Cat's in the Cradle
Harry Chapin
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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, "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 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 he 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, and 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 could 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 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."
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Written by: Sandy Chapin, Harry F. Chapin
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
2 facts about this song
Harry Chapin VersionHarry Chapin, a folk singer-songwriter, released "Cat's in the Cradle" in 1974 as a part of his album "Verities & Balderdash."
- The song took inspiration from Sandy Chapin, Harry's wife. She wrote the lyrics as a poem when Harry was always on the road for his musical journey.
- "Cat's in the Cradle" was Harry Chapin's only number 1 hit. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1974.
- The song is known for its powerful and emotional storyline that speaks about a father who fails to make time for his son, only to have the son grow up to be just like the father.
- Harry Chapin was known as a master storyteller through his songs. "Cat's in the Cradle" is considered a classic example of his skill.
- Chapin was tragically killed in a car accident in 1981, and his song "Cat's in the Cradle" remains one of his enduring legacies.
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Ugly Kid Joe VersionUgly Kid Joe, an American rock band, covered "Cat's in the Cradle" in 1992. It was included in their debut album, "America's Least Wanted."
- Their version was also successful and reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks list.
- "Cat's in the Cradle" was their first single, and it helped them gain significant commercial success.
- The band's rendition of the song was praised for keeping the essence of the original while adding their own rock spin, making it distinct and appealing to a younger audience.
- Ugly Kid Joe's version of "Cat's in the Cradle" was nominated for Best Rock Performance in the 1993 Grammy Awards, it didn't win, but the nomination increased the band's fame.
- Over the years, the band's rendition continued to be popular, and many millennials discovered Harry Chapin's original song through their cover.
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