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Cat’s in the Cradle

On the way into work I was listening to my favorite CD full of songs I liked from when I was a kid. Songs like ‘House at Pooh Corner‘ by Kenny Logins, ‘Cat’s in the Cradle‘ by Harry Chapin, and a bunch of others of that ilk. I just love those songs – they’re great to sing along with and have so many memories for me.

Cat’s in the Cradle in particular is one of those ones that has such strong happy memories for me from my childhood and lots of people don’t get it. Kevin cringes every time he hears it cuz it strikes him as such a sad song about a neglectful father and son who just can’t seem to make any time for each other… Maybe i’m just a wierdo but I just don’t read it that way. I just see it as a song about a father and son that are connected from birth until death and, despite everything that goes on throughout life they still love each other and are connected no matter how busy they get or whats going on and get a lot out of every chance they have to talk…

Wow… How was that for sappy… Anyway… just had to share! :)… Read blelow

Cat’s in the Cradle

by Sandy & 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 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 ok.”


And he walked away, but his smile never dimmmed,


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 kid’s got 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.


You know we’ll have a good time then.”

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