CAT'S IN THE CRADLE BY SANDY AND HARRY CHAPIN

Cat’s in the Cradle
By Sandy and Harry Chapin

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’ 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 comin’ home, Dad
I don’t know when
But we’ll be together then-
You know we’ll have a good time then

My son turned 10 just the other day
He said, Thanks for the ball, Dad, com’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

Well he came home 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 said with a smile-
What I’d really like, Dad, is to borrow that car keys
See you later, can I have them please?

When you comin’ home, Son?
I don’t know when
But we’ll be 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 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 talkin’ to you, Dad
It’s been 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