The Little Drummer Boy by Jeannie Watt

by

I love Christmas carols. I find them comforting and uplifting and have been known to hum Christmas melodies year round. One of my favorite carols is The Little Drummer Boy. I find it so moving that this boy has nothing but his talent to give to the Christ Child. The line “I played my best for him” gives me chills and reminds me that giving of yourself can be more meaningful than pulling out a wallet and buying a gift.

The Little Drummer Boy was originally called Carol of the Drums. It is believed that the lyrics were written in 1941 by Katherine Kennicott Davis. The song was made famous by the Trapp Family Singers, who recorded it in 1951. The song was recorded again in 1957 by Jack Halloran as part of a Christmas album. It was released as a single in 1958 by Harry Simeone. The song was a huge success, and scored in the top 40 music charts from 1958 to 1962. It has been recorded by many artists including Bing Crosby and David Bowie. There was a stop-action television version of the Little Drummer Boy released in 1968, which is how I was introduced  to the song at the age of eleven. I’ve been humming it ever since.

 

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

Pum pum pum pum
Pa rum pum pum
Pum pum pum pum
Pa rum pum pum
Pum pum pum pum
Pa rum pum pum
Pum pum pum pum pa rum

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 our king
Pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum

Shall I play for you
Pa rum pum pum pum
Pa rum pum pum
Pum pum pum pum

Mary nodded
Pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time
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.

Merry Christmas everyone! See you in 2023!

Best wishes for a blessed holiday season,

Jeannie

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Jeannie Watt raises cattle in Montana and loves all things western. When she's not writing, Jeannie enjoys sewing, making mosaic mirrors, riding her horses and buying hay. Lots and lots of hay.

14 thoughts on “The Little Drummer Boy by Jeannie Watt”

  2. The song was my father’s favorite carol and my least favorite. My father would listen to it a lot and I do not know why I do not like it. It is not the repeat listening but the pa rum pum pum pum has always bugged me. Also, just think how much a new mother would appreciate someone who came in and kept her baby awake with the constant pa rum pum pum pum? 🙂

  7. Very thought worthy son and lyrics. I have heard it often but did not put much emphasis on the words until I sang the song as you have printed it. Thanks for this beautiful memory, Jennie. Have a blessed Christmas.

  8. I remember singing it in Kindergarten at the end of the Nativity play we did (in public school!). The lyric was printed on the program and the entire audience was encouraged to sing along…Christmas 1969.

  10. I feel the same as you, Jeannie, about The Little Drummer Boy. The lyrics are so sweet. Thank you for sharing. Christmas Blessings to you and yours.

  14. Thank you for the post. I think Bing Crosby’s version was the first I heard. His voice is perfect for the song. The song and the idea of the drummer boy show up every holiday season on the radio, TV, and on Christmas cards. The sentiment expressed in the song is an important one. Doing our best is what is important no matter how humble it is.
    I hope you and your family have n enjoyable Christmas and a wonderful 2023. I hope you are staying warm.

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