Lyrics
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
Peace on Earth can it be? (come they told me pa-rum-pum-pum-pum)
Years from now, perhaps we'll see? (a newborn king to see pa-rum-pum-pum-pum)
See the day of glory (our finest gift we bring pa-rum-pum-pum-pum)
See the day, when men of good will (to lay before the king pa-rum-pum-pum-pum)
Live in peace, live in peace again (rum-pum-pum-pum, Rum-pum-pum-pum)
Peace on Earth (so to honor him pa-rum-pum-pum-pum)
Can it be (when we come)
Every child must be made aware
Every child must be made to care
Care enough for his fellow man
To give all the love that he can
I pray my wish will come true (little baby pa-rum-pum-pum-pum)
For my child and your child too (I stood beside him there pa-rum-pum-pum-pum)
He'll see the day of glory (I played my drum for him pa-rum-pum-pum-pum)
See the day when men of good will (I played my best for him pa-rum-pum-pum-pum)
Live in peace, live in peace again (rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum)
Peace on Earth (and he smiled at me, pa-ram-pam-pam-pam)
Can it be (me and my drum)
Can it be
Is a pretty thing isn't?
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Little Drummer Boy / Peace on Earth” interweaves a humble offering to the newborn King with a prayer for peace among people. The drummer portion presents worship through the gift that is available, however modest, while the answering lines widen the scene toward children, compassion, and hope for a world shaped by goodwill. The overlapping voices allow personal devotion and public longing to stand together.
The song’s language recalls the angelic announcement of peace in Luke 2:14 and the recognition of a newborn ruler in the Christmas story. Its concern that every child learn to care for others also aligns with the biblical command to love a neighbor. Rather than treating peace as an easy certainty, the recurring question “Can it be?” gives the performance a reflective tension. The result is both a Christmas meditation and an appeal for active care, with honor offered to Christ alongside a hope that peace may become visible in human relationships.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:14 The angels announce glory to God and peace on earth at the birth of Jesus.
- Matthew 2:11 The visitors honor the child Jesus and present their gifts.
- Mark 12:31 Jesus commands love for one’s neighbor, matching the song’s call to care for others.