“Cat’s in the Cradle” is a 1974 folk rock song by Harry Chapin from the album Verities & Balderdash. The single topped the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1974. As Chapin’s only #1 hit song, it became the best known of his work and a staple for folk rock music.

The lyrics to the verses of the song were originally written as a poem by Chapin’s wife, Sandy Chapin, who is credited as the song’s co-writer.^[1] The poem itself was inspired by the awkward relationship between Sandy Chapin’s first husband, James Cashmore, and his father, a New York City politician. She was also inspired by a country song she heard on the radio. More than a year later, after the birth of his own son, Harry added the music and the chorus. Label executive David Geffen selected the song as a single, over Chapin’s objections. (Wikipedia)

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Cats in the Cradle

My [E]child arrived just the [G]other day; he [A]came to the world in the [E]usually way. but there were [E]planes to catch and [G]bills to pay. [A] __ He learned to walk while I [E]was away. He was [D]talking ‘fore I [A]knew it. And [Bm]as he grew he said, [G]I’m gonna [Bm]be like [E]you, Dad. [G]You know I’m gonna [BM]be like [E]you.

(And the [E]cat’s in the cradle and the [D]silver spoon, [G]Little boy blue and the [A]man in the moon. [E]When you coming home? dad, I [D]don’t know when. [G]We’ll get to[Bm]gether then [E]. You [G]know we’ll have a [Bm]good time [E]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 he smiled to another kid he said, I’m gonna be like him, yeah. You know I’m gonna be like him.

Well, he came from college just the other day, So much like a man I just had 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?

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. 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.