Cat's in the Cradle - Harry Chapin (Lyrics and Chords)

ARTIST: Harry Chapin
TITLE: Cat's in the Cradle
Lyrics and Chords


A 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"

/ D F / G D / D F / G D / C Am / FAm D / /

{Refrain with Dad}
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
The 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

/ D C / F G / D / C / FAm D / /

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 then he walked away but his smile never dimmed
And said, "I'm gonna be like him, yeah
You know I'm gonna be like him"

{Refrain with Dad}

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"

{Refrain with Son}
...but we'll get together then, Dad...

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 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

{Refrain with Son}
...but we'll get together then, Dad...
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