Tom being told by his mother to go to bed

Go To Bed, Tom

Go to bed, Tom.
Go to bed, Tom!
Tired or not, Tom,
Go to bed, Tom.

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Listen as female British:

Listen as told in a story:

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Posted in All Rhymes, Daily Life & Objects, Lullabies

Tagged bed, bedtime, routine, Tom

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Meaning

A short, repetitive nursery rhyme where “Tom” is urged to go to bed regardless of whether he feels tired. It reflects the classic parental insistence on bedtime, emphasizing routine and the importance of rest even when children resist. The rhyme is simple and direct, easily memorable.

Origin

The rhyme appears in children’s nursery rhyme collections of the 19th century, including The Crooked Man and Other Rhymes and Aunt Mary’s Little Series (published in New York between 1851 and 1870). It likely evolved as a lullaby or bedtime chant used by parents and caregivers.

Time Period

First printed mid-19th century, the rhyme remains in common usage today, often as a gentle bedtime encouragement.

Why It Became Popular

Its simplicity and repetition make it effective for short attention spans and easy learning by young children. The rhyme reassuringly reinforces bedtime rules in a calm, rhythmic way.

Structure and Style

Meter: Short, regular rhythm
Rhyme Scheme: AABB
Line Count: Four lines
Style Notes: Simple, direct, repetitive

Themes

Bedtime routines
Parental guidance
Sleep and rest
Childcare and discipline

Language Notes

The rhyme’s direct address style (“Go to bed, Tom”) models command and reassurance. The variation including “merry or sober” broadens its application beyond children to adults humorously.

Moral or Lesson

Encourages routine, rest, and compliance with bedtime regardless of feelings, highlighting the importance of health and daily rhythm.

Associated Keywords

Go to bed Tom, nursery rhyme, bedtime, sleep, repetition, lullaby

Categories

Bedtime Rhymes
Simple Repetitive Rhymes
19th Century Nursery Rhymes

Historical or Cultural Notes

The rhyme reflects long-standing cultural practices of using rhythmic chants to encourage children to sleep. Its presence in early American nursery collections signals its popularity in English-speaking households.

Notable Variants

Various additional verses or calls may be included in oral tradition, but the core four lines remain constant.

Appearances in Media or Literature

Appears in traditional nursery rhyme collections, lullaby anthologies, and children’s media emphasizing bedtime routines and soothing techniques.

Suggested Activities

Bedtime Routine: Use the rhyme as a cue for children to get ready for bed.
Singing: Use gentle melodic repetition to calm children before sleep.
Memory Game: Practice reciting the rhyme to build recall and language skills.
Creative Extensions: Add verses about nighttime objects or actions.

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