I, Drummer Boy

As a kid I was a great fan of Christmas carols (I still am). In particular was this one record (yes kids – a record) the cover of which I have been able to find and show here thanks to the wonders of the Internet.

Mostly, Christmas carols were just little ditties that I listened to and sang along with that had a nice theme and catchy tunes. As I got older though, The Little Drummer Boy (written by Katherin K. Davis in 1941) began to have a profound affect on me.  I could barely get through a verse of the song without being moved to tears.  If that sounds ridiculous to you I ask you to consider what, I believe, this song is about.

Verse 1 – The announcement of the birth of a saviour (the King) and a call to visit him that reaches a small child.

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum,
Our 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.

Verse 2 – A child’s realisation that his King is born into poverty¹; just like him. Also, that the King is worthy of greater gifts than what this child can offer.  So he offers what he has – himself, and the thing he has realised he can do as a servant, play a drum.

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?

Verse 3 – The animals are quiet while the boy offers his gift, the only thing he can bring. He brings it with all his might, playing his best.  And how does the King respond to the boy’s best playing?  With a smile.

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,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.

This song is my life. I have nothing to bring to the King that is worthy of Him, but I will bring all that I have and do my best with it. I think He smiles at me and my drum.