The song was written by Al Dubin (lyrics) and Joe Burke and made popular by guitarist Nick Lucas.

On February 5, 1968, singer Tiny Tim made the song a novelty hit[1] by singing it on the popular American television show Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.

[2][3] "Crooning Troubadour" Nick Lucas topped the U.S. charts with "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" in 1929, after introducing the song in the musical "talkie" film Gold Diggers of Broadway.

Produced by Richard Perry, Tim's version charted at number 17 in the United States that year, becoming his signature song; which he would continue to perform throughout his career.

A cover version by American rock band Cherry Glazerr is played in the trailer of the franchise's third installment and prequel, Insidious: Chapter 3.