Credits
PERFORMING ARTISTS
Johnny Cash
Vocals
Luther Perkins
Guitar
Marshall Grant
Bass
Ws Fluke Holland
Drums
Johnny Western
Guitar
Jack Clement
Guitar
Grady Martin
Guitar
Bob Johnson
Guitar
Maybelle Carter
Guitar
James Wilson
Piano
Hargus Robbins
Piano
Bill Pursell
Piano
Michael Kazak
Drums
The Anita Kerr Singers
Background Vocals
The Carter Family
Background Vocals
W.S. Holland
Drums
COMPOSITION & LYRICS
Harry Simeone
Songwriter
Henry Onorati
Songwriter
Katherine Kennicott Davis
Songwriter
PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING
Don Law
Producer
Frank Jones
Producer
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
"Come," they told me, our newborn King to see
Our finest gifts we bring (Bah rump-a-pum pum)
To lay before the King
(Bah rump-a-pum pum, rump-a-pum pum, rump-a-pum pum)
[Verse 2]
This is to honor Him
(Bah rump-a-pum pum)
When we come
(Bah rump-a-pum pum)
[Verse 3]
Baby Jesus, I am a poor boy too
I have no gift to bring
(Bah rump-a-pum pum)
That's fit to give a King
(Bah rump-a-pum pum, rump-a-pum pum, rump-a-pum pum)
[Verse 4]
But may I play for You?
(Bah rump-a-pum pum)
On my drum
(Bah rump-a-pum pum)
[Verse 5]
The Mother Mary nodded
The ox and lamb kept time
I played my drum for Him
(Bah rump-a-pum pum)
I played my best for Him
(Bah rump-a-pum pum, rump-a-pum pum, rump-a-pum pum)
[Verse 6]
Then He smiled at me
(Bah rump-a-pum pum)
Me and my drum
(Bah rump-a-pum pum)
Written by: Harry Simeone, Henry Onorati, Katherine Kennicott Davis