Little Drummer Boy Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Little Drummer Boy by Michael English: A Deep Dive into the Meaning and Biblical Analysis
Introduction:
The song "Little Drummer Boy" is a beloved Christmas carol that has been covered by numerous artists over the years. We will explore the main key messages of the song, analyze its meaning, and critically examine if the song aligns with biblical teachings.
I. Main Key Messages of the Song:
1. "Come, they told me pa-rum pum pum pum":
The song begins with the invitation for the drummer boy to come and witness the birth of the newborn King. This line sets the tone for the song, emphasizing the significance of the event and the honor bestowed upon the drummer boy.
2. "Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum pum pum pum":
The drummer boy acknowledges that he, being a poor boy, has no material gifts to offer the newborn King. However, he offers his talent and skill as a drummer, symbolizing the idea that one's best offering doesn't have to be grand or materialistic.
3. "To lay before the King pa-rum pum pum pum":
The drummer boy recognizes that his gift is not just for the sake of entertainment but as an act of reverence and worship. He intends to lay his drumming before the King, acknowledging that his talent is a gift from God and should be used to honor Him.
4. "Shall I play for you, pa-rum pum pum pum, on my drum?":
In this line, the drummer boy asks for permission to play his drum for the newborn King. It portrays a humble and sincere attitude of offering his talent and devotion to the King, seeking validation for his gift.
5. "Then He smiled at me pa-rum pum pum pum, Me and my drum":
The song concludes with a heartwarming moment where the newborn King smiles at the drummer boy as he plays his drum. This interaction symbolizes the acceptance and appreciation of the drummer boy's humble offering, reinforcing the idea that God values the sincerity and devotion of His children.
II. Meaning of the Song and Inspiration:
The song "Little Drummer Boy" is a fictional story that imagines a young boy with a drum encountering the birth of Jesus. As he witnesses the significance of this event, he feels compelled to offer his talent as a gift to the newborn King. The story serves as a reminder that even the simplest gifts, when offered with sincerity and love, can be meaningful and pleasing to God.
The inspiration behind the song is not directly documented, but it is believed to have been written by Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941. The song gained popularity after the release of the Harry Simeone Chorale's version in 1958. Since then, it has been covered by various artists, including Michael English.
III. Biblical Analysis:
Now let us critically analyze if the song "Little Drummer Boy" aligns with biblical teachings. We will explore relevant biblical references to support our analysis.
1. Humility and Offering:
The song reflects the biblical value of humility and offering. In Philippians 2:3-4, it is written, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others." The drummer boy's willingness to offer his humble gift, despite not having material wealth, resonates with this biblical message.
2. Worship and Devotion:
The song emphasizes the act of worship and devotion to God. In Psalm 95:6, it says, "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." The drummer boy's desire to play his drum as an act of worship aligns with the biblical concept of honoring God through various forms of expression.
3. The Value of Simple Gifts:
The song highlights the value of simple and sincere gifts. This concept is echoed in Mark 12:41-44 when Jesus observes a poor widow giving two small copper coins as an offering. Jesus praises her act, emphasizing that her small gift was more significant than the larger offerings of others because it came from her heart. Similarly, the drummer boy's gift of drumming, though simple, is considered valuable because of his genuine devotion.
Conclusion:
We discussed the meaning of the song, its inspiration, and critically analyzed its alignment with biblical teachings. The song's emphasis on humility, worship, and the value of simple gifts resonates with biblical principles. It serves as a reminder that our sincerity and devotion in offering our talents to God is more important than the grandeur or material value of the gift.
