About the song
“Cat’s in the Cradle” is a poignant folk rock song that has resonated with audiences for decades. Written by American singer-songwriter Harry Chapin, the song explores the complex dynamics of father-son relationships and the bittersweet passage of time. Released in 1974, it quickly became a chart-topper and remains one of Chapin’s most enduring works.
The song unfolds as a narrative, told from the perspective of a father who becomes increasingly preoccupied with his career. Despite his son’s admiration and desire for his attention, the father finds himself too busy to spend quality time with him. As the years pass, the son grows up and becomes successful in his own right, but their relationship remains distant.
The turning point comes when the father, now retired, reaches out to his adult son, hoping to reconnect. However, he discovers that his son is just as busy as he once was, and their roles have effectively reversed. The father realizes with a pang of regret that his son has grown up to be just like him.
The lyrics of “Cat’s in the Cradle” are both simple and profound, capturing the universal experiences of parenthood and the challenges of balancing work and family life. Chapin’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s melodic simplicity contribute to its enduring appeal.
“Cat’s in the Cradle” has been praised for its emotional impact and its ability to spark reflection on the importance of family and connection. It serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the need to cherish our loved ones while we have the chance.
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Lyrics
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 talking ‘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 in the moon
“When you coming home, dad?” “I don’t know when”
But we’ll get together then
You know we’ll have a good time then
My 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-a, not today
I got a lot to do, he said, that’s okay
And he, he walked away, but his smile never dimmed
It 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 in the moon
“When you coming home, dad?” “I don’t know when”
But we’ll get together then
You know we’ll have a good time then
Well, 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 they 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 in the moon
“When you coming home, son?” “I don’t know when”
But we’ll get together then, dad
You know we’ll have a good time then
I’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 kids have 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 me
And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
“When you coming home, son?” “I don’t know when”
But we’ll get together then, dad
We’re gonna have a good time then