Lyrics Page
Little Drummer Boy
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Aug 5, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Kim Burrell's rendition of "Little Drummer Boy" is a soulful gospel take on the classic Christmas carol. The song tells the story of a poor boy who, having no material gift for the newborn King, offers his drumming as his best. Burrell's version emphasizes the personal offering of one's talents and the idea that praise and honor can be given through humble gifts. The lyrics repeatedly ask if the drummer can play for the King, and the beat is described as praise, honor, and glory. It's a heartfelt reminder that God values sincere devotion over material wealth.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
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 honour Him, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum, can I play
Little Drummer Boy play your drum for the King
Play your drum little baby
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
Me and my drum, play little boy
Tell me can I play for you?
I'm wonderin' can I play my drum for you?
Play your 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 pum
When I played my drum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
Listen to me play for my King
Can I play for You
Play my best for You
Pa rum pum pum pum
I don't have much to give
But can I play for You
Play my best for You
Pa rum pum pum pum
I stand before You with my drum
Can I play for You
Play my best for You
Pa rum pum pum pum
Wonder can I play my best
Can I play for You
Play my best for You
Pa rum pum pum pum
Your drum may be Your praise
Can I play for You
Play my best for You
Wanna play my drum
Pa rum pum pum pum
Can I play for You
Play my best for You
Pa rum pum pum pum
Can I play
Can I play for You
Play my best for You
Pa rum pum pum pum
The gift that I have I bring to You
Can I play for You
Play my best for You
Pa rum pum pum pum
Wanna play my beat
My beat says praise
When I play for you
My beat says honor
My beat says glory
Pa rum pum pum pum
Somebody help me play for the King
My beat says praise
When I play I use my gift for You
My beat says honor
My beat says glory
I wanna play for the King
Pa rum pum pum pum
My beat says praise
When I play for you my hands are raised
My beat says honor
My beat says glory
Pa rum pum pum pum
Do you best for Him
Play your drum