The Little Drummer Boy

The Little Drummer Boy was first originally recorded in 1955 as Carol of the Drum by the Trapp Family Singers. It became famous when recorded by the Harry Simeone Chorale in 1958. As a result, Harry Simeone is also named as the writer of this popular song.

Since then it has been sung and recorded by many other artists; example, Bing Crosby, Johnny Cash, Andy Williams, New Kids on the Block and Whitney Houston.

The Little Drummer Boy

~ Katherine Kennicott Davis, 1892 - 1980
~ Harry Simeone



Stanza 1:

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, 



Chorus:

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum, 

When we come. 



Stanza 2:

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, 



Chorus:

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum, 

On my drum? 



Stanza 3:

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, 



Chorus:

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum 

Me and my drum. 





Brief Summary of This Song

The Little Drummer Boy is an interesting Christmas song about a little boy who has no money to buy a fitting present for Jesus. He asked to play the drum instead. Upon the approval of Mary, he played his drum for the King and received a smile from the baby Jesus.

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