MercyMe - Little Drummer Boy Lyrics
Lyrics
Come they told me
Pa rum pum pum pum
A newborn 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
Shall I play for You?
Shall I play for You?
Mary looked at me and nodded
The ox and lamb kept time
Oh I played my drum for Him
Oh I played my best for Christ
I played my best for Christ
Then He smiled at me
Video
MercyMe - Little Drummer Boy (Pseudo Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
MercyMe's rendition of "The Little Drummer Boy," found on their 2005 album *The Christmas Sessions*, offers a profoundly devotional reimagining of a familiar Christmas carol. Beyond the simple narrative of a young boy offering his musical talent to the newborn King, this version delves into the heart of worship, emphasizing the purity of intent and the spirit of giving that truly honors Christ. The story, at its core, reflects a deep theological truth: that our worship is not always about grand gestures or material wealth, but about offering what we have, even if it seems small in our own eyes. The lyrics paint a picture of those who brought "finest gifts" to the manger, a scene echoed in the Magi's offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, as described in Matthew 2:11. However, the song beautifully pivots to the perspective of the "poor boy" who feels he has nothing worthy to present. This resonates with the biblical principle that God values a humble and contrite heart above all else. As Psalm 51:17 states, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." The boy’s offering, his drum, becomes a vessel for his devotion, a sound offered with all the love and sincerity he possesses. This echoes the idea of offering our best to God, not as a transaction, but as an act of love and recognition of His supreme worth. The moment Mary nods, signifying acceptance, and the ox and lamb keeping rhythm, imbues the scene with a serene holiness. The repeated affirmation, "Oh I played my drum for Him, Oh I played my best for Christ," is the song's true crescendo. It speaks to the ultimate purpose of all our endeavors – to bring glory to God. This isn't about personal achievement; it's about surrendering our talents, our efforts, and our very beings to Him. The ultimate reward, the King's smile, transcends any earthly accolade, signifying divine favor and love, a reflection of the joy God has in those who seek Him with genuine hearts. This interpretation moves beyond a mere Christmas story to a powerful call to examine our own offerings to the Lord, urging us to give not just what is easy or impressive, but what is born of a spirit dedicated to His honor, mirroring the spirit of Christ’s own humble birth and sacrificial life.