About the song
“Cat’s in the Cradle” is a folk rock song by American singer-songwriter Harry Chapin, from his fourth studio album, Verities & Balderdash (1974). The single topped the US Billboard Hot 100 in December 1974, becoming Chapin’s only number-one song and a defining moment in his career. The song’s enduring popularity and its poignant message about the complexities of fatherhood have cemented its place in the annals of folk rock music.
The song tells the story of a man who becomes a father in the first stanza. Despite his son’s admiration and desire for a close relationship, the father is consistently too busy with his work to spend quality time with him. Years later, as the son graduates from college, he declines his father’s offer to relax together and instead asks for the car keys. In the final stanza, the now-retired father reaches out to his adult son, hoping to reconnect, but the son is too busy with his own work and family to spend time with his dad. The father, realizing the irony of his son’s situation, comes to terms with the fact that his son has grown up to be just like him.
The lyrics of “Cat’s in the Cradle” were inspired by a poem written by Chapin’s wife, Sandra “Sandy” Gaston. The poem itself was based on the strained relationship between her first husband and his father, a politician. Gaston’s experience, coupled with Chapin’s own observations of his relationship with his son, Josh, provided the emotional depth and authenticity that make the song so resonant.
The song’s reception was overwhelmingly positive. Cash Box praised its “tender story of a father and his son” and its ability to “bridge the generation gap.” Record World noted the song’s relevance to the challenges of parenthood and its poignant portrayal of the changing dynamics of a father-son relationship.
“Cat’s in the Cradle” is more than just a popular song; it is a timeless tale of regret, missed opportunities, and the enduring bond between fathers and sons. Chapin’s heartfelt performance and the song’s relatable lyrics have made it a beloved classic that continues to touch the hearts of listeners of all ages.
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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