The Little Drummer Boy

"The Little Drummer Boy," also known as "Carol of the Drum," is a popular Christmas song written by Katherine Davis, Henry Onoratti, and Harry Simeone. It was popularized by the version of the Harry Simeone Chorale and has been adapted many times since.

The song has its roots in a French legend turned short story and play titled The Juggler of Notre Dame, wherein a juggler who has lost his faith performs his act in front of a statue of Mary, since he has no gift to leave in front of it. The story varies in certain details, but all have a miracle occur when Mary somehow acknowledges the gift.

Lyrics
Come they told me Pa rum pum pum pum A newborn 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

Baby Jesus (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 On my drum

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 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