My mom and my aunt had a record that had the inky dinky song on it when they were kids (probably in the mid to late 50's) so they sang it to my cousins, my brother and I as children, too. I was looking for the words for my mother-in-law and this site was all that came up. I can't believe more people don't know this lullaby!

Our version was slightly different than the one your family sings, Teri. And I think my aunt sings it a little differently than my mom does, maybe even with a second verse. I haven't heard hers in years, so who knows what the "real" words are. I thought I'd share how I remember it, though.

Inky dinky, bob-a-linky
Close your pretty eyes.
The sandman's here to take you on
A trip to paradise.
Hurry to sleep, now.
Your toys will keep, now.
'Til the morning sun comes shining trough.
Angels will fly by
As you go night-night
'Cause you're a little angel, too.

Inky dinky, bob-a-linky,
Dream a while and then,
You'll wake up in the morning,
And play with all your friends.