuable gifts – gold, frankincense, and myrrh – as described in Matthew 2:11, where the Magi presented these precious items to Jesus. However, the narrative shifts to a humble boy who feels he has nothing adequate to offer. This resonates deeply with the biblical accounts that often highlight the least among us being chosen and blessed. His contemplation, "I am a poor boy, too... I have no gift to bring that's fit to give a King," echoes the sentiments found in passages like 1 Corinthians 1:27, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." Murray’s gentle delivery amplifies this sentiment, imbuing the boy’s offering with immense dignity. The core message crystallizes when he asks, "Shall I play for you on my drum?" This simple question is a profound act of faith, suggesting that our unique talents, even those that seem insignificant, can be a sacred offering. The acceptance of his offer by Mary, and the subsequent image of the ox and lamb keeping time, evokes the peaceful, humble setting of the nativity, as described in Luke 2:7. The culmination of the story, "Then, He smiled at me," is a powerful testament to the unconditional love and acceptance of Christ, a theme that permeates the Gospels. This smile signifies that the Lord cherishes not the value of the gift, but the spirit and devotion with which it is given, a concept mirrored in Jesus' words in Mark 12:43-44 regarding the widow's mite, where her small contribution was esteemed above all others due to her selfless heart. Murray's performance imbues "The Little Drummer Boy" with a spiritual resonance that encourages listeners to consider what unique gifts they possess and how they can offer them in devotion, reminding us that true worship often comes not from grandeur, but from a pure and willing heart.