The Little Drummer Boy Words and Music by Katherine Davis, Henry Onorati, and Harry Simeone Harry Simeone, who was at one time choral conductor-assistant to Fred Waring, wrote what is now a Christmas classic, "The Little Drummer Boy," in 1958. The song tells the story of a shepherd boy who makes his way along with the procession of the Wise Men and other admirers to the lowly manger in Bethlehem to see the Holy Babe. Some of those who gather at the manger present the Infant with fine gifts, but all the shepherd has to offer is his drum and his gift of making music. The whole carol is accompanied by a gentle drone, the sound of the boy's drum being played with the fingers. The Harry Simeone Chorale made the best-selling recording of its leader's song. 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.. Little Baby (Baby Jesu), (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-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-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 ~~~~~~ Back to Ginger's Piano Page/Christmas List Back to Ginger's Piano Place