David: hello...... you're the new butler?
Bing: hahaha! well, it's been a long time since i've been the new anything!
David: what's happened to hudson?
Bing: i guess he's changing
David: yeah, he does that a lot, doesn't he? uhm... oh, i'm david bowie, i live
Down the road
Bing: oh!
David: sir percival let's me use his piano if he not around. he's not around, is
He?
Bing: i can honestly say i haven't seen him, but come on in! come in!
David: but uh...
Bing: come on in!
David: are you related to sir percival?
Bing: well, distantly...
David: oh, you're not the poor relation from america, right?
Bing: ha! gee... news sure travels fast, doesn't it? i'm bing
David: oh, i'm pleased to meet you. you're the one that sings, right?
Bing: well, right or wrong, i sing either way
David: oh well, i sing too
Bing: oh good! what kind of singing?
David: mostly the contemporary stuff. do you eh... do you like modern music?
Bing: oh, i think it's marvellous! some of it's really fine. but tell me, have you ever listened to any of the older fellows?
David: oh yeah, sure. i like ah... john lennon and the other one with eh...harry
Nilsson
Bing: mmm... you go back that far, uh?
David: yeah, i'm not as young as i look
Bing: haha, none of us is these days!
David: in fact i've got a six year old son. and he really gets excited around the christmas holiday-thing
Bing: do you go in for anything of the traditional things in the... boy, household, christmas time?
David: oh yeah, most of them really. presents, tree, decorations, agents sliding down the chimney...
Bing: what??
David: oh, i was just seeing if you were paying attention
Bing: haha!
David: actually, our family do most of the things that other families do. we
Sing the same songs
Bing: do you?
David: oh, i even have a go at 'white christmas'
Bing: you do, eh!
David: and this one. this is my son's favourite. do you know this one?
Bing: oh, i do indeed, it's a lovely theme
And they told me pa-ram-pam-pam-pam
A new-born king to see pa-ram-pam-pam-pam
Our finest gifts we bring pa-ram-pam-pam-pam
Ra-pam-pam-pam, ra-pam-pam-pam
Peace on earth, can it be
Years from now, perhaps we'll see
See the day of glory
See the day, when men of good will
Live in peace, live in peace again
Peace on earth, can it be
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
For my child and your child too
He'll see the day of glory
See the day when men of good will
Live in peace, live in peace again
Peace on earth, can it be
Can it be
Bing: it's a pretty theme, isn't it?
Bing Crosby, David Bowie - Peace On Earth / Little Drummer Boy
Peace On Earth / Little Drummer Boy Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The collaboration between Bing Crosby and David Bowie on "Peace On Earth / Little Drummer Boy" is a notable and unique recording, widely recognized particularly around the Christmas season. This joint performance merges two distinct musical styles and generations, creating a harmonious blend of the traditional and the contemporary. The song was released in 2022, originating from a memorable television appearance that brought these two iconic figures together.
The background to this recording is rooted in a segment filmed for Bing Crosby's 1977 television special, "Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas." The scene depicts David Bowie visiting a home, where he encounters Bing Crosby, introduced as the new butler. Their initial conversation touches on various topics, including their respective musical interests – from older classics to contemporary styles – and the different ways their families celebrate Christmas. This dialogue sets a convivial and somewhat unexpected stage for their musical performance, highlighting a mutual respect despite their different artistic paths. The exchange culminates in Bowie mentioning the "Little Drummer Boy" as his son's favorite Christmas song, prompting the joint performance.
The performance itself is a unique arrangement where Bing Crosby sings the classic Christmas carol "Little Drummer Boy." This traditional carol tells the story of a poor boy who, having no material gift for the newborn Christ, plays his drum for the baby Jesus, offering his humble musical talent. Simultaneously, David Bowie provides a counter-melody with the song "Peace On Earth," a piece written specifically for this duet. Bowie's lyrics offer a hopeful plea for global peace and understanding, emphasizing that children should be taught care and love for one another, and wishing for a future where people of goodwill live in peace.
The meaning of the combined piece is multilayered. "Little Drummer Boy" represents the spirit of giving from the heart, offering what one has even if it's modest, in reverence to the divine. "Peace On Earth" directly addresses the universal aspiration for harmony and goodwill among humanity, connecting the message of the Nativity – which traditionally includes the announcement of peace on earth – with a contemporary call for compassion and unity. The pairing underscores that the hope for peace, announced at the birth of Jesus, is a timeless message that still resonates and requires conscious effort and teaching across generations.
The themes explored in the song connect to several scripture verses. The narrative of the "Little Drummer Boy" is set within the context of the Nativity story, found in the Gospels of Matthew (specifically Chapter 2) and Luke (specifically Chapters 1 and 2), depicting the arrival of visitors to see the newborn king. The counter-melody "Peace On Earth" directly echoes the angelic announcement to the shepherds in Luke 2:14: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." The broader call for love, care, and peace among men aligns with many biblical teachings, such as those found in John 13:34-35 regarding loving one another or Romans 12:18 encouraging living peaceably with all.
This recording remains a beloved and enduring holiday staple, celebrated for its unexpected yet effective pairing of two musical legends and its poignant message that blends the traditional story of Christmas with a heartfelt wish for peace in the world. The contrast and harmony between Bing Crosby's warm, classic delivery and David Bowie's distinctive, thoughtful vocal style encapsulate the spirit of reaching across divides, both musical and generational, for a shared message of hope during the holiday season.
