About the song
“Cat’s in the Cradle” is one of the most poignant and beloved songs performed by Harry Chapin, an American singer-songwriter renowned for his storytelling through music. Released in 1974, this song quickly became Chapin’s most successful single, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is part of his album “Verities & Balderdash,” which showcases Chapin’s talent for weaving narratives into his music.
The lyrics of “Cat’s in the Cradle” were co-written by Harry Chapin and his wife, Sandy Chapin. The song tells the story of a father and son whose relationship is marked by missed opportunities and unfulfilled intentions. The father, caught up in the busyness of life, promises to spend time with his son, but as the son grows up, he adopts the same behavior, leading to a poignant reflection on the cycles of life and time.
“Cat’s in the Cradle” is often lauded for its powerful message about the importance of family and the consequences of neglecting loved ones. The song’s haunting melody and Chapin’s heartfelt performance resonate deeply with listeners, making it a timeless classic.
The song’s impact extends beyond its chart success; it has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various media, highlighting its enduring relevance. Harry Chapin’s ability to capture the complexities of human relationships in a few verses and chords is a testament to his artistry and the universal themes he addresses in his music.
For many, “Cat’s in the Cradle” is not just a song but a reminder of the importance of cherishing time with family and the fleeting nature of life. It remains a touching tribute to the intricate dynamics of parent-child relationships and continues to inspire reflection and discussion among audiences 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