About the Song
Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s in the Cradle” is a timeless folk ballad that speaks to the universal themes of fatherhood, missed opportunities, and the passage of time. Released in 1974, the song quickly became a hit, resonating with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
The song tells the story of a father who is too busy to spend time with his young son. As the son grows up, he becomes increasingly distant, mirroring his father’s behavior. In the end, the father finds himself alone and regretful, realizing that he has missed out on the most important moments of his son’s life.
Chapin’s lyrics are both poignant and relatable, capturing the essence of the father-son relationship with simple yet powerful words. The melody is equally memorable, with its gentle guitar strumming and haunting vocals creating a sense of nostalgia and longing.
“Cat’s in the Cradle” has become a cultural icon, its message of missed opportunities and the importance of family resonating with people around the world. It is a song that will continue to touch hearts and minds for generations to come.
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Lyrics: Cat’s in the Cradle
My child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away
And he was talkin’ ‘fore I knew it, and as he grew
He’d say “I’m gonna be like you, Dad
You know I’m gonna be like you”And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin’ home, Dad
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then
You know we’ll have a good time thenMy son turned ten just the other day
He said, “Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let’s play
Can you teach me to throw”, I said “Not today
I got a lot to do”, he said, “That’s okay”
And he walked away but his smile never dimmed
And said, “I’m gonna be like him, yeah
You know I’m gonna be like him”And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin’ home, Dad
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then
You know we’ll have a good time thenWell, he came from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
“Son, I’m proud of you, can you sit for a while”
He shook his head and then said with a smile
“What I’d really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
See you later, can I have them please”And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin’ home son
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then, Dad
You know we’ll have a good time thenI’ve long since retired, my son’s moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said, “I’d like to see you if you don’t mind”
He said, “I’d love to, Dad, if I can find the time
You see my new job’s a hassle and the kid’s got the flu
But it’s sure nice talking to you, Dad
It’s been sure nice talking to you”
And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me
He’d grown up just like me
My boy was just like meAnd the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin’ home son
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then, Dad
We’re gonna have a good time then