Little Drummer Boy
The modern carol with an ancient spirit
♫ Lyrics
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.
When we come.
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.
On my drum?
❄ The Story
"Little Drummer Boy" was composed by American teacher and composer Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941, originally titled "Carol of the Drum." Davis based the melody on a Czech folk tune and wrote lyrics imagining a young drummer boy who, having no material gift, plays his drum for the baby Jesus at the manger.
The song remained relatively obscure until the Trapp Family Singers (the real family behind "The Sound of Music") recorded it in 1951. Its popularity exploded when the Harry Simeone Chorale recorded it in 1958 — their version sold over eight million copies and charted for four consecutive Christmas seasons.
The carol's message — that a humble, heartfelt gift matters more than material wealth — resonates deeply during a season often dominated by commercialism. The iconic "pa rum pum pum pum" refrain, mimicking a drum beat, gives the song an almost hypnotic quality that has made it instantly recognizable worldwide.
🎶 Notable Recordings
The version that made the song famous — 8 million copies sold
The legendary duet "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy"
The a cappella version that launched their career
Fun Facts
Katherine Kennicott Davis based the melody on a Czech folk tune she heard as a child.
The Harry Simeone Chorale's 1958 recording sold over 8 million copies.
The 1977 Bing Crosby and David Bowie duet "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" is one of the most-watched Christmas performances ever.