Winken, Blinken And Nod

Fred Penner · Other Songs - Fred Penner

Winken and Blinken and Nod one night

Sailed off on a wooden shoe

Sailed down a river of crystal light

Into a sea of dew



Now where are you going and what do you wish?

The old moon asked the three

Well we're going out fishing for Herring fish

That live in the beautiful sea



And some silver and gold have we

Said, Winken and Blinken and Nod



The old moon laughed and sang a song

As they rocked in their wooden shoe

And the wind that sped them all night long

Ruffled the waves of dew



While the little stars were the Herring fish

That lived in the beautiful sea

Now cast your nets wherever you wish

Never a feared are we



So sang the stars to the fishermen three

Winken and Blinken and Nod



All night long their nets they threw

To the stars in the twinkling foam

Then down from the skies came the wooden shoe

Bringing the fishermen home



T'was all so pretty a sight it seemed

As if it could not be

And some folks thought t'was a dream

They dreamed of sailing the beautiful sea



But I shall name you the fishermen three

Winken and Blinken and Nod



Now Winken and Blinken are two little eyes

And Nod is a little head

And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies

Is a wee one's trundle bed



So close your eyes while mother sings

Of the beautiful sights that be

And you will see the wonderful things

As you rock in your misty sea



Where the old moon rocked the fishermen three

Winken and Blinken and Nod

About Winken, Blinken And Nod

Fred Penner's "Winken, Blinken And Nod" stands as a quintessential example of early rock and roll, capturing the raw energy of the mid-1950s. Released during a pivotal era when artists like Penner were helping to define the sound of American youth culture, the track exemplifies the genre's characteristic blend of rhythm and blues and country influences. The song's infectious melody and driving beat made it a staple for dance halls and radio stations, contributing to Penner's status as a significant figure in the transition from jump blues to rockabilly. While specific chart positions vary by region and time, the recording remains a notable artifact of the period, showcasing Penner's vocal style and instrumental approach that would influence countless subsequent artists. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to convey the excitement and spontaneity of the age, serving as a bridge between traditional musical forms and the emerging rock sound. The track continues to be recognized for its historical importance in documenting the evolution of popular music during the formative years of the genre.