Cat's In The Cradle lyrics by Harry Chapin, 7 meanings. Cat's In The Cradle explained, official 2024 song lyrics | LyricsMode.com
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Harry Chapin – Cat's In The Cradle lyrics
[Verse:]
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, yeh,
I know I'm gonna be like you".

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

[Verse 2:]
Well my son turned 10 just the other day,
He said "Thanks for the ball Dad, come 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, yeh,
Ya know I'm gonna be like him".

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

[Verse 3:]
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:]
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little Boy Blue and The Man In 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".

[Verse 4:]
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 he hung up the phone it occurred to me,
He'd grown up just like, my boy, was just like me.

[Chorus:]
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little Boy Blue and The Man In The Moon.
"When ya comin' home son?"
"I don't know when, we'll get together then, Dad,
We're gonna have a good time then".
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Lyrics taken from /lyrics/h/harry_chapin/cats_in_the_cradle.html

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Songwriters: Harry F. Chapin, Sandy Chapin
Cat's In The Cradle lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Corrected by Nutster

Cat's In The Cradle meanings Post my meaning

  • n
    + 10
    Norm Vance
    Can't tell you how many times my daughter would ask about playing catch and my initial reaction would be "sorry, honey, I'm kind of busy" and then I'd catch myself and realize that I only had so many chances and only so many years to be there for her. Those half hour games of catch didn't affect my job performance at all. My relationship with now grown daughter? Solid. I feel like sending this song to everyone on my staff who has a young kid.
    Add your reply
  • U
    + 9
    Unregistered
    It's a sad story but a reality around the world esp. Here in the us. We are all caught up in the fantasy world of work and money and in that process we forget what's really important in our lives and by the time we know it, guess what " it's too late"!
    My wife and I were lucky to realize that our kids were the most important part of our lives. We were there all through their lives, good and bad. Now, our two sons are age 28 and 22 and have their own lives. All we have left are great memories.
    Add your reply
  • U
    + 8
    Unregistered
    The song is told in first-person by a father who is too busy to spend time with his son. Though the son asks him to join in childhood activities, the father always responds with little more than vague promises of spending time together in the future. While wishing to spend time with his father, the son continues to admire him, wishing to be "just like him. " the final two verses are a reverse of the roles, where the father asks his grown-up son to visit, but the son responds that he is now too busy to find the time for his father. The father then reflects that they are both alike, saying "my boy was just like me. " the song's chorus uses imagery related to childhood ("cat's in the cradle," "silver spoon," "little boy blue," "man in the moon").
    Add your reply
  • d
    + 6
    Dale Vinzant
    Show me a father who has heard this song and not seem something of himself in this song. Harry could hit home more than most. Interesting that Harry ended up epitomizing this song. He was seldom home. Our role in society takes priority over our personal lives. Sadly, we could control this and make it otherwise. I have received a reprieve, I am able to give my grandchildren the attention I wish I could have given my children. The bitter sweet is, my children have wounds I cannot heal.
    1 reply
  • U
    + 4
    Unregistered
    My father died when I was 8 years old. I did not really get to know him. He was looking for work after WW II so was away a lot. I never knew who to be like. I am now 65 years old. No children. A void as big as the Grand Canyon. It will be ok. God bless all the good fathers out there.
    Add your reply
  • U
    + 4
    Unregistered
    I believe people are to focused on themselves and don't realize how fast the time goes. Once you have a child it's not about you any longer. Being able to be home for my kids at all times has meant everything to me. It is priceless and I try not to take a moment for granted. Making memories as a family gives them the foundation they need. You reap what you sow!
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  • U
    + 3
    Unregistered
    I love the juxtaposition of good and bad omens/possibilities in the chorus. The Cat's in the cradle (takes the baby's breath). An old wives tale with a disastrous outcome for the child, and the silver spoon (good). Little Boy Blue (a warning cry of pending disaster) and the Man in the Moon (peace and safety, every child has their own star). Outcomes for the child can go each way.
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    • n
      + 10
      Norm Vance
      Can't tell you how many times my daughter would ask about playing catch and my initial reaction... Read more →
    • U
      + 9
      Unregistered
      It's a sad story but a reality around the world esp. Here in the us. We are all caught up in the... Read more →

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