About the song
“Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin is a poignant and timeless ballad that has resonated with listeners for decades. Released in 1974 on his album “Verities & Balderdash,” this song quickly became one of Chapin’s most famous works. The song tells a touching story about the evolving relationship between a father and his son, poignantly illustrating the passage of time and the missed opportunities for connection.
Harry Chapin, known for his storytelling prowess, co-wrote “Cats in the Cradle” with his wife, Sandy Chapin. The lyrics were inspired by a poem Sandy had written, reflecting the sometimes bittersweet and often ironic nature of parent-child relationships. The song’s narrative unfolds through the father’s perspective, chronicling his son’s growth from infancy to adulthood, and culminating in a role reversal where the son, now an adult, is too busy to spend time with his aging father.
Upon its release, “Cats in the Cradle” struck a chord with many, climbing to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in December 1974. It has since been covered by numerous artists and remains a staple on classic rock and pop radio stations. Its universal theme of time’s fleeting nature and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones has ensured its place in music history.
Harry Chapin’s ability to craft such a moving narrative, coupled with his warm, emotive vocal delivery, makes “Cats in the Cradle” a song that continues to evoke deep emotional responses from listeners of all ages. For many, it serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing relationships and being present in the lives of those we care about.
Video
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