[Ardent]

Originally Posted by Bêthberry

...I think Tolkien was tapping into that with his tra la la lally elves and Tom, and it's not all related to childish stuff.

So you are in good company, Ardent!

Thanks Bethberry.
I don't know if JRR put it this way but I do draw a distinction between the 'childish' and the 'childlike'.
Childlikeness suggests the joy of those who can be like children by choice.
Childishness suggests the ruling passion of those who know nothing else.

Tolkien certainly drew on both ideas as there is a mean childishness to the goblins in The Hobbit: Grib, grab! Pinch, nab! ...

I wouldn't consider the goblins good company even though they're fun to read about.