Go To Bed

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

Listen as male American:

Listen as female British:

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Tagged bed, routine, Tom

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Summary

“Go To Bed” is a short, emphatic nursery rhyme often used by caregivers to encourage young children to go to sleep. With its repetitive and directive phrasing, it reads like a parental command cloaked in rhythm. The use of a personal name (“Tom”) helps children relate directly, and it’s often adapted with the child’s own name for bedtime routines.

Meaning and Theme

This rhyme serves a clear and practical purpose: transitioning a child from playtime to bedtime. The repetition of “Go to bed, Tom” underscores the theme of obedience and routine, while the line “Tired or not, Tom” suggests that bedtime isn’t negotiable—an idea familiar to any parent. It also emphasizes parental authority in a playful yet firm tone.

Origin and History

There is no widely recorded publication date or known author for this version of “Go To Bed”. It likely originated as part of oral tradition in English-speaking households, used as a domestic rhyme rather than a published one. Because of its simplicity and utility, variations have appeared in homes and early childhood classrooms for generations, though it’s not as prominent in printed anthologies as other rhymes.

Cultural References

The rhyme has a utilitarian presence in many households and has likely been passed along through oral tradition rather than formal publication. It may appear in preschool environments or parenting resources focused on bedtime rituals. Some modern children’s books and bedtime collections may include similar verses or adaptations.

Historical Context

This rhyme reflects the cultural importance of bedtime rituals in early childhood development. Like many short-form rhymes, it’s shaped by the need for predictable routines and parental guidance during transitional moments like sleep time.

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Go To Bed

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Go To Bed

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