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Cats In The Cradle Lyrics
Artist: Harry Chapin
Album: Cats In The Cradle
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 on the moon
When you comin' home dad?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
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 dimmed
And 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 on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then
Well, he came home 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 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 on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then
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 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
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then
Related:
Harry Chapin Lyrics
Harry Chapin Cats In The Cradle Lyrics
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Comments/Interpretations
some of the lyrics are screwed up but beutiful song:P!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
this is a really cool song
great song, great lyric!
i really like this song because it reminds me of my daddy.
thank you for writing this song
seems a little sad in a way. Like they both never had time to spend with eachother because they were always so busy, but they both accomplished something with their lives.
in the last chorus (i think its the chorus) when it says "but well get together then son"
it should say dad
im listening to the song now
sweeeeet
i love the lyrics to this song, they're my favorite.. :]
The lyrics aren't screwed up @ all! WTF? This song kicks major a**! the best ever!
most ultimate song great feel
this song is of the hook!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:p
man, harry chapin was soo cool, too bad hes dead... he could have written some more great music
i love this song but some of the lyrics are wrong
i love and hate this song. it's a sad song because they both never spent time with eachother. my dad never liked this song because he never wanted this to end up with my two brothers. it's sad. but i like the tune and stuff. it makes me want to cry.
tuching
This song was good i loved it. when i read it i felt a sadness in my heart because my dad moved to a place and i wanted to move with him but i didn't , i didn't see him for a long time thats why
I think the song and the lyrics are awesome, so kool. i luv the chorus part when it goes:
"And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon. When you comin' home son? I don't know when, but we'll get together then son. You know we'll have a good time then"
Awesome =D
Makes me cry each time lol
muy piola cancion loco se sarpa esto re sarpa en sarpado la letra la verdad que me pego aca (l) en el corazon! es una de las unicas canciones que me hizo llorar!
"I'm gonna be like you dad
You know I'm gonna be like you"
I knew Harry - His music was a reflection of his observations of life. Cats in the Cradle asks the question, "What price success?" I think Harry was a bit prophetic - look at the world today: It's absolutely tragic that corporate success has taken priority over quality time spent with the ones we care about most.
This song is so cool song my dad and i sing it all the time
I loved it it reminds me of my dad
I learned to play it on the guitar i'm going to play it 4 tallent day
I always sing this song on roadtrips. I am playing it right now. I remember my dad when I hear it because he always sais he is busy while eating M and M's
i remember when my dad first showed me this song. now i listen to the skid row version, and sometimes my eyes get watery. amazing song
My teacher played this song for me and my class just the other day.
Some lyrics are screwed up but I love this song! Watch the cats in the cradle band of brothers at youtibe.
UP THE IRONS! MAIDEN RULES!
this was a great song. i could really envision the words.
this is an awsome song that makes me sadish
It is so true that if you don't make time to spend with your kids today, they will likely not make time to spend with you when you get old. The lyrics are so true, you see this happening everyday. It is sad that so many parents don't get it until it is too late.
i think its funny that people think this is a beautiful song. this is a very sad song. about a father who put his job before his family and missed out on the joys of raising a son. and then the son grows up like his father putting his job before his family.
fantastic song
I love this song, but some of the lyrics are really messed up...
This song is definitely a sad one, but in all the different ways possible, a great one. this is my favorite song evah:O
love the song. i listen to the ugly kid joe version but definitely love the original the most.
u know how to write a beautiful song
I love this song!
Its a great song, but at the same time it is kind of sad, luckyly for me my dad takes time to play catch with me and we play basketball and things like that
This song is so touching. It actually makes you imagine the scenes within the lyrics. Amazing song! Favourite song ever!
Jesse and Jasmine, it's not because I'm working that I'm not there it's because your Mom is very mean (or sick) please forgive me! I never seen my Dad since I was 5, it hurt like hell. I'm 45 now and now I have a double reason why this song makes me cry. Don't worry 'll keep trying! LITIRAT XXXoooO
I love this song, It teaches us to spend time on whats important, family. Its a very good song that almost all of us can relate to.
its not well get to gether then son theres no son
zack is so right omg ! .
thats the whole point of the song. i love it so much but everytime i hear it, it makes me cry <3[= .
this is an amazing song i never use to see my dad because he was off at work in melbourne or sydney or somewhere and i see him maybe 2 days week if lucky and i miss him and love him and want to spend time with him but hes never here untill i sqang this song to him a week later he quit his job and now works at telstra i can see him really when ever i want!!!
does thise have enything to do with history?
I luv this song. wtf ppl, the lyrics r NOT screwed up.. this is a great, touching, sad song, cried the 1st time i heard it. so true that the son ends up just like the dad and he regrets it...
i can really relate to this song it is just so good
What do the lyrics mean? Cats in the cradle, silver spoon, little boy blue and the man on the moon
I believe taht this song relates very closely to 'Hakuna Matata' - the Lion King song, it tells of happiness...and later sadness of the father. I also believ that a certain Timothy Charles Hodge is massive and will make a great dad one day. Cheers, pity she's gay. CAITIIL
This is a song that will forever represent the bond between a father and a son, tears everytime...
Pat, the chorus lyrics are nursery rhymes. Wikipedia has a good article explaining this song.
This song always makes me think of my dad. I love this song, it's so beautiful. It chronicles the son's life until finally the roles are reversed and now he has no time to spend with his aging father...it's so sad.
The lesson is not to follow Dad's example. Always find time with your children and family. When the Dad needed attention from the son, Dad got a taste of his own medicine....sorry no time!
The point of the song is that children learn as they live. The father should not be character assinated because he bowed to the pressures of life and the tasks of putting food on the table and a roof overhead, and he should not duck the responsibility of the children learning well, just as he showed them. And women are not immune from this situation.
This song is about a father who spent all his time at work on on personal endeavors and didn't take the time to get to know his son. When the father retired, had time, and wanted to get to knos his son better, it was too late, his son was grown, had a family of his own, and wasn't interested in spending time with his Dad.
I think the song is kinda sad but it actually teaches a lesson in a way...
i can see myself when im in college.ilove your song so much that i listen to it everyday.
I first heard this song when Harry was still alive and I had a young son. Needless to say, if I didn't cry each time I sang it, I sure as hell did when he died.
My minister asked me to sing something for the Father's Day service. First I thought it was too long, but after reading it and trying out the chords/licks on 12-string, I think it will be. perfect.
San and Bobby nailed it. That's exactly what the song is about. The Dad didn't make time for his son when he was young, and now the son is returning the gesture now that dad is retired and lonely. Great classic song!!!
i love this song it is touching and...and..and.. well its just amazing nearly every time i listen to it i nearly cry just WOW!!!
one of the 3 best songs ever.. up there with imagine(lennon) and american pie(mclean)
It's so sad! Ican infer how the son feels. Hopefully the son doesn't turn out like the dad.In the end the son turned out successfull.So it wasn't a total lost.Right?
What a great song even though it makes me cry. Life is short and people too often lose sight of what is really important in life. Family and friends, not money and recognition.
I explained the song to my daughter and then we listened to it. She cried. Then I pondered whether I spent too much time away from my kids. I hope not. Any song that brings about emotions and makes you think is a powerful song.
The lyrics to Cat's in the Cradle
is a true story
i love this song (it's one of my favorites!!!) but some of the lyrics are rong =( thts ok though!!! =)
little boy blue and the man
"IN" the moon
somer of these lyrics are wrong!! it little boy blue and the man in the moon!! not the little boy blue on the moon!! The only reason i know that is because i just saw it on Don't Forget The Lryics!!
i sang this to my dad right now today on fathers day he loved it so much he was so happy
It's really sad but this song is soo true for lots of people
great song but some of the lyrics are messed up ie. "man on the moon" should be "man in the moon."
Great song, great lyrics
this song is the best!! contrary to popular rumor the lyrics aren't screwed up @ all
I love this song. lyrics aren't messed up at all. I making sure this doesn't happen to me and my kid when I have one. I think we could all learn something from this song.
I like the Ugly Kid Version most because of the really suspended and heavy atmosphere they gave to the song. I also saw a video of Harry Chapin introduce this song with the words "This song always scares me to death". Great melody, so true and accurate lyrics and the climax in one single line: "My boy was just like me". One of my all time favourites.
wow felipe I dont think anyone can learn anythin from this stupid song
i hate this song.
awesome!
This is a really lovely song...awww sweet
its depressing how this happens all the time. father trying to provide and give his kids a better life, while the kids dont know who the hell he is and grow up the same way.
Sadder than the song is reading most of the peeps atrocious grammar and spelling and ignorance. I am so thankful I'm not a teacher. I wouldn't need to listen to this song to cry every night. Interacting with you all would do it for me.
it is grate
Beautiful song, but there are 3 errors in the chorus "Man in the Moon", When you coming home Dad is the start of the chorus for the first two (as the son is asking his father) and the second two start when "When ya comin home son?" and end But we'll get together then dad, ya know we'll have a good time then as the father is now asking the son, and he responds... that's the mistakes they are talking about only 4 words for the whole song (not counting that they repeat the same error) but its the message of the song I find enjoyable and yes sad too.
im 13 i dont know my real dad as he ran away when i was born but my step dad really takes his place the song helps me deal with the greef :)
When Harry Chapin wrote this great song I'm sure he couldn't have known the powerful impact that it would have on so many people. I love listening to it with my 3 year old boy; it keeps me in check and reminds me of my responsibility as a father and how important spending quality time with my son is. My own dad died only a year after I finally spent some real time with him.
This song is so sad but as mother I am drawn to it because this is my son and his father's story. It is one those timeless painful beauty of song.
This song is really beautiful.
Very mutch emotions in this song.
What a powerful song! I break down everytime I hear it. Reminds me not to be like my dad and to spend every moment I can with my boys.
this song is about a screwed up dad!! read the lyrics idiots
sONG'S great!:DD
i struggle every time i hear this but it is my story and so beutiful, i loved my dad so much. He was and is my life, i would not be the man i am if it wasn't for my (pop)
Bad lyrics or not the heartfelt message can keep one on track regarding the true treasures of life, that being the sharing of everyday life with one's children... no parent can deny that!
I love this song. I hate this song. I am the son. I am now the father,
we sing this song at the little kids camp that I am a counselor at. I think the kids are too young to understand that it is a meaningful song, but the counselors get it and we all love the song we sing it everyday
great writer
describes my dad pretty well
My oldest son asked his dad this question when he was 4 "when you coming home" he took 30 taught him this song and 4 years later was in prison and missed his sons growing up. That is sad and why this song makes me cry and I'm still mad at his father.
Awesome song and it's so true
This song nearly makes me cry every time I hear it :(
So sad.
I'm In Military. I Love This Song Makes Think Of How much I Love My Dad
I rekon this song is awesome but...
I rekon I'm even more awesome...tragidy, I know...
Nah jokes lol
This is awesome I'm downloading it right now!
This is about a dad and son who never got to know each other just like me and my dad. Dad is long dead and i don't really know anything about him nor did he know how i grew up. Sad song for me.
YOU SPELLT THE SONG WRONG
It's sooooo sad and touching. It makes me want to cry. Not many songs do that to me, and that's why I luv it.
Welcome to my world ! Life as you know it changes when you hear the song as you may learn it changes your opinune on music FOREVER so let this song teach you somthing never let go
It's a really, really good song, but it's sad in a way.
Okay, this song was popular just before college which certainly dates me - lol. Yep, middle age has come and I just realize how it is with my daughter who is now in college saying the same exact things. The song never affected back then but boy does it affect me now!! The pang is quite sharp.....
It hits home. I had that Dad and I was that Dad and now don't hear from my son. At least I did get to know my Dad his last 35 years and cared for him his last two. I doubt that this generation feels the same way.
Great song. It reminds me of my dad. He does a lot better.
I hope I'm a success story. You see, Cats in the Cradle lyrics were sort of my purpose statement when raising my kids. And if anything, I probably pestered them too much -- but you can't spend too much time with your kids.
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
its dad not son
I don't know when, but we'll get together then dad
CORRECTED^
either then that they seem fine
I miss my daughter
this is such a powerful emotive song that cannot fail to touch anyone with a heart, always brings tears to my eyes whenever I hear it, great stuff Harry
These powerful emotive lyrics ring with me - my 2 sons lack my time, I hope they wont be like me
This song is what im going tru now, my dad wants to expend time with me, but now i got my own life, he did not spend ,uch time when i was a kid...sorry dad,,,i love oyu tho
I changed the way I lived my life because of this song. I spent all the time I could with my children. In 18 years my wife and I never went on vacation without our children. All of our free time was family time. We did many things and always together.
My son was with me just the other day and heard this song for the first time. He asked me about it and I explained it was a very sad story about a dad who did not spend time with his children. I told him he would never, ever know what that was like. He said he knew that and we hugged.
This song tugs at my heart. My father left 3 preschool kids and started another family. I'm 47 years old now and he wants to spend time with us now. I hate that some fathers make this mistake before finding out it's too late.
I have always loved this song.
sucks
This is really a great song, and i really love it. This song was one of the reasons and inspiration why i am spending time loving my wife AND ESPECIALLY my Son.
I don't want this to happen to me and my son. (Tnx Harry & Sandy Chapin who 1st wrote d lyrics of that song)
I'm typing a letter to my son who is going on a retreat with some of his senior friends at school, and the letters will be read to them. I stated in the letter references to this song and the day he assumes his own life and how I will not look forward to having him leave, but I know it will be inevetible. If you have a bond with your son the lyrics are true to life.
Several people have said that at least the dad was successful. We don't really know - all we know is he was busy. Probably like a lot of people, he thought he was busy with something important but probably not as important as his son.
Great song...just sad that my 10 year is living it:(
They totaly screwed up like realy badly. I know so of the parts thats why I came here for the rest and the parts I knew they screwed up on!!!
i was like weeeeeping when i heard this but its an amazing song that really should touch the hearts of all those fathers and sons in the world!!!! GREAT SONG!!!!!!! :]
many years ago my oldest son once said this was my song and it is still true today vevy sad, many tears!
"Great song...just sad that my 10 year is living it:("
Then the time to change that is now. You've still some important years to make up for it ahead.
The song is very beautiful, but if we don't heed the warning in it by taking appropriate action in our own lives, then the message is lost.
Spend time with your children because when you blink they are already grown and gone
heard it for first time yesterday, parents should listen to it as early as possible.
this song is sad the dad never found the time to be with his son when the son wanted to play ball and his son still said he wants to be like him and he was cause when he got older he couldent find time to spend with his dad when his dad wanted to see him
What do some of you mean (screwed up)? explain yourself! or just say nothing at all.
this son is da bomb. like da batista bomb but way of da batista bomb because da batista bomb is physical and this isnt. well i guess it is sort of getting physical because you use your voice
goood song, i rele dont know what its like to have a dad, seeing as i never had a dad
Unless you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, you had to work extra hours, or other jobs to make ends meet.You had a family to support, I didn't like being away from my kids. It hurts, But they needed the basic things growing up.Yes its a sad song , There are alot of dads out there that can relate to this song. Its sad that Harry died.
We had to sing this song for a school assembly and we smashed the crowd.They completly loved it!My class loved it the teachers loved it, the class loved it and the whole school loved it! I would recommend it to every school in the country!I really hope we can sing it again it is just so great! I love the chorous the best.Thanks for reading-Sparks
this song sucks = some1 has daddy issues
oh and btw if it made u cry u really needa get some help...
not like u need a father..
Really nice song! Fantastic lyrics, loved it!
this is a song about life, about how life takes hold of us and how we yield thereto by allowing it to purpetuate. The underlying theme is time can't be saved, it is lost and just as the father surely felt time would avail itself, so did the son.
Nice song with nice lyric.nice composition etc for me.A natural chain of relationship which we'll experience one day.I love the song very much.
lol @ all of you boo hoo boo hoo
time to seek some help people
this song is like a turd on a stick
pointless kids dont need a father
and the father had to work or the kid starve whats better little bit of neglect or starving to death hmm?
havent spoke to my dad in years... i cant get through this song without balling or tearing up... this song i think is a sign but i need to get past my stubborness and cave and make the phone call
awesome song .... awesome lyrics... so beautiful it make think in my dad too
this song is awesome my dad taught it to me when i was little so i know every word. its a great song about what little time you have to spend time with your family before its too late.
and to those of you who posted that you hate this song: too bad for you. if you don't like this song then why did you look for the lyrics? well anyway this song is the best. I don't care if you think differently.
i liked your song and also i enjoyed it
I've loved this song since the day I first heard it many many decades ago!
And to those who say the words/lyrics are NOT messed up...ummm...yes they are..but their not overly wrong..just a few minor corrections and/or omissions.
Peace!
Ray
Sounds like a lot my he divorced her when I was a little girl and then my mom lung cancer and died my dad came back and died when I was 12
now I am 36 .
The first time I heard this song, I was 8 and I cried. This was the first time I listened to it in years and I cried again. I am now 41 with kids of my own.
its so cool we got taught it i class
very emotional song i dont have a dad and it made me cry and who ever is saying that its like crap on a stik well its you on a sword
this song is great!!!!!!! I'm 9 and i don't live with my dad loves this song he taught it to me when i was 5 and i know it of bye heart first time i herd it i got tears in my eyes and the last thing the person who said rather get neglected or starve that broke my heart because my dad traumatized me
IT ROCKZ!!! I TOTALLY LOVE IT. YEAH TO HIM!!!
orgasms make me feel good in my pants.
call me. my name is bud.
16185404410
too bad the son and dad lyrics of the chorus' are messed up....
by jere on 6/23/2008 3:43pm
Sadder than the song is reading most of the peeps atrocious grammar and spelling and ignorance. I am so thankful I'm not a teacher. I wouldn't need to listen to this song to cry every night. Interacting with you all would do it for me.
^--- really really bad grammar there, awful sentence construction.
"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"
that song sound sad,cos the boy grows up like his dad :(.i have heard this song loads of times.the first time i heard it was when i was 7
this song is 1 of few that acutaly means something ture. it reminds me of me and my father and what its going to be like when i have a child. you always want your child to have a good life and do better than u did. and if thats wat happend in your life this song can mean alot to u
wow this song is like really sad........ but i like its meaning
I love this song. It's so sad. I didn't know the lyrics at first. All I knew was, Cats in the cradle and the silver spoon because my mom told me what it said.
very meaningful song.. a song which forces you to think about the relationship between you and your father
Bought a very cheap 70's compilation today and this song was on it along with "Horse With No Name" and "Guitar Man".Not only is it a great compilation for Ł4 but I remember this song when I was young (without appreciating the sentiment of the lyric then) and,in my mid-forties I don't mind admitting that my eyes welled up.Beautiful and poignant,I shall be investigating Mr Chapin,Bread and America further.
poor kid in the song.his dad never had time for him :( .like i said in my first comment i have heard this song lots of times and i know the lyrics very well :)
The irony of the lyrics hit hard home to me-
trying to get my daughter to come home from uni is a hard job- it is 37 miles for god's sake
I was everywhere else than present when she was growing up so I know what it is all about
METALLICA RULES DEATH MAGNETIC THIS SONG NOT COOL!
DAU THAT NEVER COMES BEST SONG EVEr
this is just like my own dad
OMG this song is so sad I first heard it at camp but the staff wouldn't sing it till the last day I now know way!
this song is so sad :-( i cry every time i listen to it boo hoo. he lyrics are so touching
Just listened to a Johnny Cash version very good, but not as good as Harry's.
For me I think of this song every time one of my boy's asks me to do something with them or to look at something, and I am tired from a long day at work. I always make sure that I do it....I kids are only little once and I want them to have great memories of spending time with me.
And this is a very very sad song..it says you reap what you sow.
omg absolutely love the song!
are you people totally stupid? the last lines just show what goes around comes around. Duffydog has the right idea!!!
i soooooo love this song it is the best song in the world it teaches you a lesson just like when he says he wants to be just like his dad in the biging at the end when his dad closed te phone on the last paragraph he relized that he is just like him.
off the f'n chain!!!!
very awesome song but shows and tells u a very important issue in life so remember it peoples wiht your kids and parents.
this song is amazing
i grew up listening to it
and though it doesn't relate to me and my dad i still love it
it makes me cry ....
This song is so insperational. the first time I heard it I got a little teary for private reasons
yeah i agree,duffy dog know's what they are on about.
Dad is very busy, and is a travelling salesman.
'mommydearest', you messed up,instead of visiting the local pub, you should be taking me to church and rear me in the ways of the Lord.
Dad, you paid the tuition fees out of Love.Had you stayed home, I would be 'happily' working at McDonalds for minimum wage!
I could not borrow a 'car'!.
is a really gud song. that last part is alright because first that dad never had time for him and now that the kid grew he doesn't has time for the father. this is showing a lesson for all of the parents that never have time for their kids.
how can u not love this song i dont get it i did at school for a mark and i got an a+ probably not because my speech was well written but maybe because my teacher pitted me singing half the song infront of evreyone but i cant be blammed for the racket i caused because the whole class sng along the words they knew i mean how could you resist against such and amazing song.
this song is amazing
mommydearest,i agree with you and duffy dog.it
Best song ever.
its a shame he died in a plane crass especially since in this song stsras by him haveing to leave on one
This is the best song in the world.
I herd somone sing this at my camp and the words are so nice and cool.
Awesome song and lyrics!
i have heard this song too daNGER
he didnt die in a plane crash. where does it say that?
I am crying now....
lyrics are close to original. Sad that my father hated me so bad and we never had a relationship.
The song is true, I worked so hard for my kids that I had no time to spend with them, now their grown and are busy with their jobs and families. The song is a trueism. Spend as much time with your families as you can, cause they grow apart faster than you can blink.
great song
This is a fantastic song! Harry Chapin was, and is, one of my all-time favorites. His true talent was in his writing, although his voice was decent, too. "Cat's in the Cradle" and "Taxi" were his most famous songs, but much of his music never gained deserved fame because the songs were so long that they didn't get a lot of radio play.
I had all of his tapes at one time, but have lost them over the years. I replace one every now and then, but they usually have to be special ordered.
If I remember correctly, Harry was one of the original organizers of the "We are the world" concert. He was very involved in causes to improve the world. His untimely death was as a result of a car accident.
Most of Harry's songs were great "story" songs. If you like "Cat's in the Cradle" try to get a listen of "Mr. Tanner,
"I Wanna Learn a Love Song," or "A Better Place to Be," among others. All very real and highly emotional!
this song is so true!the message is 'if u leave things then they will never change! and also that ur children look up to u so much'GREAT SONG!
Harry Chapin did not die in a plane crash--you're thinking of John Denver, who wrote "Leavin' on a Jet Plane" and died in a small plane. Harry Chapin was in a car accident with a tractor-trailer truck and was dead at the scene, but reports suggested he may have had a fatal heart attack first, which caused his car to cut off the truck and slow down fast.
too good for words
i like this song! it help much in my assignment - parent-child relationship =)
I like the version sung by Ugly Kid Joe best. Its so moving!
Yes this is AWESOME song BUT it explains reason why the world is so messed up. People spend there whole life wanting to be like there father and NOT having a relationship with there father. And People do NOT know there heavenly Father or is love because they spend most of there life chasing after EVERYTHING BUT HIM to fill void ONLY He can fill.
nice song, some of the lyrics are messed up, not much, and it is a sad song
kida sad in a way but good song
when i read this song its touch in my heart...i remember when i was a young boy i felt descremination on my neigthbor then i work so hard in order to fenish my studies...
lyrics screwed like wjhe he says when u coming homedaddyi dont know when well get to gether then u put well get together then son on everyone
this is crazy my dad died 03 now i just wish i could have some more time with him....
I love this song and it's lyrics
This is a very DEEP song and I love it. It is very sad but true in a lot of ways.
If this song doesn't bring you a tear...not sure what might of happened?
this song is sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet!
Brilliant, and sadly true.
Dude, its really sad on the end!! but soo true!
i think its a really good song the boy only did what he knew his dad was never there so he did not know how to be there
This song is so F*cking sad,,
i cry everytime i hear it.
/:
obozavam ovu pesmu najbolja je
this song is fuckin great
everytime I hear this song I cry thinking about my own son. the youngest of 4. it's seems to fit what happening to me now. and with my other sons. my daughter asked me to learn this song on the guitar So, I did just now and needed the words and ended up on this. thank you
its really a good and lots means to me....after read tru the lyrics..family tie is more important...we have to continue this to avoid any generation gap..
It sad song . I think all parent in the world should spent more time with their children.
This song was introduced to me in 1974, four years before my first child (son) was born.
This song represented the antithrsis of what I became as a father. I was there for both him and his sister and brother.
Now they're all grown up and have become the adults that "I always wanted to be"!
I'm so pleased that this song provided the lesson for what I never wanted to be!
my boy was just like me!
its a grate song but its so sad and jig jig sux it on eof the best songs of alll time and only 7 years old
how thinks this song sux u need to spend more time with ur family too many peeps are bieng rejected so the song was made to encorge peeps to spend mor time wyith loved ones wile u can
from me
hi your a total bich fuckn hell
I love rock, but I must say, when I heard this song, I absolutely loved it. It was the same situation between me and my father, unfortunately. :[
You are all missing the meaning of the song. It's not about what's wrong with the father or the son or the mistakes they made. They did the best they could. It's just a sad observation that we never can spend enough time with the ones we love but at least we acknowledge that we would like to spend more time with them if we could.
great poem
q2267846727836923
Makes me cry everytime, love the song
So I asked my father (who I have a good relationship with and is getting pretty old now) to come over last Sunday and spend some time with me and my kids, but he wanted to stay home and watch football. Go figure...
Great song, but WTF is the chorus all about?? Besides that you can tell that alot of thought went into these lyrics. Truely a great song..Whooooo School holidays:)
Great song, but seriously what is with the chorus plz can someone tell me what his talking about? I love the emotion he expresses within the lyrics:)
wat a sad song, the father was always bz for his son and now is son is to bz 4 his dad...all work no play makes one hell of a sad song!
FUCK U ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD DICKMAS
-LOCAL NIGGER
at the end in the chorus it should be: "But we'll get together then dad" not son
My dad never spent time with me cuz he was "busy" all the time
Then I had my daughter, and he said he loved her but would get to know her when she is older, he can't relate to little kids he said
When she was 3 he got cancer
One day he was having a particularly good day, that was the last time I saw him at home My wife and I went over to his place to drop off my brother who flew in
I was talking to my brother and then when I turned around, my daughter was giving him a really long hug
I guess it was goodbye
That was the last time he ever saw her again, and the last time I ever saw him at home
He died two weeks later, and later never came
Ironic part of it is that my mom is still alive, and even though she is retired and doesn't go anywhere and do anything really, she is to busy to see my daughter or me, unless she is asking me for some favor or something
This is the story of my husbands life. His daddy never took the time to be with him when he was a child and now that he wants to be with my husband, it is too late.
the greatest song ever
this song is true. many kids like me have the same problems and im only 12.
The exact same story happened with me and my dad. Hes been too busy to do anything since im a kid now im grown up and too busy with my job and life to see him.
The chorus should say
"when you comin' home dad?"
in between the ball phrase and the college phrase.
Amazing song
That was nice, This is the best restaurant i ever ate in. Keep up the good work boys for one day you'll work for me. like they say all work and no play makes johny a dull boy
When I was little, my dad sang this song time as I would fall asleep. Now, every time I hear it or read it or whatever, I am reminded of what I am made of. I going to grow up just like my dad. Amen.
legen.....wait for it....dary
wtf does a cat in a craddle have to with the story? and a silver spoon??? or a man onm the moon. the courus is stupid but the rest is aight i guess
wtf??????? why is the cat in a craddle? and what does it have to do with the story?
When it is the first and the second time it says..
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then..
it should be we'll get togethor then *DAD*
you are a ....wait for it....faggot
sad
For all those who want to know what cat's in the cradle and silver spoons etc. have to do with the story. They are nursery rhymes which mums and dads don't seem to tell their children these days.
The song is wonderful, and it definitely chokes me up. But, when I read the terrible grammar and spelling in this stream, I just start crying, and I can't stop! Maybe The Sirion is right...parents may have forgotten to read to most of the contributors. It's never too late though, folks!
At least the kid in the story grew up with a father.. All u "WHINNERS" out their complaining that you never spent much time with your dad, just remember ..at least you had one.. and that he loved you. I'd rather have a bad dad than no dad a all.. mine died before i was born..
I cried hearing this. You see my dad, in 2005 Stole my Glock 21,while staying over on a weekend. I dropped him off at his Appt. He shot him self in the heart right after dialing 911. Do you know how bad it sucks to hear those shots?
Anyway I miss him. He was 62.
I think the chorus should say "cash on the table and the silver spoon." It makes more sense.
:( its sad,but a good song
This is a great song! I did groe up with a dad and I am glad! I spent a lot of time with him and so this song makes me feel bad for the people who didn't. II do want to say any of you who grew up with out a dad or didn't spend much time with him, you always have your heavenly father, GOD!!!!!
great song
thanks for the words to the origenal song words
awsome song best folk rock song ever
I remember when this song came out and thought it was just a catchy singable tune until I actually listened to the lyrics then it was like a whole lifetime of sorrow condensed into just a few minutes time. It made me think of me and my fathers relationship in a way/ Sure my father wasn't perfect but he was there to see me learn to walk and talk. And he was also there to teach me to throw a ball and do other things with. My dead is dead now but though we had our differences as I was growing up he was there for me most of the time and did all he new how.
Hee hee a lot of younger people don't know what Cats in the Cradle, silver spoon and man in the moon mean in the song. They are simply old nursery rhymes from Grimms' Fairy Tale collections that have been told to kids all through the 20th century at least up until the 70s and 80s. I thought the still learned them in Kindergarten today when they were not under their desks dodging bullets.
What amazes me about these 2 peeple is they were contantly blowing each other off yet there was no malice between them, just a deep repect for one another at least on the outside. Though deep inside I am sure they were hurting with emptiness from the missed opportunities. I just hope the son breaks the chain and doesn't diss his own son like his father dissed him. It did at least seem like the son was taking care of his own son when he had the flu, or maybe he was just talking BS to avoid not seeing his father. Who knows maybe he really ended up going to a Monster Truck event or something.
Amazing Song !
I wish I could spend time with my father
I posted a comment on 2/19. Where is it?
E=mc2
Oh! What now geniuses? Is this what you people do all day? look up crummy sappy lyrics while there all scietific breakthroughs to discover? you blasters need lives! Rock on Ferris Bueller!
For me and my son, this is our song. I'm 69 - he's 40 with kids of his own. happy ending? we talk often, and he home schools his 4 kids. thus ending the rut. we owe it all to our women who think intuitively --- and we listen.
In 10 month's of comments, people try to change the lyrics. They're correct the way they are. read it again and again. I guess you had to have been there. There's too much analising of a perfect song. - I'm 69 and my son is 40, and this is our song. We've lived it. When my son started his own family he told me that he's stopping the cycle. By mutual agreement, his wife works and he home schools his kids, three sons and a daughter.
Adore everything about this song.
It has the power to turn relationships around
awesome song, it really describes the circle of life and the importance of taking the time for family.
I had recently forwarded an email about a similar instance with a son asking a father how much he made an hour and purching one of these hours for him to spend time with his son. My mother informed me that this song was my dads favorite song while they were expecting me to arrive (and was played often)and made a promise never to let this type of thing happen. In my 34 years this has always been my favorite song not knowing why or where it came to be. Now I know why. And even though my dad worked way too much he still had time for myself and my brother. I now have a son and have made the same promise.
I love the song it just makes me cry
I HATE THIS SONG
I AM A FAG
this song make me cry too... my dad lives with me but he is always working on the house o rin the woods and eathier im helping him work or im working on a car whishing he had the time to help me... but i still love him just the same
It's a good story. It's happening here in our world. We should show this piece of work to every parents who don't have time for their kids...!! I have no idea bot the song, will listen & comment bot it later...!!
This song is tough. I've hear it so many times and never paid any attention to the actual lyrics. It was really sad listening to it as I read the lines (some are wrong on here). It made me think of my relationship with my dad and my relationship with my little girl (she's 16 months old). I'm seeing some of the same traits.... and I feel bad because I already feel like I've neglected my daughter as much as my dad did me. Time to change the pattern. Time to spend more time with her and push life to the side.
Talking about lyrics screwed up or not, this text was the best that Google the Almighty provided so far
this song makes me cry every time i listen to it, or whenever its onmy mind. this was my father's favorite song, and he died when i was eleven. im 13. gosh i miss him.
I can't stand to listin to this song. It tears my heart in half. It is verry well written and sang. My dad always made time for me. I could not imagine a life like that and it makes me sad to think of the kids who live thou that.
I had the privledge of seeing Harry chapin in person twice. I listen to this song once a week to keep perspective with my 13 year old son. Have done so since the day he was born. I have no regrets.
Thank u for writing this song because it made me cry for my dad and I love my dad .
I am sorry Asa.
Figured out the lyrics are based on a poem by Harry Chapin's wife. I think "his smile never dimmed" is the painful part. Your child will always come back to you, because it depends on you. That puts some responsibility on us, being fathers.
Wow that is sad...
sad
I love this song. brings a tear to my eye everytime i hear it. haha makes me want to go hug my dad. =p
this song is sooo sad i almost cried. but i still love it
im 12 and this song reminds me of my life, and its so sad, because this is exactly what happened so far..
I have a 3 year old son, and I honestly have to say...My boy will be taught to work in life and be successful as I have been...He's already paid a commission for things he does around the house. We spend quality time together, but work is priority for me...This song is awesome and straight to the point...A man is supposed to work, and work hard...That's what life is all about...When everyone realizes this, the economy will definitely get better...I believe this is the greatest song I've ever heard...
i really like this song. it is one of my favs. when it comes on the radio, i have to listen to it. i never understood it untill i saw the lyrics though. the song is very true though; kids do grow up to be like their parents.
our school sang this song for chourus and i almost cried while singing it its like the best song ever
yeah, i don't know why but ugly kid joe also screws up when you coming home dad / when you coming home son
An eye opener!!
i love this song so much. everytime i hear it, it makes me cry!! great song though!!!
i love this song cuz it is excatly how my life is right now. i cant do anything but sing along with it
This has got to be the saddest freaking song disguised by a playful, upbeat melody I've ever heard.
"Facedown" by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus takes #2.
this song is awesome but kindof depressing. im listening to it now and im sort of teary. my dads gone all the time and we dont spend that much time together. im glad when we get to
great words
hey this is the actual rob pattinson this song is great it's on my ipod all the time
woooooowwwwww
this is just great
this is such a sad but beautiful song.
I am thinking of playing this for my class, they are grade 3/4 and i think this song has a message that children need to understand about society, our priorities, and our disconnection with family.
The lyrics to this song bring tears to my eyes... My dad was "around" but never really part of my life, and now I notice that I'm never at home and my own kids are growing up fast as hell, now 3 and 5. I don't want to wake up one day and realize I've pissed away all those years on work and never looked at what really mattered...
Sobering.
I first started listening to this song when I was 19 (before kids) I promised myself that I would not let this happen to me, and the song stayed with me all though raising 3 kids and I made most all of my kids activities and milestones in their life, spent tons of quality time mornings afternoons and evenings through all of their lives (my kids say all the time that I have always been there for them ) and guess what I still find myself wanting more time.
This song made me aware before kids I am so thankful Harry Chapin wrote this It made a differance in my life.
(My children are taking time in their lives for their kids
My kids grew up just like me)
I thought was really charming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a great reminder of the need to stay close, and don't lose out on the joy of spending time with your kid... -- Been There Dad
I'm learning every word to that song so i can sing it on american idol!!! :) P.S I LOVE THAT SONG
Wonderful lyrics
I really like this song.I hope I don't have to be busy when I'm older. The song made me happy and sad because my dad is busy too. Sometimes he can't play with me because he has to work.
I think this song is pretty good. I really liked the meaning, it was sad but it can teach people a lesson not to do what the man did in the song. The song is very intersting. If I ever have kids I hope I won't be too busy to be there for them. P.S LOVE THAT SONG IT IS COOL!!!
I think that this song is not bad, it is interesting. I had never heard this song before. At first I did not get it but in the end I did. I like the song because it has a meaning that people should listen to. I think that they should listen because some people don't listen to their children. I hope that when I get older I am never going to be as busy as the man in the story.
I liked the song because the boy gets older and tells us about his life. We should spend time with our families because its important. I enjoyed the song and i like the tune.
I think it was a good song because it had a good tune .
I also like the chorus.but i don't
like how at the start the dad doesn't have time and at the end the boy doesn' have time
I thought that the song was fanstastic. I also think that the man should of spent more time with his son. I felt sad but also angry because the man didn't spend anytime with his son. My Mum and Dad love the song so do I. It was fanstatic to listen to and to read the words becauase the song touched me.
The song was about someone who was so busy he didn't spend his time with his son. I don't want to be like the man in the song. I
liked the rhyming. It was an interesting song because it told a story.
great song but it def makes me almost drop a tear thinking about my pops....
I liked the song because i like how the song was written and the tune. I realy didn't know what it was about but now i do. My dad makes time for me to play with him.
i realy like this song because of the tune. i think it is realy sad about what happend inthe meaning fo the song . i would like to get a copy of the song. i would not like to be like the man in the song because i would be to busy to look after my cildren.
I like the song beacause he's like my dad, he doesn't spend much time with me as well. I think the dad is too busy with his work. When the father retired had time with his son but his son was too busy to spend time with him.
I think this song had a good tune
it was good rhyming. The chorus is very good. The artist of the song is a very good singer.Lucky my dads not that busy. Thats funny that first the dad was too busy to play but now the son is too busy too spend time with him.
this song relates to me in so many differint ways it is the best
corny but so true,when do we learn what"s important before it" too late?
This song was made to every dad and son...so we can really think how we will spend our time and lives...awesome !!!
A nice song from a humanitarian fella.
i loved this song its the best and its touching
Its a very sad song(notice the songs shorter then the comments...)
how hold is this song? and it's still so relavant? that's sad.
The writer was clever to take the audience to the many levels of imagination and delights at repeating of 'the cradle and the silver spoon' and the dream world of a child, his emotions and his fascination with the universe and that was done with 'calling on the man in the moon'.
This is modern lyric at its' genius heights to be coupled with a very nice acoustic guitar accompaniment. Well done Harry !
chanhc1998@yahoo.com
This is touching song and sung well by Herry, I love this song because I hardly sit with my dad, and most painful thing is I could not met him for 6 years and he said bye to me and rest of world,
Whenever I listen this song I get lost in universe and think that my dad must be watching me, but I am sorry dad I could not make it, but I love you more than anything in this world, "When my time will come, we will get together then, and we will have good time then, Your loving son ~Begam
Hola ,soy Carlos y vivo en Argentina. SI alguien comprende mi idioma quiero decir que esta cancion me resulta hermosa ,me tome el trabajo de traducirla y descubri la totalidad de su belleza. GREAT SONG ...!!!
vivo en Argentina !!! GREAT SONG ...!!
Chapin's song is full of wisdom and advice. Kids, when grown, will tend to repeat what they have lived in their homes (good and bad!). Plus, we reap what we sow. The Dad sowed importance of job over family and reaped an empty life. In his old age, the Dad regretted his busy earlier life and not being there for his young son. A tradegy that goes on in too many homes today. Future Dads out there: don't make the mistake of the Dad in the song.
who ever wrote the lyrics on here got the choruses wrong, it says son where it should say dad, and has dad or son where there should be nothin
spend time with your kids parents or this will be you!!!!!
This has to be 1 of my favorite songs, you see, my dad was allowed to see me every weekend, but chose to hang out with his friends instead. At least the guy in the song was at work!
love this song
dedicated to my father richard knight, wish you would have been there more :-(
I love this SONG! One of the best. Right after "Let it Be" and "Miss American Pie"!
this song reminds me of my dad. he kept leaving for work for 6 months or more at a time and i was hurt most of my childhood.
I'm not confused by the meaning of this song. I'm confused why anyone would feel the need to post a comment explaining the meaning of this song as if there was anyone in the entire world who couldn't figure it out on their own.
great song then great song now. all kids need positive male role models who they know will love them unconditionaly and be there for them...just like God.
This song almost brings tears to my eyes.
Harry was great but you have to give his wife credit because she wrote the poem that created the song.
"When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son"
correct lyrics is:
"When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then dad"
Figuring out the message of this song seems simple. Based on the comments submitted obviously not so simple for all. The dad got out of the relationship exactly what he put into it. That is sad for both and the son will repeat it unless he recognizes it, doesn't like it and works to act differently.
Whoa some people really change the entire meaning of this song into depicting woman and classing men as putting food on the table and saying that this is just the way of life.
The meaning of the song is very simple and we all understand it, some people just skew it.
Since sons usually aspire to be like their dads until around age 13 or 14 they enherit their dads traits, morals and such. In this case the dad didn't find time for his son when his son wanted to spend time with him and as him and his son grew he wanted to spend time with his son but his son didn't want to anymore as he had grown up just like his father. Though the dad is disappointed he is realises his son has grown up just like him and is proud.
Now I could go more complex but most people won't understand where I get the meanings from.
this song is absolutly MADO
I was that kid but I am now NOT that father and have a great laff with me nippers and really cherish my time with them. However, I never did or never will hold a grudge against my old man. He came from a different generation where providing was tougher as generally only one parent worked back then. Most fathers genuienly saw it as the moms job to bring up the kids as they provided. He died relatively young and I miss him greatly and hearing this song does makes me sad but never in a regretful or angry way it was just the way things were.Peace.
Sounds like my life story!!
OMFG so sad!!!
i havent seen my dad in ten years in i was so young i dont even remember so i think its a sad song
luv this song so much
I love this song so much. It teaches a lesson to both children and adults alike. As a kid, I always had thought I wasn't ever affected by how other people acted around me. Now, listening to this song I see that I'm much similar to my father in a lot of ways. It teaches kids that yes, your environment affects who you become. Then it teaches adults that what they do, will affect the rest of their childrens' lives.
I really like this song. its so sad. thats theway i feel with my dad
he never has enough time for me
harry chapman rocks!!!!
I love this song. It kinda creeps me out though because it reminds me just how much I am like my dad. THANK YOU HARRY CHAPIN!
It just reminds you that you should make the time to spend with either your kids or your parents!! NOONE should let time pass, it could be too late. :(
i luv this song. itz very sad though
Gotta send these lyrics to one of my sons. I don't believe that I was ever that kind of dad to either of my sons and my son is not that kind of dad to his kids.... BUT, why is it that I get blown off when I call him? He's often busy, always says he'll call right back but three days later.... still no call back.
This song is absolutely brilliant! So many people can relate to these lyrics, that's why it's such a hit.
When I listen to it, I feel very grateful to my dad, because he is always home at 5 pm, and talk to me every day.I know that I will be there for him when he gonna need help.
I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!!!!!!!!! IS VERY SAD AND TOUCHY, AND THE LYRICS OF HIS SONG REALLY TOUCHES YOUR HEART!!!
Nice lyrics
lyrics aren't right
This song has moved me to action for the past 20 years. Every time one of my kids would say, "Dad, can you color with me" or "Dad, can you watch my dance", etc., I would instantly think of this song and say, "Sure, let's do it". Thank God I'd been warned by this song not to pass up what I'd later regret. Thanks, Harry!
it is insane how many comment there are lol this is a sick song
Many years after Harry did this song I still get motivated to now spend more time with my grandkids and capture all there is along the way. The song was a masterpiece for waking up the fact that we miss too much by being absorbed in our material lives.
love this song but these lyrics are wrong in so many places. THe song doesn't have nearly as much 'sons' in it as these lyrics would have it.
im only 13 and i love this song its really good
it is a really good song and i love it after i go to the doctors and get them to remove my crabs ill listen to it
mann this is a very insperational song. I love it!
I LIKE THIS SONG BECAUSE ITS NICE TO LISTEN 2 IT HELPS ME FEEL BETTER WHEN IM UPSET ITS ONE OF THE GREATEST SONGS CHEERS
Love the meaning and the message to take the time with our kids. I cherish each day because they grow up too fast and any day they may become too cool to hang out with Mom then I'll have to get a life!:-(
i remember hearing this song on the radio, years ago. it would always make me cry, or really sad, because i feel like this is how it is with my dad. even so, i've been listening to this song for the longest time, and it's still the best. <3 such meaningful lyrics, awesome song.
I recently opened up to my cousin about life growing-up with my parents, and since then I get really emotional when I hear this song. Especially considering I now have an 18 month old son myself, I swore that history would not repeat itself this generation. At least I know that I'm not alone - many others have a similar dysfunctional relationship with their parent(s).
I have always loved this song. My dad was busy working and died when I was in my early 20's. I vowed to be there for and with my kids. I now have a grandson who lives down the road. My son is a great father as his brothers will be. My dad did what he had to do, I see that now. But he taught me what to do and teach my kids and I am grateful.
Tim Hawkins shortened this song to one verse.
Exactly like me and my father ...
i said the same thing to my dad after i graduated...
This is probably one of the saddest songs ever written yet, for many people, it is true. I absolutely love this song. It's a great song to analyze in an A.P. English class!
lyrics are messed up a lil says son where it should say dad in some of the lines love this song though
this is the sh*T
Beautiful song! The father figure in this song basically never had the time to spend with his son due to the demands of his job. However, when he did have the time (after he retired) his son was already walking the same path he was walking when his son was young. The moral of this song is to pay close attention to time because once that specific time, that specific moment, is gone, there will be no other opportunity to reclaim those moments that were given up in the past. Many people here can relate to this song I suppose. I'm away in college right now so I don't get to see my dad often, but I do keep in close contact with him, fortunately. Take the time to tell or show your parents your love before your chance is robbed away from you by time.
i always loved this song i always sing it at school when i can
Such a sad song. This is exactly what happens to me. Right now I'm the son in college, and me and my dad never spend time together...
I don't know if you people are retarded or what, but this shouldn't be a happy song to remind you of your dad. This song is about the failed parenting of a father.
This song applies to my father and I so much so I cried listening to it.
This song really makes me think. I mean I know and understand why my dad works as much as he does becuase he wants me to have a good life and I am not angry at him for that, but I wish he knew that I would really like to spend some time with him before I have to go out and fulfill my own life
I LOVE THIS SONG! But theese lyrics were all jacked up.I was disapointed:(
Tempus fugit, memento mori. God bless and keep you, dad ... this was our song ...
What an awesome song the words are just amazing and how true they are of what really happens in todays hurry up world, we all just need to slow down and spend that extra minute with our kids life is to short not to.
I love this song and it brings tears to my eyes whenever I hear it.My dad loves it too and he gets tears in his eyes.and it reminds me of my dad because he is always busy and on trips he is on one now and I am sad.so this song reminds me of him when I can't see him
to anyone who says the lyrics arent screwed up:yes they are:it should say ''little boy blue and the man -in- the moon'' not ''little boy blue and the man -on- the moon''
great song
still I dont care if the lyrics are messed up the song is still really great:)
i just heard the song and i LOVE it!
GREAT LYRICS! Reminds me of Dylan. The poetic nature yet somber feel.
The Johnny Cash cover is wayyyy better.
Long live CASH.
I think people got the meaning of the song wrong. It's not about the bond between a father and son. It's obvious that the father ignored his son, so his son learned the behavior and turned out like him, hence the phrase ""And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me
He'd grown up just like me
My boy was just like me"""
i frequently play this song to keep me remind of being a good father. have a hippie day !
What can I say?
I love the song.
I've read that Harry's wife actually wrote this as she was nearing time to give birth to his first child as a warning to him to spend time with their kid.
I think it is good that the son at least makes time to care for his kids that have the flu.
very nice song, with some good chorus!!!
the lyrics are not sad...messed up...or whatever negative comments some of you suggest...it is true life...most of us don't set out to hurt...we all have responsibilities...and time goes by way too fast...chapin passed way to early.
My Dad loved us boys, but did not spend enough time w/ us or show us all of his affection. When I heard this song, I understood and told my self that if I ever had kids I'd spend time and affection (and discpline as necessary) on them. My daughter, now married and nearing her 30's, are exceptionally tight. Remember, parents teach their kids how to live. Harry: It paid off in spades! Thank you.
My father was dying, and I was to busy with business to go visit. My Mum called and said I need you to come home, This song played on the radio in the rental car. By the time I arrived he had passed. Wish I would have heard the song befor then.
nice example for d ones running behind money or d ones who cant baslance professional and personel life.........
Nice...
My high school alumni
i like to eat my poop.
omg this song is amazing i almost pooped my pants!!
its a really great song but scary too. how a father can just completely miss spending time with his only son.
Until you have lived this EXACT scenario all this can be to you are words to paper....I hope nobody else feels the heartache I have....I love you K&K...nobody means more to me than the 2 of you! My sons My best friends...
Love
Dad
FUCKING LEGENDARY
this song is so cool
it reminds me of me and my dad
we never really spend time 2gether
Cats in the cradle sucks
My dad did spend time around us, but always on his terms. To this day, he lies and hides. So I moved away.
bittersweet!
R.I.P. Harry Chapin
good song.
your mummma sucks balls hard ;)
oh fuk me fuk me fuk me :)
yum ;3 i love you harry chapins balls <3 :)
My father was a jerk off and I haven't seen him since I was six I had a step father for 6 years and to be honest right around this time last year we started to bond and he was a real dad then he died of kidney cancer in July. every time i listen or play this song I think of him.
Why don't they fix the lyrics ?!
this is the number one song in the world!!!!!!!oh and they dont need to fix the lyrics they are awsome and if you think they need fixing then you need fixing!
!!!!!!!the cats in the cradle rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aww..saddest song ever, man. Only song in a while that actually HAS a meaning and isn't about drugs and stuff. Even sadder when you can relate to the song...
hello creatures of earth i love this song cause it involves a spoon!;);(())))));))))))
LYRICS MESSED UP IN PLACES
tonight on the TV show Cougartown they played the song during a game they called "emotional chicken." The women played the song for two of the male characters to see who would cry first while listening to the song.
love this song..must appreciate with each other that always beside you
really sad song.........
nice
I really like these lyrics
this song is sad because the the father and son never have time for eachother cause of work but i think its great how the dad never had time for the boy and now the son is doing the same thing to his father dad kinda deserves it if ya ask me!!!
this is a great song but kinda sad i just think the dad deserves it when the son says he has no time for him cause the dad never made time for his son
thats what she said
LOVE THE SONG! IT TEACHES A VERY
IMPORTANT VALUE EVEN FOR PEOPLE
WHO ARE CHRISTIANS. CHILDREN
DON'T STAY CHILDREN FOREVER.
AND IT MEANS EVERYTHING TO
CHILDREN WHEN PARENTS TAKE AN
ACTIVE INTEREST IN THE LIVES OF
THEIR CHILDREN.
when you commin home son
i dont know when but we'll
get together then
love this song, got me thinking i should spend more time with my kids.
I am 999 and i still cry
EPIC SONG
This song is EPIC!!!
BEAutiful
I find beans sexually arousing.
I was at the lolacoste!!
OMG I love ur song it's so sad and nice the first time I heard ur song was at school.Because we were doing critical thinking to see wat the lyrics ment so my teacher put ur song and he said it's one of his favorites.Is it true u lost a child?
I was 4 years old when my dad gave me the song as mine and his. it brings tears of joy each time of hearing it, remembering it, and sing it. my dad is a great person. as I'm reading it i cry realizing that our song is our way of being together without seeing each other.
This is my favourite song
Makes me cry just a little but you made a good song and I learn it in music it is the best song EVER
Thank you Harry for Your song and lyrics, they are profoundly true for some... My husband is this little boy... And it breaks my heart...
I think its funny how people think this is a tragic song, because to me the dad got what he deserves. He never saw his kid when he was raising him, then after hat he was expecting to see him on his own convenience?, meanwhile the line "Youn know i'm gonna be just ike yo, Dad" show that he was raising a mean and spitefful child who hid his emotions well.BY the time the kid was 10 hehad his entire revenge all planned out
love it we are listening to it right now
very sad song
I love this song becuase shows a story and how to treat your son.
This song is in my TOP 3 ever songs.
I can interpret it as generations of dads - my life, the life of my dad and possibly the life of my dad's dad... but ultimately, the life my son will live if I continue in this vein.
i love this song so much. it is my favorite. it is such a great so
ng and terrific lyrics
Stop with "i love this song but the lyrics are 'screwed up' " talk....
the lyrics are exactly as written, they hit home well, and what- is 'these lyrics are screwed up" the phrase-of-the-year or what?
beautiful song, gosh its sad but the poetry in the song was well made.
Remines me of my hiusband and his son................sad.
Happy Father's Day Dad!!
Such an amazing song, the first time i heard it i was ten and it went just like in the song and later that night my dad came in and played it for me and we both started crying and he promised we wouldn't end up like that.
John, I have to agree with you on this song.. i'm glad someone finally understands my opinion...
I skip the song whenever it comes up randomly on shuffle. Sounds so nice, but I cry every time.
All of us dads need to prioritize our lives. Our children grow so fast and they deserve our time. This song is so realistic.
This song still brings a tear to my eye.. It reminds me of my dad, and now that I'm a dad, I can relate to the irony.
I never get sick of this song. I listen to it more than 10 times a week
If this sonng does not get to you nothing will
read up two posts.....just like Chad said. I think I am going to visit my Dad now this weekend.
I thought I was too busy, but that was JUST stuff.
The song reminds me of my fukking asshole weird father. I should kill my dad.
Damn Facelift!! LOL!
This truly is and was one of my favorite songs growing up. It speaks to how families don't take time to enjoy one another when we have a chance. Nothing lasts forever, your kids won't always be kids. For every person that reads this post, I hope you take stock in that fact and love your kids, now is the time to spend time with your kids and family, your mom, dad, sisters, brothers, whomever. They won't always be here! Call your child right now and tell them "I Love You."
This song is even more sad, because he died young from a car accident.
those are some depressing fuckin lyrics
Im sure glad that was'nt my dad!the best dad ever. 1Pet.4:16
This song and "Don't Blink" by Kenny Chesney should be required listening for all parents and their kids as the kids get older to remind them all that this life we live is entirely too short.
This song makes me reflect on my relationship with my Dad and also my relationship with my 3 daughters who live in 300 miles away. What does the phrase "Cat's In The Cradle" mean anyway?
(Well, he came from college just the other day)
Ouch. This song reminds me that maybe I should start thinking about spending QUALITY time with my boy. Words that have an effect when you have become a dad yourself...
This song is awesome and I really enjoyed it.
As a son and a father, this song is the saddest song I know. It is haunting and tragic and terrifying. But it is also supremely motivating, as I can't think of a worse ending in life as the last verse of the song...
i love this song it is VERY meaningful. my friends and i listen to it all the time!!
If young Dad's could realize the truth in this song. Fathers need to set a good example for their children.
Your sons want time with you, not the things of this world. Give them lots of LOVE!!
The song makes me cry ever time I here it. So you need to make the most of what you got while you can.
good
my dad started singin this song as a motivation to stop drinking it has a wonderful meaning and has stopped him from doing several things
I lovee this song. Makes me cry. ='(
poop
So sad but true- now I am a mom and realize that a mom must have written this song.
Somebody took the time to write the lyrics out and then fucked 'em up!? Dumbasshole!
AWESOME SONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I really don't think that it matters if whoever wrote these lyrics wrote them out wrong. There so close to the actual lyrics except for a few words that work fine in there place. So don't be such an prick about it.
Oh, and by the way Cat Stevens does an equally good version of this song as well!
that's actually true, stafre13, it was based on a poem written by his wife Sandra
So very true, thanks for writing this, it hurts yet is so comforting at the same time
this is gay!!
This song reminds me of my dad because he died when I was young.
These lyrics have some mistakes
awesome
the cover song by ugly kid joe is much better <3
old records never die so sad harry left us check johnny cash version.
I'm a 17 year old football player, and this song makes me cry. It always makes me want to spend time with my dad
It makes me angry when this is the only song anyone knows by Harry. He was such an amazing man
I am this man but not anymore I'm ending it all right now.
Just kinding but makes me feel like it jeez!
I was with Harry and his 2 sons when Islanders won the 1981 Stanley Cup..he died 2 months later. So his song was a warning message and not him!
What the song misses is alot of fathers do spent alot of time with their sons...but boys as they grow have by nature have their own agenda...and don't give back the time to their father that he gave to them growing up...not so with daughters ..they are always there with compassion for the family!
just spend time with your children when they are little, raise them right because they grow too fast
some of the lyrics are messed up when they are talking about "when your comin' home son" just letting people know
I love the melody to this song. The lyrics make me thankful for my dad, though,he always has time for me even if he is kinda busy
this is my dads favorite song and he died in 2003 so when i hear this song it makes me feel good a comfortable
(:
lyrics are slightly off in places, still a great song tho!!!!!
At the time the song was recorded it spoke about the typical father letting the cares of life take priority over his children. Sadly, not only have men not learned the lesson, but women are now making the same mistake too.
it is sad
So true. This song made me see my dad frequently, but now he is gone, and I wish I saw him more.
Although it is sad that he did not spend time with his son, the father made sure to be a good provider. Work sadly gets in the way of family time, but it keeps food on the table and a roof over the family's head.
The song sounds sad because it makes us remind a reality of life which is very sad. In our busy lifestyle we forget or postpone the very purpose of it. Some of us never become able to catch up with lost time. We grow older, children become older and loved ones die before we get enough time to be with them. For some there is no option. Sensitive people observe the realities of life and present them in such talented ways so that other sensitive people get really moved and touched.
This song had a profound effect on me as a young man, having lost my dad when I was 16. I swore to myself I would be different to the dad in the song and I am proud to say that with that guiding anthem of how not to be, today my son of 26 and I could not be closer.
my dad made long days so he was basically never at home, I decided that I would spend more time with my kids than he did... well, I never got any kids. If you are blessed with children, take good care of them, god bless you
"Life is too short, so were my kids or they would be in pro sports & I would be retired!"
Every week I listen to this song & thank heaven that I did pay attention to the words...and spent the time watching my sons grow up together.
Thanks Harry...you made me realize what really is important in my life!
This is amazing
Screwed up lyrics ... I think she meant literally and not what it means n all!!
i listened to this song as a child it was my favorite song to fall asleep to
I really love this song, it relates to my oldest son and his dad.....so sad but reality
my grandpa showed this song to my dad as a little boy, my dad later showed me this song after my grandpa died. it has sentimental value and i love this song so much!
Crying...
It's just a song unless it perfectly describes your life. Granted, I have a daughter not a son but still, she was almost 6 months when I left for Iraq and 2 years old when I finally came home, walking, talking, off the bottle and on to sippey cups and even though I'm home now, I still only see her a couple of times a month because of my civillian job as a truck driver. Its a beautiful song but at the same time, devastating depressing...I hope one day she understands why I was always gone.
My son came home from school at age 5 or 6 to sing that to me, why oh why didn't I take the time to be a better father & spend more time w/ them rather then making money? Now they hate me. Never saw them in their accomplishments, weddings or a chance to hug & spend time w/ their kids. Love them every day & tell them, what did all that money get me, near death & will never get to see them smile.
Spend loving caring time with your children or they'll grow up and not have time for you!
Extremely well done song. Makes one think about life and its meanings!
i love this song..even though it makes me sad lol...reminds me of me and my dad now
Thank God I did spend the time playing with my son. We played a lot of baseball together. We are very close now.
my ex wife told me to listen to this song and i wondered why she kept my daugter away from me all her life and never allowed me to see her exusted in an out of court spending money and in the end i cry listing to this song so sad makes me out to be the bad one.if she only new love you my little girl.1990 2011 .
Greag song. Sad though..
i luv it
it kinda remindsme of me and my dad hes always busy and my mom and him are divorced and i hardly ever get to see him becuase hes always busy it makes me sad but i still love him :) and this is a great song i love it =)
fake and gay
i love this song age 10
I saw Harry Chapin in Dublin, twice, in the late 70's. Great sense of humor.His concert t-shirts said "Harry Chapin, the best seats are in the back"..he wasn't the sad guy who you might think would write a song like this
story of mt life im turning 12 in may and the last time i played cach whith him was 3 weeks age and that was the fist time in a 2 months i hate my life i just wish that i could see him more often
I just love this song - always have, it is so poignant in it's message - and rings a few bells!!! (not necessarily about me though!!)
I find it really hard to believe Harry Chapin uploaded this song
this is the best song and i love it, it allmost made me cry
i love bob marley this song is heaps good
We all just luv this song, it almost got our mom to tears. :)
This is such a powerful song, it touches every heart, I don't have this type of experience because my dad always had a time for me and I don't have kids, but this song affects the heart. The words of this song have always brought tears to my eyes....
good song
well this song really touch me because my dad was allways woking and soon he died and my brother moved away so there was not much left.i was only 4 when my dad died and 9 when my brother left.
I think that this song really talks about how much children learn... even when you don't want them to. People grow up to be just like their parents whether they want to or not. (e.g. I don't talk to my father very much.)
Its been sure nice talking to you son, its been sure nice talking to you
This is about Tom Brady right?
The first couple of lyrics remind of when my dad was away at the hospital for surgery and I took my first steps.When I went visit him I had a bruise in my cheek because I fell down.
So sad because it reminds me of my current life with my young children. Time that passes that can never be recovered.
I live in PA and my father has lived in California since i was 5. It was hard growing up without a father figure. I am now 30 and a father myself. My dad called and asked to fly in and visit with my daughter and i said sure. He made some plane reservations, but when i looked at the reservations i realized i have to work all 6 days that he is here to visit. I told him this and he just said well "The Cats In The Cradle".... Then i looked up the lyrics and here i am writing to the world and still without the memories of a normal childhood.
you guys are fkin retarded. its an amazing song and the lyrics are truthful and meaningful
to all you haters out there, this will always be a great song. and you are jelous cuz u have no muscial talent.
this song is so shit! i hope i dont get it in the half-yearly! go eminem!!!!!!! i love him
The Guns 'N Roses version is better...
im 15 and evem i can see the message its conveyeing and it is the best song
Awesome lyrics and song. It's very sad though. Plus, I'm just a 10 year old and my dad let me listen to it. I LOVE the tune, beat, and story to it. I almost went in tears! I just wish it was a bit longer.......I really love it! And plus, all you peoplez who think think is a song about a FAKE story, have you hear EMINEM sing the song Stan? That song and this one are base on true stories PERIOD!
The Doctor....
You mean Ugly Kid Joe version was better :)
I agree with Corbett Reta. plus I am a 10 year old 2! and like he said, all the people who think this is fake, you don't know shit about fukin life peoplez!
Sad song if I were the dad I would have played him because family comes before work
its sad just cuz the world we live in is soo dumm... it doesnt have to be this way...this is our world today "yes my tax refund check is due blah blah banking income blah blah i vote for president blah blah dmv" this is what man kind has come to?!?!?!
Some of the lyrics are incorrect, in that, that's not how the song goes. But, it doesn't affect the message. I can really see this with my father and I...He was always working himself to death when I was growing up, an now, I've moved away and gotten married. We can't talk on the phone without him asking when my wife and I are coming to visit. We try to at least visit at least once a month.
The best thing about this song is it talks about a father how gave up his life for his child, so he could have a good life himself. the message is clear just listen and you will love it!!!!!!!
You work your life to provide for your kids and they learn your work ethic and morals. When they emulate those, you feel short changed. Your children are your life and then their children are theirs. Full circle. Live with it.
I spend as much time as I can with my son because when i am older i want my son to spend the time with me. What you put in you get out. I have always kept this song in the back of my head.
Awesome Song!! - Was told that its a reminder to not miss his childs life.
very nice song....
The lyrics are perfect to the original Harry Chapin version - Ugly Kid Joe changed them slightly when they covered it.
My dad left when I was 3. He moved 3000 miles away for work, then simueltaneously divorced my mom and fathered another child when I was 7. I'm 16 right now and I haven't seen him since my 14th birthday. I'm a guitar player/singer, so I learned this song for him. See how it makes him feel.
I have little boy, he's nearly two years old. He is living with his mom only 6 miles from here. But I shell see him only how her mood is. I don't want to that he's gonna say what this song is 'bout one time 'cause I love him.He is too young to understand the circumstances. I hadn't a lucky childhoot, so I wanted to make it possible for him. But it seems it will only be a dream. Hopefully he will get a chance to see his child/s grow up.
What goes round, comes round.
The lyrics are messed up the last two choruses son and dad should switch plases
I love this song, although it is very sad, it is still quite touching. I looked the lyrics up to review them again, because I just had to turn my father down for a visit from out of town, since I had prior work obligations, and it reminded me of this song. In the modern economy and society, I dont see how we can escape the sad truths of this song.
i love this song so much. in a way it relates to my son and me
I have a cat in my cradle if you know what I mean
Harry died way before his time...this song has a great deal of meaning.....every Father who cares about his legacy to his childern should listen to it carefully.
This song reminds me of my cat bob tjat died today of sickness 7/13/11 R.I.P bob
This song makes me really sad and it makes me realize how lucky i am to spend so much time with my dad
Cat Stevens never did this song.
i like this song because my pparents liked this song to because i danced when i was little and my mum and dad liked my dancing too much that they laughed too hard that they almost peed thered pants because they where laughing to hard and when i saw them laughing i joined in too i almost peed my pants .and i liked the part of the song when they sang What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
See you later, can I have them please?" that was the part i liked the best because when that part came up i screamed to mum and said to her to turn it up so everyone came to the door step and tell us to turn it down but when my mum turned it down it started crying because i liked the song and when nexted door came to the steps i started crying so the next door came to the front door i screamed liked heck to tell them to go home because i was only little i didn't know any better .
The song makes me cry but I know some friends who are making the same mistake!! This has great lyrics.
I HAVE FOUND THE LYRICS VERY PERSONAL&TOUCHING IN MY CASE,MY SONS DISOWNED ME. 17 YRS AGO FOR REASONS UNKNOWN!MY YOUNGEST PASSED
AWAY A YEAR AND A HALF AGO,AFTER SURGERY AND NO ONE CALLED TILL I READ IT IN NEWSPAPER LATER. SO PLEASE ENJOY YOUR CHILDREN ALL YOU CAN CAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT CAN HAPPEN, LIFE IS SO SHORT!!
Pardon me but.. Fathers! please spend time with your children! You will be sorry if you dont.. the son warned the Father that he would pick up his bad habits.. and in the end, he did :(
surely this song reminds me of my dad at least i know how to relate to my kids when i have them in future that is.what i sow i will see myself reaping in my kids so i better polish up my habits now
I love older songs. two great things, singing and story telling. I LOVE the song though.
can anybody explain to me what the writer means by "Cat's In The Cradle and the silver spoon",in relevance with the rest of the song?
its really touching song and the lyrics was full of meaning. so, for the future father out there, do spent ur time with ur kids because they will spent time with u when ur old days..
Yeah, no song has ever made me the slightest bit emotional. Ever.
But this song just makes me want to crawl in a ball and sob. It's sad. When I have a kid, I'm going to spend time with him or her all the time. Have a strong bond with no regrets.
The message in this song is "You get what you give". Don't take people for granted! No matter how old they are! x
its such a sad song! they never really got to know each other. :-(
The message I got was every moment is important in life and parents should always make themselves available and try to 'Live' the moment.
Epic...
I think you should make it a cd.
i like this...music it's my life
This song has been around a long time I remember listening to this as a little girl and thinking how sad, and I still feel the same way. To bad it takes both parents to struggle together just to feed one.
this Song made me decide that I will put my future family and kids first , ALWAYS. no matter what.
A perfect example of "what goes around, comes around". Just love this song too but definitely very sad.
Let any father who hears this song take heed. It is a reminder for me to NEVER be too busy for my boys! Time goes by so fast!
whatever you bow you will have to pay simple........very moral song as well
it's now, or NEVER!
I love this song cuz I'm living it and It's sad. Hope me and my son stop this. Spend time with your kids.
A dad who walked out of his marriage walked out on his boys too! They go together and selfishness and an old girlfriend are the reason my boys will grow up with this song being all too real! Shame on any father who puts himself first!
good comment MOM
this song is very good really got to my heart
this song is very good really got to my heart
Makes me want to be a good father, cant wait to have kids of my own. I love my dad!!!
This song makes me sad :( it's a good one though!
I used to listen to this song weekly on my way home from work when I was building my career in a major corporation. I didn't want to have the years race by and regret that I had not been a good father. Thirty years later I'm a CEO but, most importantly, made sure my kids came first in my life along the way. They're well-adjusted adults and have moved to the area where my wife and I now live. It's good to learn life's lessons early and end up with no regrets.
the first time i heard this song was on family guy....lol i can see why they used it, its a good song!
same here buddy
Take heed people, every word speaks the truth! Pay attention to your children every day and don't let your work dominate your busy lives or you too will cry every time you hear this song!
I LOVE THIS SONG!!!
Russia rules!
This great song is pure irony and let me add; be careful of what you wish for and be aware of what they might be wishing because you could be holding the short end of the stick.
emotional rollercoaster of a song
This Song Is so Touching reminds me of me & my dad now i have a son of my own who just turned 2yrs old
I <3 this sing
I'm doing a project on Harry Chapin, and focusing on this song. He was a great man and influenced a lot of people. I wish more teenagers like me would lsten to him.
The first time I heard this song, at the time it was popular, even then I was struck with foreboding. Since that time my sons have all grown into fine men and I've long since retired. And, for me, it all came true. I get to spend six months in Maui but I haven't seen my sons or grand children in almost two years. I come here every once in awhile to read these lyrics again and remember. As I said, I heard it long ago but didn't listen.
good song, i like it
I really like that song because there's a lot of truth in the word's. A dad doesn't realize it until his boy's are grown up and gone. Too much hussle and bussle when their growing up to take time n have fun with them. Before a dad knows it their up and gone and have their own families n are doing the same thing we did when they were growing up. It's a fierce triangle we live in in todays world. By the time we realize what we have it becomes what we had. And unfortuneitly we pass that down. Wow.....
nice song if you have a daughter ask her if she wants to go out with me.
it is a beautiful song and sad. it reminds me of my own father and nicholas borowy
Is there anyone on here who can type, think and spell all at the same time, or even accomplish any single one of the three on its own????
I saw Harry in concert over 10 times before his death in 1981. When I first heard this song, I was only 15 years old, and didn't really connect with the message. At 51 now, the message really hits hard, and I often have to step back and re-evaluate my priorities. Thanks Harry for helping me sort through the mess of this world.
I really agree with Mike, me and my dad do the same thing, its not real fun when your dad is a truck driver and your 14
From the first time I heard this song a long time ago it resonated. Fathers beware, as you sow, so shall you reap.
Really sad song :(
Love it though
Didn't know he's dead
Leonard from India
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I HAVE FOUND THE LYRICS VERY PERSONAL&TOUCHING IN MY CASE,MY SONS DISOWNED ME. 17 YRS AGO FOR REASONS UNKNOWN!MY YOUNGEST PASSED
AWAY A YEAR AND A HALF AGO,AFTER SURGERY AND NO ONE CALLED TILL I READ IT IN NEWSPAPER LATER. SO PLEASE ENJOY YOUR CHILDREN ALL YOU CAN CAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT CAN HAPPEN, LIFE IS SO SHORT!!
checkout the jhonny cash version'freakin classic!awesome!
hi me nam is cool like the sung
told my son who is now all grown up to look up this song...made me do the same thing...wow wtf happened....so fast so furious for a buck and we cant change it, he will do the same as i did as my dad, thats the way it is to eat. Hopefully though he will will take some time to smell the roses and now just maybe we will both find a few seconds to stop.
what up jz
That's so sad :(
I moved to a different country about 13 years ago ... All we had was some phone calls and the occasional visit ... But now Dad is gone , all I have is regrets
super sad:(
As I read the lyrics I wept. My son is 7, and I already do this to him. I think I need to change my life before its too late. I do not want my son to be anything like me..I'm a horrible father, at age 34 I finally realized just now that I have already wasted precious years...don't be like me!
hey sup
its a tragic song really... whole liftimes pass but they dont spend any time together
this si so sad im just a drunk and never spend time with my sun just tell hym to leave me alone look at me writing dont be a drunk like me! tds v'
sincerekyly drunk dad! (sad face)
drunk dad here again not drunk this time spend all your time with your kids and attend all of their school functions im changing the way i live 2day because of this song i miss my sun<)
This song is awesome but this song is meant to be a warning, the father was too busy to spend time with the son, then when the son got older he was to busy to spend time with the dad and more than likely ended up neglecting his kids in the process. It is screwed up, it is important that kids know they are loved and supported. Neglect is even more horrible than abuse.
It seems most of you are missing the meaning of the song.
"When I hung up the phone it occured to me that my son hadd grown up "Just like me". We become what wer'e taught. In the end his son didn't have time for him also. I was in the Navy, and didn't have time for my son, and now he's dead.
This is a really depressing song. :(
This poem(song) is soo beautiful I mean the message is so sweet. Ironic twist huh?? This gives a message to all yall dads out there "spend some time with yall damn kids"
ALL YOU DADDYS OUT THERE, TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT THE LYRICS AND REMEMBER THEM,,,AS AN OLD GUY,,I KNOW WHAT THEY MEAN AND HOW FAST IT HAPPENS TO ME AND YOU FOLKS.
TAKE CARE
The song haunts me as it is so true of so many lost chances to share your life with the ones who really coumt. "We'll get together soon"............
I remember growing up in Brooklyn Heights, NYC going to kindergarden at Grace Church, with my kindergarden teacher, Mrs. Chapin, she married Harry's brother, Steve. Yeah, the good old days. I remember loving this song when i was small, and i remember hearing the Breaking News of the Car Crash that Killed Harry on WABC Eyewitness News NYC channel 7. Little did i know, my own sister would die at age 16 that following December 1981. "Life" can change in an instant, and wow, i learned 'what' kinds of stuff can happen. Even as i listen to this song today, and print out the words, reading them, i start to cry. Its a powerful, truly , well written song, and its hard to find such music, and words like this in today's music.
After 35 years of business travel, I retired in April. I have a boat and plenty of time to play. But my three sons and grandson are too busy to find the time to join me. I am living this song and it hurts so much. I wish I had really heard the words instead of just listening and enjoying the music when Cat released it.
Es la realidad de nuestra sociedad actual anteponemos nuestros intereses materiales o de dinero antes que a la familia y como dice el dicho "Recogemos lo que sembramos"
I think the song would have been better if it had been performed by someone else with different lyrics and stuff. Maybe more Jazzy with references to a cmpletely different subject - that sort of thing. I still don't think I'd like it though, just not my sort of thing.
this song reminds me of my dad and i
I liked this version of the song, but i still like the Norwegian version better :P
I cannot believe some of the ignorant comments on this page from people who seem to think it is OK not to spend time with their children. They make me feel like crying far more than the song. You know the commenters are raising their kids in the manner the song describes. Justin's comment blew my mind. He says this is the greatest song ever written and says work should take priority over quality time with your children. Apparently he thinks the song is supporting raising your kids like the dad is the song? WTF?
I always loved the song and yet, sadly, this is exactly a reflection of my relationship with my son. A just admonishment.
Luckily, the woman I married did not let this happen to me with my son or grandkids. I am sooooo grateful to her.
Luckily, the woman I married did not let this happen to me with my son or grandkids. I am sooooo grateful to her
i love you billly this is ur wife thanks for sending that meassge
I'm sending this to my son who I miss terribly.
i like the sound,it really touch me.its keep my eyes teary if i think of my life today that im away from my kids...
c'mon, its hard work keeping a family fed and provided for. It's a fact of life and you grab whatever family time you can, so don't be to hard on yourselves as long as you do your best. Still a gr8 song!
I agree with a lot of other fans, this is one of the great ones. Extremely poetic. The lyrics although sad, aren't screwed up. The first part of the song is a Son asking his Father to spend time, the later part of the song, is the retired father asking his son to spend time with him after reflecting on how much he missed out on in his life. But now the son is to busy for his pops. Irony!!!
this song rockxs (= 8-->
this song is fuck up
This song has been an anthem for many fathers. Specially us in our mid forties, who's fathers came from a different generation. They knew nothing but work in order to support their families. During the greatest generation that's what fathers did. To do otherwise meant failure for them, it's not that they put work first, they where actually putting their families first to ensure they had a home and food on the table. These were great men in hard times. Their sons paid the price of not having them around when we were growing up, however we have sons of our own now and we try to spend as much time as we can with them before it's too late. Maybe they will do better with their sons. Harry taught a generation of fathers and sons that it's there's more to being a father than providing, the things we remember with fondest are the ballgames, or plays or whatever your son is interested in, it being there for them.
I love you dad
This song is one of the best ever and I even think its in my top 20 (I'm very selective). The best part of the song is the passion that goes along with, it unlike the most songs made nowadays that lack all emotion. To sum it up, "Super job, Chapin!"
The lyrics to this song r sad but have a great stirrings. What a ballad!!!!!
a few a wrong. like the dad at the start is actually son, the smile never dimmed part is actually he walked away and smile and said. there are a few more, but still my favorite song i love it
Love the melody,love the lyrics,love this song!
Definitely reminds me of my dad,with whom I almost quarreled on the phone yesterday.I'm just so childish.I love you,dad.
I love this song, it's so touching and sad at the sametime. But it's also so very true :)
i loved this song it was a little sad in a way
Wish i had a better relationship with my son.
Oh well.
Great song.
My older son is an engineer just like me. I wish he had time to spend with me now that I'm retired. He does find time for his kids though and my younger son gets together with me. Still I cry when I hear the song.
The amount of stupidity present in these comments makes me wonder on the future of our specie.
This song is very touching and many can relate to the lyrics . The message I get is that no matter how busy we are trying to climb the ladder of success we ought not to let it consume us and our time so totally that we lose sight of what is "really" important in our lives that is the people that we love and matter most to us family comes first. I have never seen a headstone in a cemetary that says " I wish I would of spent more time at work .
I still cant listen to or even think about this song without breaking down...
WOW! I've never seen a song with so many comments!
This song was released the same year my son was born. As much as I liked it then, I like it even more now. When I listened to the lyrics back then, I honestly made an effort not to let it be a personal story about us. Harry Chapin is definitely a genius in predicting that these lyrics would end up being true for many fathers and sons.
My wife says that I'm not being truthful about saying I made that effort. I think I'll ask my son how he feels about it when I talk to him again....
not sure when that will be...he's pretty busy these days.
This message is to Lyrics.com customer service:
Please do not post the comment I sent today (10/9/12) @ about 5:15pm.
Favourite song since I was once der a boi der 1 time
great song but the man who wrote the lyrics did some wrongs...
This song makes me emotional every time I listen to it. I love this song so much!
Awesome song!!
Fantastic!! This song showed me a lesson, the way that I should not treat my kid... show and give them time and they will give it to you when you need it...
its already oct. 2012, But the comments here started on 2008. Yes, the message of this song is absolutely great. I already heard this song many times before, but I just feel its message now. I am now planning to visit my dad, couple of weeks, I will see him.
Why not correct the lyrics?
I first heard this song shortly after my dad passed away in 1985; I was 14 then. I saw the positive side in the song as he had spend good quality time with us - all I wished for was that we could get together again and that I would grow up just like him.
Now I've got 2 boys and I wish we can spend as much time together doing great things and one day they can be a little bit like me; and a little like my dad.
Hearing this song makes me grateful that I have a father who cares about me and spends a lot of time with me. It is a pity that not all sons have the same opportunity
love it :)
I use to hear this song alot on the oldies station at my last job. The song brings back painful memories of my life. I feel that I can relate to this song in the way I grew up. The song is great. I enjoy it alot
Such a sad song, hope this never happens to my dad and me.
Hi I love that song It is awesome That cats in the cradle It is great I want to see you One day That'll be fantastic For me to see Hey I'm in real life I should Not WR I TE a comment I have my dad's mom and dad Here at my house So is my dad's brother and his wife My aunt Melissa And her daughter My cousin Addison Here for Christmas dinner I will Do this Later Alright Your fan Danielle CIAravino
The song captures relationships most busy fathers have with their sons. It should teach us fathers to make time to spend with our kids. I'm sure if they sick in the hospital we'll find time then. Great song.
I MIss You DAD..
Im sorry....
I love this song, but I try not to think about the lyrics because they make me tear up...
I was listening to this song, and talking about this with a few of my friends,and i realized that this is in fact a very sad song, it makes me realize how important work is, but at the same time to enjoy your family. This song is really moving and i regret to say that i am in fact turning out this way. As a teenager, i find myself already starting to drift away and i really regret not spending more time with my dad.
This is my father and I's song, we admitted it a long time ago. Folk songs as a warning to future generations were always my favorites, as well as songs about death and hardship, helping people to find grace in a sometimes graceless world.
I was in my tweens when this came out and have never forgotten it. Sort of an anthem for me. We had a large family and my Dad was the center of it all. All of us vying for his attention. He did work a lot but never missed an event. Whether it was PTA, band, football, baseball, or whatever we were into at the time, he was always there for us. I interpret the lyrics differently in that the time we spent together was so precious and I miss them, and him, so much. He passed away in Jan. of '95. I can only try and emulate who he was and the legacy he left behind. Hopefully, my son's feel the same way and will continue to do the same for their children. Make someone's day, pick up the phone and call someone you love, or have lost contact with.
love this it is so sweet
nice song but sad too
Its sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo long almost took me 1hr to read it! Its sooooooooooooooooo cooool! And I have a...
my dick
all parents should listen this. We all have a lot of time. 24 hours a day. We just have to decide how we use it. Work won't grow up and leave. But children will do very soon. Spend time with them before.
This song makes me feel a) lucky that I had parents who spent lots of time with me me b) like father of the year.
the lyrics have been wrong on here for like 5 years.. wow.
This song is ight!
The song is beast!!!!!!!
this song reminds me of jose jones
this song so straight up do0pe my main asian
Sad, beautiful, deflating or motivational. This song is in the eye of the beholder and can have a different meaning for different people. For me, taught me to be forgiving of my father’s shortcomings. Now that I’m in his shoes I get it. It also remind me to take the time to smell the roses…or pray catch with my boy.
I know this song first hand. I lived it with my father and watched my kids feel the same pain....but 22 years later I am blessed to have a do over. And my babies will never that side of me....I LOVE THIS SONG! It was my reality now its my reminder.
My parents separated a few months before I was born in 1960. Played Catholic school football from age 10 thru Fordham Prep plus rugby from age 16-36. My Dad never once saw a game, gave me a hug, took me fishing or said "I love you". I don't blame him but ironically my son early when he was 5 or 6 latched on this song when went fishing, wanting to hear it over and over. We have gone fishing alot, play golf together, hug each other and when I go for a 2 week business trip alway say "I love you" to everyone and to my son, "Keegan, you are the man of house, take care of of things>" I just got back tonight from another 2 weeker and while he strummed his guitar he played this song.
hi
GREAT SONG !!!
Depressing but great. :' (
Thanks a lot for the lyrics ! Always thought it´s a great song, but while understanding the meaning it comes almost a little bit bigger.
You screwed up some of the lyrics and made the song suck. Idiot.
I tried to tell my husband thirty years ago that this was his future but he wouldn't listen. Not one of his four kids will have anything to do with him now that he has nothing but time.
Most possibly my favourite song ever. So moving yet so sad...
awsome song
I saw a few comments speculating on the meaning of the 2 title lyrics. here's my take. cat is the child and the silver spoon is the fact that the child is taken care of well. ie..like the phrase "well fed fat". I am guessing that is why cat was used here. little boy blue is again the child. blue maybe because he is sad? man on the moon, is the father who is so distant wrt to the child that he may as well be on the moon! the next 3 sentences plays off this setting.
I never really listened to the words until I was subbing for a class and this was their day assignment to read the words and write about them. It was then that I realized how much better a father I could have been to my two beautiful sons.
nice
this song kills me,
so true when you try to hard,
I told my son , DON`T BE LIKE ME TO YOURS.
Emmmmmm Hummmmm. Nevr get tired of it.
Cool song
I remember when I was little boy listening to this song with my dad. We were best friends, but didn't end that way. When my dad died, I already had young babies including my son who didn't have a chance to know him well. I regret that now, and can't ever get through the whole song without crying - and I'm a grown man. One of my favorite sayings ring true, "By the time you realize your dad was right, you already have a son that's thinks you're wrong!! :-(
I listened the words already when I was under 20 and hadn't children. This song has reminded me I should be present with my children and avoid this fate of the son and father. Now they have left home and I hope that I have done something right.
This Dad Stuff Is really touching !
I'm 44 now and I remember listening to "Cats in the Cradle" on the radio as a young child. My dad actually met Harry in NYC and spoke with him briefly. Dad told him that "Cats" was one of my favorite songs. It still is, but unfortunately I wasn't wise enough to listen to the lyrics and my dad and I wound up like the father and son in the song.
"Taxi" is equally haunting to me for similar reasons and it's a damn shame that Harry Chapin left us so quickly.
swag
i like this song if i ever have kids its i gonna have to be like the song beacuse im gonna go to the military :(
can any one please tell me what the words CATS IN THE CRADLE mean.I understand all other words except these. Please i really need to know..Thie song means so much to me and my son.....
I interpret the words CATS IN THE CRADLE children who must be taken care of. They have materially everything ok (AND THE SILVER SPOON). Anyway, the son is sad (BLUE) because his father is somewher out there (ON THE MOON).
(I'm not a native English-speaker and maybe there might be also meanings I haven't caught.)
Its trully sad song..
Great Song!
I heard this song with I was a little girl. I stuck me as a very sad song, Now that I am married with two children, I see my husband turning into the main character of the song....I feel so sad for my children.
I raise a boy who is 12 and his dad and mom DO NOT SPEND TIME with him. The pain he feels inside is heart crushing! He doesn't know his dad and his mom, well, drugs and men are much more important. He knows I love him, but, no one can take the place of a parent. This song is a dark reality of what is to come in later years. It is a very sad song that makes you see what we do as parents, our children will do as parents....very sad!!!
songs great
Some of you people are so stupid
Makes me sad, I didn't have a dad growing up. But this song makes have to decide dream or family... I'm gonna make both work.
steve 11/20/13 -
Why?
There are people who care, and people who don't. Until you go down the road the lyrics are on, you will never get it.
I agree with phil. What's your prob Steve.
why do some people always have to try to ruin things
AMERICA/
Please remember people as we work to afford "things", we can't take it with us. You only get from relationships what you put into them. Kids need and want your time and love, not things. When you look back and realize you are on the down side of the "mountain of life", you will want someone to love and spend time with you. You only reap what you sow. It is not just a cliche, it is a principle of life.
this song was so bad it made me vomit
its so good and its not bad because this is the song who thought me to learn to value time specially with our family cause they wont be around forever
great song!
Makes you think about life
he best song ever its so sad when he says "my boy is just like me" cuz the dad didn't have time for the son when the son had time for the dad and the son didn't have time for the dad when the dad had time for the son
A very sad song. Can bring tears to your eyes if you're the father who missed out on the opportunity to be actively involved with his son. This is a very important lesson to parents (mothers as well). Children are a gift from God they could grow up to either be your pride and joy or you shame and sadness.
great song it is good times
(This is my national Anthem)
Dad never had time for the child... Priorities. So when the son grew up he got a taste of his own Medicine. Compare this to my daughter an her dad. Adores him now.. But one day she wont... Long runs the fox
When I was very young my dad mostly worked midnight shirt plus odd jobs to make ends meet. I didn't get to see him as much as I wanted but we did play ball and stuff so I was pretty blessed. He gave it all he had but he died at 54, when I was 25. He only got to see one of his grand children (not mine. I have spent twice the time with my kids than my dad did but I must admit I am half the man. My kids would argue that statement but they didn't know my dad. He was a WWII veteran but he was my hero. I thank Harry for that song that kept me in check about giving an effort with my kids. I saw Harry in concert the year he died and I'm glad I didn't miss that concert. I just wished he could have lived a longer life.
If it's not clear this song is a parable meant for folks (especially guys but not not limited to guys) who want to have a successful career *and* want children. Your kids won't tell you you're not spending enough time with them, they'll just learn to live life without you. In the end you'll realize you sacrificed family for work, and in the long run realize relationships (especially family relationships) trump a super successful career. "Don't be that guy."
It's a great song! I know and like it for many years. I'm divorced and my little son who remained with my ex-wife asks me offen: Why don't you stay here Dady? I wanted to play with you don't go! And I always answer: We gonna play together next time... This song reminds me of this. It makes me very sad but is also gives me power to be a better father.
This song is My Grandfather and Father, my Father and me, me and my son, and my son and his son... Amazing how things get passed along!!!
This song is My Grandfather and Father, my Father and me, me and my son, and my son and his son... Amazing how things get passed along!!! We all got together in the end!!!!
Beautiful song.
Reminds me, sadly, of my relationship with my, now deceased, father.When I became a father, I promised I would try better. Hope I succeeded.
This song made me to newly curl my attention towards my son
My son is 22 now and he's away and I miss him and this song makes me cry
Im his wife and i writ that song
OMG, this song seriously makes me cry until I throw up.
Can not listen to it. Even though it's an amazing song.
i like this song because i like to eat cats with a silver spoon while looking at the moon
I first heard this song when I was a child. It literally changed my life because I it made me realize how sad it would be to make that mistake as an father. I swore to myself that I would not make the same mistake. Regret is my biggest fear, probably thanks to this song. Once time has passed, you can't get it back. I'm 51 now and I still choke up every single time I hear this song.
After just seeing the sitcom The Goldberg's where this song was deeply discussed, I wanted to read the lyrics to see it for myself. Yes it can be seen as a song about the reality of life sticking away a man's free time for family or it can be about revenge of a neglected son ignoring the father that neglected him. I've heard this song for decades and never bothered to listen to the lyrics and I think it's because the chorus has a lot of nonsense in it (is the cats in the cradle and the silver spoons requires a "spoiler" to understand) but the biggest flaw of the song is that it is supposed to be a duet and it is not. I think this is why the lyrics become blah-blsh-blah when the song is causally listened to (as most songs are) because the singer's unmodified voice is both the father's and the son's. The strange thing about the lyrics if that the most useless ones to the song's meaning are the catchiest and most memorable too.
Best song in the world
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this song is sad as fuck! makes me wanna cry! dammit!
It helped me to spend time with my children, even though I was working crazy hours. A song for ALL fathers to consider.
This song brings attention and meaning to the reality of life. Anyone that can't realate to this is blind as a parent. This is a father who realized it was important to tell his story so that others would find the time somehow and not make the mistake he did. It is very important to spend time with you kids. Great song that will be heard for generations!!
Whats going on its your boi wasabi were going to be playing fortnite
This is a beautiful poem and it is very touching
I like turtles
Yo best song listen to the song
poggers but the lyrics make me sad that the father and son don't have a good relationship
yo
horilblle song
Vawo. This really brought out the lion inside of me. I will forver now roar to the top. I am a king. I will be king of the world. I will be the alpha. I will Be king. I am strong batman supoer hero I am king!!!