William Miller was a Scottish poet best known for writing the popular nursery rhyme Wee Willie Winkie.
Despite his success in children’s poetry, he struggled financially throughout his life and died in poverty.
Miller’s work, often written in Scots, earned him the title. The Laureate of the Nursery, though he remained relatively obscure during his lifetime.
About the Song
Wee Willie Winkie is a traditional Scottish nursery rhyme that tells the story of a little boy running through the town in his nightgown, checking if the children are in bed.
The rhyme is often sung to help children wind down for bedtime.
It has been a staple in children’s literature and music, with its catchy tune and playful rhythm making it a favorite in many households.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | 1841 |
| Album | Whistle-Binkie: Stories for the Fireside |
| Writers | William Miller |
Complete Wee Willie Winkie Lyrics
Wee Willie Winkie rins through the toon,
Up stairs an’ doon stairs in his nicht-gown,
Tirlin’ at the window, crying at the lock,
“Are the weans in their bed, for it’s now ten o’clock?”
“Hey, Willie Winkie, are ye comin’ ben?
The cat’s singin grey thrums to the sleepin hen,
The dog’s speldert on the floor and disna gie a cheep,
But here’s a waukrife laddie, that wunna fa’ asleep.”
Onything but sleep, you rogue, glow’ring like the moon,
Rattlin’ in an airn jug wi’ an airn spoon,
Rumblin’, tumblin’ roon about, crawin’ like a cock,
Skirlin like a kenna-what, waukenin’ sleepin’ fock.
“Hey Willie Winkie, the wean’s in a creel,
Wamblin’ aff a bodie’s knee like a verra eel,
Ruggin’ at the cat’s lug and raveling a’ her thrums-
Hey Willie Winkie – see there he comes.”
Wearit is the mither that has a stoorie wean,
A wee, stumpie, stousie, that canna rin his lane,
That has a battle aye wi’ sleep afore he’ll close an e’e-
But a kiss frae aff his rosy lips gies strength anew to me.
Wee Willie Winkie Lyrics English Translation
Wee Willie Winkie runs through the town,
Up stairs and down stairs in his night-gown,
Tapping at the window, crying at the lock,
Are the children in their bed, for it’s past ten o’clock?
Hey, Willie Winkie, are you coming in?
The cat is singing purring sounds to the sleeping hen,
The dog’s spread out on the floor, and doesn’t give a cheep,
But here’s a wakeful little boy who will not fall asleep!
Anything but sleep, you rogue! glowering like the moon,’
Rattling in an iron jug with an iron spoon,
Rumbling, tumbling round about, crowing like a cock,
Shrieking like I don’t know what, waking sleeping folk.
Hey, Willie Winkie – the child’s in a creel!
Wriggling from everyone’s knee like an eel,
Tugging at the cat’s ear, and confusing all her thrums
Hey, Willie Winkie – see, there he comes!”
Weary is the mother who has a dusty child,
A small short sturdy child, who can’t run on his own,
Who always has a battle with sleep before he’ll close an eye
But a kiss from his rosy lips gives strength anew to me.
Similar Songs like Wee Willie Winkie
Here are a few songs similar to Wee Willie Winkie in terms of being classic nursery rhymes or bedtime songs:
- Rockabye Baby: A traditional lullaby that calms children to sleep with its gentle melody.
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star: A gentle song that is often sung to children as a lullaby, with a simple, soothing melody.
- London Bridge Is Falling Down: A classic nursery rhyme that, while more playful, shares the same cultural history as “Wee Willie Winkie.
- Itsy Bitsy Spider: A catchy nursery rhyme with actions that is popular with young children, offering a lighthearted rhythm similar to Wee Willie Winkie.
Similar Artists Like William Miller
Check out some artists similar to William Miller, known for their contributions to children’s poetry and nursery rhymes:
- Robert Louis Stevenson
Genre: Children’s Poetry, Narrative Poetry
Top Albums: A Child’s Garden of Verse - Mother Goose
Genre: Nursery Rhymes, Folk Music
Top Albums: Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes - Edward Lear
Genre: Nonsense Poetry, Children’s Poetry
Top Albums: A Book of Nonsense & The Owl and the Pussycat - Lewis Carroll
Genre: Children’s Literature, Fantasy Poetry
Top Albums: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & The Hunting of the Snark
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Wee Willie Winkie So Popular?
The rhyme’s catchy melody, simple language, and comforting theme make it a timeless favorite among children and parents.
What Age Group Enjoys Wee Willie Winkie?
Wee Willie Winkie is typically enjoyed by young children, especially toddlers and preschoolers, due to its simple language and repetitive rhythm.
Why Do Parents Sing Wee Willie Winkie to their Children?
Parents often sing Wee Willie Winkie as part of bedtime routines to help children wind down and get ready for bed, as it is calming and soothing.
Can Wee Willie Winkie Be Used as an Educational Tool?
Yes, Wee Willie Winkie can be used to teach young children about bedtime routines, counting, and simple rhythms. It is often used in early childhood education settings.
