Harry Chapin - Cat's In the Cradle Lyrics

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, we'll get together then, son
You know we'll have a good time then"

Well my son turned 10 just the other day
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 a smile never came
He 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 comin' home, Dad?"
"I don't know when, we'll get together then, son
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 comin' home, son?"
"I don't know when, we'll get together then
We're gonna have a good time then"

Well I've long since retired, my son's moved away
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

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little Boy Blue and The Man In The Moon
"When you comin' home, son?"
"I don't know when, but we'll get together then, Dad
We're gonna have a good time then"