Pentatonix - Little Drummer Boy Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who originally wrote 'The Little Drummer Boy'?

   'The Little Drummer Boy' was originally written by American composer Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941. The song was initially titled 'Carol of the Drum'.

2. When did Pentatonix release their version of 'Little Drummer Boy'?

   Pentatonix released their version of 'Little Drummer Boy' in late 2013.

3. What inspired Katherine Kennicott Davis to write 'The Little Drummer Boy'?

   Katherine Kennicott Davis was inspired by a French song called 'Patapan'. She translated the rhythm into 'pa-rum-pum-pum,' which became a central part of the song.

4. How did Pentatonix's version of 'Little Drummer Boy' perform on the charts?

   Pentatonix's version debuted at #13 on the Hot 100, coincidentally matching the peak position of The Harry Simeone Chorale's famous rendition. This high chart placing was partly due to a change in Billboard's methodology, which began including YouTube views and other streams in its calculations.

5. Who are the members of Pentatonix who performed in this version?

   The members of Pentatonix who performed in this version are Scott Hoying, Kirstie Maldonado, Mitch Grassi, Avi Kaplan, and Kevin Olusola.

6. 'Little Drummer Boy' mentions approval from Jesus’s mother Mary. Is this story biblically accurate?

   No, the story depicted in 'Little Drummer Boy' is not biblically accurate. It is a fictional narrative created for the song.