Cat's In The Cradle

Harry Chapin

About Cat's In The Cradle

"Cat's in the Cradle" is a 1974 folk rock song by Harry Chapin from the album Verities & Balderdash. The single topped the US Billboard Hot 100 in December 1974. As Chapin's only number-one song, it became the best known of his work and a staple for folk rock music. Chapin's recording of the song was nominated for the 1975 Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2011. In 1992 American rock band Ugly Kid Joe covered the song and released it as a single; their version topped the Australian Singles Chart and became a major hit in several other countries, including Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and the United States.  


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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
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 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 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

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Harry Chapin

Harry Forster Chapin (December 7, 1942 – July 16, 1981) was an American singer-songwriter best known for his folk rock songs including "Taxi", "W*O*L*D", and the No. 1 hit "Cat's in the Cradle". Chapin was also a dedicated humanitarian who fought to end world hunger; he was a key player in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977. In 1987, Chapin was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his humanitarian work. more »

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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 Version
Harry 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.
Ugly Kid Joe Version
Ugly 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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    Cat's In The Cradle

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1974

    Billboard #1


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