Cat's In The Cradle Lyrics

Harry Chapin Cat's In The Cradle

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 talkin' before I knew it, and as he grew
He'd say "I'm gonna be like you, yeah
I know I'm gonna be like you"

(chorus 1)
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little Boy Blue and The Man On The Moon
"When ya comin' home Dad?"
"I don't know when, but we'll get together then, son
Ya know we'll have a good time then"

Well my son turned 10 just the other day
He said "Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let's play
Can ya teach me to throw?"
I said "Not today, I got a lot to do"
He said "That's OK"
And then, he walked away but his smile never dimmed
He said "I'm gonna be like him, yeah
Ya know I'm gonna be like him"

(chorus 1)

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 ya 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 ya later, can I have them please?"

(chorus 2)
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little Boy Blue and The Man On The Moon.
"When ya comin' home son?"
"I don't know when, we'll get together then, Dad
Ya know we'll have a good time then".

Well 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

(chorus 2)