Come they told me,

Pa, rum pum pum pum

Our 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….

By Rosie Moore

“The Little Drummer Boy” (originally titled “Carol of the Drum”) was written by an American classical music composer and teacher, Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941. It was first recorded by the Trapp Family Singers in 1951.

The little drummer boy was summoned by the Magi to the Nativity of Jesus. Without a gift for the infant, he played he played his drum with Jesus’ mother, Mary’s approval, recalling “I played my best for him” and “He smiled at me.”

The popularity of the song can be seen by the numbers of cover versions. Over 220 versions in seven languages, including the Vienna Boys choir, the Ray Conniff Singers, Bing Crosby, Johnny Cash, Andy Williams, Henry Mancini, and many others.

The phrase “pa rum dum dum dum” is said to be sung over 21 times in the song. It’s supposed to be like the sound of a drum.

I played my drum for him

Pa rum pum pum pum

I played my best for him

Pa rum pum pum pum

This haunting yet beautiful song should remain with us  throughout the year at different times to remind us that the moments we spend being kind to others are well worth a Pa rum pum pum pum.

Alas, you say, you’re not a doctor, lawyer, minister, or teacher, but do not worry. Being kind to orphans and widows is one of the greatest gifts we can give our Lord.

Thought for the day: Reflect on your present blessings–of which every man has many–not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. Charles Dickens

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