Lyrics of
Cats In The Cradle

Cats in the Cradle was inspired by a poem written by Sandy Chapin, Harry Chapins wife. It was about the busy relationship between her husband and his son, Joshua. Harry Chapin saw it reflecting his own life, shaping the song accordingly. It talks about a father who doesnt have time for his son, but then finds out that his grown son has no time for him, reflecting on the irony and sadness of this role reversal.

A child arrived just the other day
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
He was talking 'fore I knew it and as he grew he said,
"I'm gonna be like you, dad,
You know I'm gonna be like you"

The cats in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and a man on the moon
When you comin' home son, I don't know when
We'll get together then,
You know we'll have a good time then

Well my son turned ten just the other day
He said "Thanks for the ball dad, come on, let's play
Could you teach me to throw?", I said "Not today
I got a lot to do", he said "That's OK"
And he walked away and he smiled and he said,
"I'm gonna be like him, yeah,
You know I'm gonna be like him"

The cats in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and a man on the moon
When you comin' home son, I don't know when
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 have to say
I'm proud of you, could 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

The cats in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and a man on the moon
When you comin' home son, I don't know when
We'll get together then,
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'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 a hassle and the kids have the flu,
But it's sure nice talking to you dad,
It's been sure nice talkin' 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!

The cats in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and a man on the moon
When you comin' home son, I don't know when
We'll get together then,
You know we'll have a good time then