The Little Drummer Boy

The Story Behind The Little Drummer Boy

Originally called "Carol of the Drum," this carol was published by Katherine Kennicott Davis based upon a traditional Czech song. Davis was interested in producing material for amateur and girls' choirs. Her manuscript is set as a chorale, in which the tune is in the soprano melody with alto harmony, with tenor and bass parts producing the "drum rhythm." Not much is known about the original Czech version of the carol.

Bible Inspiration for "The Little Drummer Boy"

Although the story of The Little Drummer Boy cannot actually be found in Scripture, it can be argued that the ideas in the song are biblical, as seen in the following verses. 

"But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 19:14

"And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." — Matthew 2:11

"Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!" — Psalm 150

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Our Favorite Performance of "The Little Drummer Boy"

Collection of Popular Christmas Hymns and Carols:

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
The First Noel
Joy To The World
O Holy Night
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Silent Night
O Come All Ye Faithful
Go Tell It On The Mountain
What Child Is This
O Little Town of Bethlehem
We, Three Kings of Orient, Are
Ave Maria
Away in a Manger
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Do You Hear What I Hear?
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
The Little Drummer Boy