Lyrics
Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born 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.
Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
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 the 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.
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Little Drummer Boy imagines a poor child joining those who come to honor the newborn King. With no costly present to offer, the child gives the one gift available: a musical performance played with full effort. The contrast between poverty and devotion gives the song its central meaning. Worth is not measured by the price of the offering, but by the humility and sincerity with which it is presented.
The setting draws broadly from the Nativity accounts, especially the announcement of a newborn King and the gifts brought in worship. The drummer, ox, and lamb belong to the song’s imaginative retelling rather than to details stated in the Gospel narratives. Even so, the scene reflects a biblical pattern of honoring Christ with what a person has. The final smile supplies a gentle picture of acceptance, making the child’s simple act of service the emotional conclusion. Repeated drum syllables reinforce both the modest gift and the joy with which it is offered.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:11-12 The angels announce the birth of Christ the Lord and identify the infant lying in a manger.
- Matthew 2:11 The Magi worship the child Jesus and present their gifts to him.