Harry Chapin - Cats in the Cradle

Song starts 1:05
Lyrics
My child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away
And he was talking 'fore I knew it, and as he grew
He'd say "I'm gonna be like you, dad"
"You know I'm gonna be like you"
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
"When you coming home, dad?" "I don't know when"
But we'll get together then
You know we'll have a good time then
My son turned ten just the other day
He said, thanks for the ball, dad, come on let's play
Can you teach me to throw, I said-a, not today
I got a lot to do, he said, that's okay
And he, he walked away, but his smile never dimmed
It said, I'm gonna be like him, yeah
You know I'm gonna be like him
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
"When you coming home, dad?" "I don't know when"
But we'll get together then
You know we'll have a good time then
Well, he came from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?
He shook his head, and they said with a smile
What I'd really like, dad, is to borrow the car keys
See you later, can I have them please?
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
"When you coming home, son?" "I don't know when"
But we'll get together then, dad
You know we'll have a good time then
I've long since retired, my son's moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said, I'd like to see you if you don't mind
He said, I'd love to, dad, if I can find the time
You see, my new job's a hassle, and the kids have the flu
But it's sure nice talking to you, dad
It's been sure nice talking to you
And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me
He'd grown up just like me
My boy was just like me
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
"When you coming home, son?" "I don't know when"
But we'll get together then, dad
We're gonna have a good time then

[@johnland1528]

Who's listening in 2024

[@bradetheridge119]

Me!

[@bubblerings]

Am listening so much... That as I was tapping with Harry.. then, the lazy drummer came in an slowed the beat.. I was as annoyed as Harry was.. 😅😍

[@user-gx1yp4du9g]

W Polsce słuchamy...

[@AldrianCG]

🙋🏻‍♂️

[@markshattuck6227]

I’m listening this is a lot better than today’s music 😊

[@cjrrun]

Every dad should listen to this song from the moment you find out you'll be a dad until your child is born. Puts priorities in order

[@drakehonest2]

Hello how are you doing today?

[@scottjohnson454]

AMEN

[@RaulBenavidez-iv5mh]

I'm 59 this song still brings tears to my eyes

[@kerikopey7419]

Me too

[@vance5681]

I cry every time I hear this song. Unfortunately it reminds of me and my Dad.

[@PeterGoodwin-nl9bt]

I’m 70 and still listening.

[@judichristophersen7238]

Me too husband died sang this to boys

[@basharatjavaid5980]

I am 75 and it brings tears to my eyes by the bucketful.

[@nataliahedke]

this happened to me and my son. i worked all the time and know im retired at home. and hes always working.and after work as he had the weekend off hes hang with his buddies. one time he came over to ask for some money and he saw me crying listening to this song. he listened and it broke his heart.poor kid . he cried and we hugged. every weekend hes comes over nowand stays in touch constantly. thank you harry chapin.

[@peterdean9181]

You should write your own song about how your son is always working, but has to borrow money to go out with his friends.

[@100YearJukebox]

Thank you for this beautiful story, and thank goodness the two of you mended fences while there was still time. And oh, yes: thank you again, Harry Chapin, AND your wife, Sandy--for writing the original lyrics. 💓💓💖💖

[@timothy4557]

That's wonderful, God bless you both.

[@ebonpaladin]

Who is listening to Harry in 2022? This is one of those songs that I've listened to all my life, from childhood to teendom, then in later adulthood I re-discovered it. Love it still!

[@xbreezy9843]

Ironically I'm watching Shrek the Third and Donkey was singing the song made me come back to it

[@barbaradyer4726]

Love this song.

[@geminiwednesday16]

I'm listening,ebonpaladin.....as I have for years...along with "It was a very good year"...Frank Sinatra...and "Father and Son"...Cat Stevens ....just to name the minimal; I have no sons but the very beauty of these lovely songs makes us realise how very short life really is and these days there are no songs that can compare.

[@pererikgranberg1240]

I do and i love it 🤗

[@erikhansen7754]

Always!

[@PB-wz3dp]

A couple years ago my dad asked if i could get time off work to go with him on a road trip to Idaho. My brother and sister both just had their second kid and weren’t visiting much. This song came on. He laughed and said “this song is so true” and I went “huh?” He said “well… it’s about a father who never had time to spend with his son… and when his son grew up… his son didn’t have time for his dad… thanks for coming with me on this trip. I really appreciate it.” Took everything in me to not cry.

[@erigatsu]

its a song that reminds me of a story that my dad had told me about when i was really young (still tells me about it now). Its about a father not having enough time for his son, and the point of the story was that the kid had saved up money to buy an hour of his dads hour (because he was a professional businessman).

[@joepincombe66]

The power of parent guilt never fails

[@paulbate4258]

I recently re-discovered this song as a dad with a young 18 month old boy. Actually listened to the lyrics instead of just singing the chorus. It sums up my relationship with my dad perfectly, and now in hard times having to spend so much time apart from my lad for work, it's such a relatable subject. Seeing how quick he grows it makes me appreciate the time we have together and how important it is to try and break the cycle. Emotional song to hear though.

[@ricklebl]

Beautiful words.

[@robertdouglas8895]

@@joepincombe66 Only if it raises its ugly head and you ask for correction.

[@rorycampbell5401]

This is probably one of the most moving songs ever written

[@GamerBoy10095]

Anyone listening 2024? This song gives me tears sad story REST IN PEACE HARRY CHAPIN

[@hvacmike1175]

I have two daughters both of them have 3 children. The oldest has 2 boys the youngest has 2 girls Me and my wife have two daughters.this song makes think of who I was at that time I was 15 or 16 years old I still have tears every time I hear it.. my daughters are great moms and they have strong convictions of right and wrong .i tell them every time I see them to spend time with them. Every minute of every day on this planet should be precious have time set aside to visit them as much as you because one day will be your last to visit. If your children bury you then you have won the game of life.

[@ronaldhartke982]

It happens between son and dads,....sad as it is,...it's reality...😮😮

[@dorrieh4595]

I'm 49 years old, and this song still makes me cry every time I hear it.

[@JadetheGoober]

I’ve always known the song but now that im nearly 30 it definitely makes me cry now.

[@Honeybee70]

Me too

[@jamesknowles1907]

You are not alone

[@mischief8404]

At 66 I still cry when I hear it.

[@adambeck1897]

Why crying? Hes just talking about cats 😆

[@tonycook7457]

A message to the future generations: Don't let this song die.

[@skifullydone8165]

Ugh, really? Every damn comment is like this.

[@DrewHop325]

@@skifullydone8165 Bot or just a sad person...

[@skifullydone8165]

@@DrewHop325 Ah, probably. Don't know. It's either: Underrated song or this garbage. Fucking annoying shit. Ah well.

[@NeilPundick]

I feel like it'd be best if this song DID die...because that would mean nobody ever had to live the life of the boy

[@elmarucham75]

​@@NeilPundickOr nobody remembers a time were they weren't the boy

[@nitrojunkie22]

That final lyric, "As I hung up the phone, it occurred to me, he'd grown up just like me. My boy was just like me." chokes me up every single time. It looks like it chokes up Harry, too. If it doesn't, then you don't have a soul. Songs like this aren't written anymore.

[@rogergeyer9851]

Nitro Junkie: Or we don't hear them, or can't relate to them because we're old. The world keeps changing. And we change, inevitably. We can't reach out and be teens or 20's etc. again. It was a great song, and I have no real desire to listen to most modern popular music because it lacks context to me (like rap and hip hop -- give me a break), yet that's the most popular music, per statistics.

[@ScubaSteveM45]

Good thing fathers and sons the world over can listen to this song and remember not to brush each other off across their whole lives, right?

[@user-rz8bu6vl8x]

I always cry when I hear this song 😢 Harry Chapin was a great song writer, truly missed!

[@327JohnnySS]

I agree. Greg wrote about 'They don't write kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWnIgYaAaZl5n9ksi=_B5vLcXvxBSUssPB

[@vulpinemachine]

Songs like this are still written, they're not always as popular or in the same genre but there's always genuine artists writing and performing stuff that speaks to the human experience.

[@terrysmitherman4116]

I remember this song when I was a little boy. I'm 58 years old now and this song still brings tears to my eyes...

[@ronkampsen1098]

61. Same thing!

[@annaaustin1843]

Me too

[@annaaustin1843]

I’m 58

[@brozyt80]

Same 58 and loving this song

[@robertvalentine3181]

I am 58 yr old and have 20 yr old kids. This song is my living life right now. I worked all my life and the kids are in school and doing their thing. I see this song everyday. People, ENJOY your kids while you can..

[@PTPavlos]

Stage of life hopefully they will find more time. 😉

[@jamesknowles1907]

I tried and tried and still was not able to fulfill avoiding the truth of this song.

[@jamesknowles1907]

I heard a horrible saying along the same line as this song. "People avoid the sick and visit the dead"🤔😪😢😥

[@jamesknowles1907]

Talk about the moment... Croce wrote "time in a Bottle" for his then unborn son and died when his son was 13 months. kzbin.info/www/bejne/moCUo4CbjtOCo68

[@pumpkinpuna4087]

@@jamesknowles1907 also... sometimes the only way to have a "family reunion" and to finally get the WHOLE family together under one roof is funerals and weddings !!!

[@lydiajones5365]

I would give anything to go back and live in the 70' s when i was young back then we were free and safe. I miss those safe days. All we have are the good memories! No cell phones. We had great music to keep us busy. Kids today have no idea how good it was back then. Sometimes i sit with the 70"s music and peacefully wonder back in time feeling like im living it with my mind set at the moment.

[@mtyhntr49]

In the '70's our airing was breaking in the Dwight D Eisenhower CVN69 brand new. This song is a national treasure. The comments are treasures themselves!!!

[@MrAnimalControl]

My dad was my best friend. I joined the Marine Corps fresh outta high school when I was 19. Unbeknownst to me his time on this earth was coming to an end. A day after I turned 21 he died in my arms of a massive heart attack at 58. I would give anything to have those years back and see my dad again.

[@rodpinheiro9036]

I know what it's like bro I went through the same situation

[@user-ky3cq8os9l]

I cried as I read your words. I was there as my dad took his last breath 😭. Spiritual and sacred times

[@FrancescaLee-np3qr]

My dad was dying of cancer and we booked our plane tickets to see him but he died before we got there

[@queentroll1955]

hugs .. glad you had some time ... cherish the memories . my dad was a walk away. the best mom ever..

[@BenDozier-bo8ue]

My all time favorite song Harry left all of us thinking

[@terriellis5145]

Who's listening in 2023 and 24?!! God bless all of us us and our families!!

[@michellewaye6522]

This song hits home for alot of people. Incredible voice and passion in this song! Love from Toronto Canada 🇨🇦

[@KevinHallSurfing]

2024 and I'm now 73 ... and my son's a dad. 😍

[@oldcountryboy]

My dad literally went out for a pack of cigarettes and never returned I was just a baby I had a mean stepdad for a while The only quality time we ever spent together was when He was beating the s*** out of me Mom eventually divorced him You can't imagine watching other kids with their dads And you don't have one I used to be a boy scout My mother the bartender set me up with some drunk dude To go on the father's son retreat He told me to get away from him he had something to do So I did Come to find out The something he had to do was go back home So here I was Father son retreat all by myself I didn't get to do anythingCouldn't do any of the games All I could do was watch other kids with their dadsAnd let me tell you that was awesomeMy father has since diedAt least that's what someone told meI said my father didn't die I didn't have a fatherBut enough of this doom and gloomBut enough of this doom and gloomYou guys that do have fathers cherish themCherish every single moment😅😅😅

[@stevenmathieson5713]

Came here because of a meme on FB. "The older you get the more devastating, Cats in the Cradle, becomes."

[@debraoneill1930]

I'm 58 never had kids, but this song reduces me to tears and makes me miss my mum and dad (both passed). It is a song which will never age, a simple song, yet I think the saddest song in the world....yet beautiful. Now to wipe the tears away. xx

[@JSashiKumar]

I lost my father in the year I discovered this song, but before I was able to share it with him. One thing I've learnt, is that they never lose love in their kids, it only grows. I hope you had a chance to experience their love. My deepest condolences. I truly understand your loss. Wish you recover well and grow. Love.

[@rrn3263]

It brings to light how so many of us are entangled with everyday hustles , away a sad amount of time from family. The short hours together we need to make the time special. Sadly, many are too exhausted by then.

[@someythemoney]

I wanna meet you... I miss my dad!

[@matthewryan7281]

Yes sir I'm there too. Great song

[@travisbaxter6597]

TAPS@Davidholton0207

[@josephbennett6712]

Just gave my 16 yo son his first car today. After his first spin, he backed into the driveway. Wife commented how he is so you. My response was "my boy is just like me..." tears to my eyes

[@CoalMiner379]

Bringing Harry Chapman into 2023 just as he should be!!! Rest easy Harry your still here with us with your music!!!

[@joeshmoe7967]

Chapin.........

[@lorieharris4886]

I saw my father cry twice. The first time was when he received a call from a family member informing him of his mother's death. The second was when I informed him that his only son had died. I lost my father on Sept 12, 2010. I wish that I could have told him more often that his baby girl loved him. He was only able to tell me that he loved me twice... once written in a card and once in person, the night before he died. I leaned in and whispered back, "I always knew that you did, and I love you, too". Peace.

[@coryburns1905]

I bet your dad was a great dad when I read that really got me I understand him I guess I felt bad about the news he heard no father wants to hear that I the youngest I miss my dad he wasn't easy but we got along great at least after he retired then you don't have to come home and see the kids you know he has enough worries in his life he's the breadwinner he supported us and took care of us

[@bapete5159]

Lorie Harris Never saw my Dad 😢cry....never ever said he loved me...But I know he did...God Bless you DAD.....

[@billjohnson2508]

He knows Lorie, you just told him. He 's listening from above.

[@laurences52]

OK that story got me as a composer. Just like I said to a woman falling from Tower one on 9/11 "Honey I don't know your name but I will write a song for you " I want to write one based on this, thanks for sharing. www.ourmuiscrocks.com Song was called Unborn baby of tower one.

[@Elvis68spec]

WOW! A beautiful, amazing story!

[@bradyboy1390]

I’ll never forget the first time i heard this song, my dad had a model railroad set in the basement and we were hanging out. This song came on and he just said “listen to this song”. He passed in 2018 and I now have a 9 month old boy, hearing this song now really hits home. God Bless!

[@denisehammill3625]

The first time i heard this song i was a very abused kid. still to this day it hits home and i am very protective of all my kids and my extras that i have taken in oven the years

[@helenrosales6519]

@@denisehammill3625 wow Dennis I hear your pain.. my husband was an abusive alcoholic who stayed at home raising my kids while I worked I hardly see my older son and I always tell him hey cats in cradle. ... So yes this song works for women too.. my regret is what my boys went through because of my husband..

[@tessamadere80]

@@denisehammill3625 beautiful

[@donnahimelrick3763]

That song will never die! RIP Harry Chapin

[@tayyabjamil5036]

Old memories. Listening in 2023, in Canada. Both parents passed away.God bless both of them.

[@d.bronemann524]

2024 and the counting

[@FrancescaLee-np3qr]

Mine too 12 years ago and still think of them everyday

[@reneemartinez9286]

Sure do miss my dad but as an adult I found my way to the Bible study and discovered the resurrection!!!!! I will see my dad again!!! Revelation 21:3,4 and beyond happiness!!!

[@urbannomad6928]

“Cat’s in the cradle, and a silver spoon. Little Boy Blue and the Man in the Moon…” Kid trying to make sense of fragmented nursery rhymes that no one had the time to teach him. Heartbreaking and ingenious lyrics. 😢

[@bonnee3813]

My parents were friends with Harry Chapin. Harry, was friendly and outgoing. He had so much love for everyone and Huntington, New York. I went to Huntington High School with Harry's sister.

[@drakehonest2]

Hey how are you doing today?

[@bcal4877]

I live in Huntington too, its really cool to see how much love and pride our town has for Harry. My wife went to HHS with his daughters, and just loves the Chapin family. My friend Kieran was fighting cancer and Harry’s son brought him some memorabilia, made his last days special. Really felt like something Harry would yave done.

[@harrychapin808]

Harry was a salt-of-the-earth guy!! Such a tragedy. I learned this song on guitar as a tribute to him!!

[@harrychapin808]

​@@bcal4877That's amazing!! ❤

[@bungalobill7941]

One of the greatest songs ever written.

[@nicidevine6670]

For sure

[@shanghunter7697]

And "Dear momma" by Tupac Shakur......Beautiful song IF one can listen to the words/message.

[@piscesempress1978]

i love that song@@shanghunter7697

[@baldskullfitness2681]

My dad used to sing this to me when I was a teenager, just as a joke. It made him this of his dad who died when he was 32. I am now 32, and my dad is dying...and I can't stop thinking of my dad in the kitchen, singing this with a smile on his face thinking of his dad...

[@jallancam5503]

sooooo sorry to hear your dad is not doing well .. Be of good courage and remember those good times .. Nothing will ever separate you from his love however this turns out May God bless you your dad and family,,,

[@baldskullfitness2681]

@@jallancam5503 wow....thank you so much 🥲

[@janekostov7674]

So sorry to hear about your dad. Be beside him till his last breath. Greetings for you man 🤗

[@baldskullfitness2681]

@@janekostov7674 thank you. I was. Got to see him just before he left us. Best wishes to you and your family. Thanks for the kind words.

[@WinstonSmith24]

We should’ve been seeing Harry sing this song at age 70, after it all truly ran full circle for him. We were all robbed of that. Thanks for sharing a masterpiece with us, Harry.

[@rabbaker1958]

I am now 64 years old and remember this song from my days in high school. My dad and I never were able to heal all the rift between us. He had been raised in the Depression and, like many in his generation, learned to hide his fear, his feelings and would never admit being wrong or say he was sorry. I have two daughters, 32 and 27. I am very close with both of them and so is my wife. For our 40th anniversary we asked them to join us - we are both most happy when our girls are with us. I just sobbed while listening to this song. In the last few years I have referenced this song when asked how my girls are doing. That's the power of this song...even when it makes you think of those you ARE close to and love. I determined that this great song would not describe me with my children. Cherish the time with your children. This is a great song.

[@corqMcc]

Your comment made me think you’d also like the Mike and the Mechanics song, “living years” from back then.

[@RickyVolk-rq4xo]

I’m 68years the same sanario but I have boys who grew up just like me and I idid the same thing my father did .i haven’t seen my two sons in close to 30years

[@fjf7653]

I heard Cats in the Cradle on the radio the other day and I thought of my Dad. It’s a song that surely hits the heart of every son that has an aging father. My Dad once told me the song reminded him of me. It occurred to me that the song is incomplete without a response from a son and these lyrics just came to me as I was listening to the song: I’ve longed since the day my Dad passed away, I called him up just the other day. I said I’d like to see you if you don’t mind and then I realized I had run out of time. And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me, I’ve grown up just like him, my Dad was just like me… Miss those phone calls Pop. ❤

[@brian_nirvana]

Culturally significant. The future generations will thank you for putting this on youtube.

[@shimmeringfairydust3275]

This is an absolute masterpiece. Chapin wrote a plethora of brilliant songs, but few can say they wrote a masterpiece. This one is.

[@pumpkinpuna4087]

his wife wrote it as a poem

[@kimdyer2288]

As Pumpkin Puna mentioned, his wife wrote it while he was on the road, touring. He looked at the poem, set it aside, and forgot about it for a while. Shortly after his son Joshua was born, he found renewed interest and put it to music. Henry died in a car crash about half a dozen years later. His son was only eight years old.

[@KungFuPanda254]

He didn't actually write this song. His wife did then he put music to it.

[@harvickfan100]

@Shimmering Fairy Dust did you actually watch the video? Wow the illiteracy of people is astounding!!

[@whiteyfisk9769]

He shouldnt have went into the chorus after one verse

[@Elephant2024-wi2li]

Watching this on Father's Day 2024. Happy Father's Day.

[@adameckard4591]

I want this played at my funeral.

[@lumpjones6459]

Harry Chapin was one of the best.. R.I.P. HARRY

[@johnsherwood9519]

60yrs old and still enjoy this masterpiece. I have 2 sons in their 20s and they appreciate great music

[@eimagine]

Harry Chapin One Of The Greatest Men On Earth December 7, 1942 - July 16, 1981 While waiting outside of Colden Auditorium at Queens College, after a canceled concert, I met and had a few words with the man who was to have given the concert. In my eyes, one of the greatest men on Earth. He was a dedicated humanitarian who fought to end world hunger. He was the co-founder of World Hunger Year or WHY, now known as WhyHunger, a wonderful and efficient non-profit that is still helping feed hungry people today. He was instrumental in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977. He was a man that was posthumously awarded the highest civilian award in the United States, the Congressional Gold Medal. He was a man who performed benefit concerts for hundreds of worthy organizations during his career. He was a man who raised more than 3,000,000 USD for those in need in the last six years of his life. He was a man that donated to charitable causes an estimated 33% of the revenues from his indefatigable schedule of 200 plus concerts performed each year. Besides his tireless humanitarian work, he was an accomplished and creative renaissance man that during his life was nominated for the following illustrious awards: Oscar, Grammy, Peabody, Emmy, and Tony. He was a man that I was lucky enough to have seen in concert a handful of times between 1975 and 1980. He is a man that I still miss today. His name was Harry Chapin. by Mark R. Elsis EarthNewspaper.com/HarryChapin

[@wadewaldron4035]

This song is sad but until you have children of your own it doesn't hit you! But as soon as you have a child and hear this song it HITS YOU like a TON of BRICKS!

[@martinm3422]

Cant agree, I have no kids and Iam 57 but my dad still lives. He had a stroke recently and corona. I visited him today at home and he wanted something explained on the smartphone, but i was short on time... A few hours later on YT i heard this song and read the lyrics...iam from germany. I think i have to change something when there is time left... There is an additional song from Luther Vandross which put tears to my eyes... "Dance with my father".

[@user-vu7jx3tp5p]

TOP, nun ja meine Kindheit war gut . Aber viele meiner Freunde haben das erlebt . Tolles Lied TOP, well my childhood was good. But many of my friends have experienced this. Great song

[@cawilson5357]

I will agree that having children does help to understand. I am childless however I have helped in raising quite a few...... This song makes me shed tears everytime I listen to it. Ever since it was released way back.......even right NOW

[@wadewaldron4035]

Yes it hits you like a ton of bricks. Then your wife (or husband) dies. Then it hits you a hundred times harder! My wife soulmate Karen died October 5th 2023. It still hurts. We met on a blind date June 30th 1989. Got married March 14th 1991. Never separated but for hospital stays and when I drove 18wheelers from California to Main and everywhere in-between. I miss her greatly!

[@alannothnagle]

When I suddenly became a father and, consequently, a husband at 25, utterly unplanned and unintended, I had no idea how to fit into this new, unintended, and utterly bewildering role. But I happened to have a cassette of a local group singing Cat's Cradle (which I had only been vaguely aware of previously), and it became the blueprint for my relationship with my twins: No matter what, always take time for them. Today, they're pushing 36, and I see them regularly. Say what you like about me, but there is no way I could ever become a cold, distant father, and I owe that entirely to Harry Chapin.

[@mihailmihaylov2564]

My father sends this to me every birthday. I get so happy every time I see this.

[@bbenjoe]

Spend time with him as much as you can. :)

[@angelahill5447]

After watching the recent documentary on Harry Chapin, I was so happy to hear his music again and remember all those concerts. My son indicated he didn't know the name. After singing the chorus to Cats in the Cradle, he said I feel like my body knows that song. About 31 years ago, I sang that song over and over again to a colicky baby during those long nights Thank you for the music, Harry

[@rogergeyer9851]

Angela Hill: Music is SO generational as is all media, really. I'll never forget being in a record store (remember those?) in roughly 1990 and hearing some kid (a seemingly perfectly ordinary kid) say something like: "The Beatles? I thought Paul McCartney was in Wings!" It doesn't take long for things to REALLY, REALLY change in the modern world.

[@angelacollins2764]

I'm 64 still love this song

[@johnshields6852]

This came out when I was about 10, I'm 62 now and still sounds amazing, great story.

[@drewleonard2675]

I can’t believe it’s already been 52 years

[@karitahannikainen4734]

John Shields, totally same. Take care! The Best. Karita.

[@jshrek62]

More like you were 14. "Cat's in the Cradle" is a 1974 folk rock song by Harry Chapin from the album Verities & Balderdash. The single topped the US Billboard Hot 100 in December 1974. As Chapin's only number-one song, it became the best known of his work and a staple for folk rock music. Chapin's recording of the song was nominated for the 1975 Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2011.

[@rogergeyer9851]

@@jshrek62: Not sure how being pedantic about it is really helpful here. It's not like whether it was 1970 or 1974 makes ANY fundamental difference re the context and meaning of that wonderful old song.

[@lynndavist]

I'm 61 and believe it was for us

[@zanythos3716]

My father (RIP) was on his way to Chapin's final concert when he got the news of the accident. My mother was pregnant with me at the time. This song was played at his funeral at his request.

[@KennethDawson-zv8rn]

Praise the eternal ancient of days!

[@kennethgoins9349]

What an awesome person! This world wouldn’t be the same without him. What a great loss

[@liamalepta8003]

Am 56. Grew up with this. My dad passed four yrears ago... this song tears me up .. it was totally about me and my dad

[@10shanwei]

I think I'm blessed as a 20-year-old to come across this masterpiece of a song. Definitely taught me the importance of fatherhood in the future. Song's too poignant and emotional for me :")

[@lemurianchick]

If something is TOO poignant it's criticizing how it makes you feel. I think you meant SO poignant;)

[@DD-rq6mh]

You are a wise young man ReaperZapper.

[@chadgrindstaff6821]

Aus I will find you I promise that

[@davidcurtis7547]

Definitely they grow so fast , kids . I wish we had more time to spend with our kids .

[@LeonardGuillory]

@@lemurianchick You's what we call, "a Hater"! I'm a stickler for the usage of English too, but I wouldn't go out of my way to critique a post on KZbin! That's just WAY OUT OF BOUNDS!

[@user-zb2nq6nw2e]

Had my dad listen to this song back in the day. He was working so much he was up at 5 and worked til 11 ... I forgot how much he did for us ... But his love still with me ... I cared for him in his last year after mom past ... He was suffered by dementia and physically disabled by it ... I carried him ... Like he carried me ... Miss you dad ... ❤

[@ablenav1]

Loved this song since it was first released. My dad at the age of 97 passed away in December 2022. As I am writing his obituary for the newspaper right now, I turned on You Tube; and what are the odds that Cats in the Cradle showed up? It is true, I turned out just like him. We will have a good time soon - God has blessed him with eternal life, love and light.

[@DeltaElites]

In September of 77 as a teen, I was riding my moped up to Griffith Park Observatory and I hear "Cat's in the Cradle" playing. Harry Chapin was playing this at the open air Greek Theater just down the hill. I pulled over on the side of the road where I could watch and listen to the whole concert for free. What an amazing show.

[@joshlight6892]

I like how this song does not really villainize the father, but merely reminds us all to make time for our loved ones most particularly our children, because they will be grown up before you know it and you will miss so much if you don't. Nothing is more important than that.

[@ubs0]

That last line “My boy was just like me” gets me every time. I never had the greatest relationship with my Dad, but we do our best to get along now. Been told many times by my mum and my sister I take after him.

[@shellybay817]

Me too ✋.

[@johnnychinstrap]

This song made me cherish every minute I could with my son from the day he was born. I lost him in a brutal divorce so technically, have lost him for what could be forever, but I still have those awesome first 12 years. Thank you Harry! Love the people you love as much as you can. You never know when they may slip away!

[@hereigns7221]

This makes me sad. As a wife whose husband who was kept from his dad due to female drama (mom/stepmom not getting along), I pray when your son is 18 you can reconnect and have a wonderful relationship. My husband is devastated to this day that he never had his dad close in his life. He died young due to lung cancer and his stepmom always kept him away from his dad 😢🙏🏻

[@johnnychinstrap]

@@hereigns7221 Thank you for your prayers. Please pray for my son as he wants to commit suicide has 2 more years to survive with this evil woman until he goes to university. I can do nothing to help him because legally I am not his Dad. I hope the values that I instilled in him and the love I shared with him can carry him through these times and allow him to reconnect with God as she has taken his God too. May your God guide you through your life and carry you gently upon his back during the trying times.

[@christinemarieciurlino-dun4002]

I was so lucky to grow up with this music, this new generation has no clue. We didn’t have social media, internet, iPhones, but we had the music, he was such a high talent of my generation.

[@petrwarthursty2011]

Now you have no family

[@ahugefan742]

@@petrwarthursty2011 OOOOOH

[@rogergeyer9851]

Christine: Respectfully, I'm 63, and I don't think it's about fault or good and bad, etc. The world was different, largely since technology was very different. Even though in many ways (and I'll accept the blame) I have trouble relating to much of the modern generation and their seemingly complete obsession with phones (I spend my time on Windows laptops, but still absorbing lots of media) -- I'm sure they find me just as clueless / strange as I find them. It's mostly luck / fate / accident, how we find ourselves re time, place, and circumstance -- NOT about being clueless or brilliant, IMO. And 99.9999 percent of us fall into the ordinary bucket, re historical time... And big picture, the species doesn't get smarter or wiser by leaps and bounds. The media and technology change and the times change along with them. But the fundamental human issues and constraints and problems remain. Cold war then. Ukraine travesty now. Pollution and hunger and overpopulation then. AGW and hunger and overpopulation now (bigger population, but same big picture). But we were brilliant because we grew up with what were the great musical artists of the 70's (which were inimitable in their way, granted), and young people are "clueless", now? Again, respectfully, like so many people, I think your perspective on the world is very narrow to have that attitude.

[@christinemarieciurlino-dun4002]

@@rogergeyer9851 I appreciate your feedback, I just feel we lost something. I didn’t grow up with them/they non-binary, etc. I can’t understand how we as a society can accept a man as a woman, playing in women’s sports. Kids being taught hate in school, trying to indoctrinate them. Girls trying to be boys and boys trying to be girls, and teachers are ok with it, when these kids are just kids. In congress they can’t define what a woman is, and accepting that men can have babies when it is impossible and ridiculous. I can go on and on. No, I didn’t grow up like that and thank the lord I didn’t. Look at this country is beyond a mess, never have seen this in my lifetime.

[@kurtskaaning5426]

@@christinemarieciurlino-dun4002 100% right - this country is a mess - have a good day.

[@sandracloke6268]

My father and I did not have a great relationship, maybe we were too much alike. Then he passed quite a few years ago, I wished we could have overcome some of our differences. We had a small funeral and I was to speak at the services. I chose parts of this song to work into my farewell to my father and this song will forever remind me of him.

[@drakehonest2]

Hey how are you doing?

[@Moses1973]

Had my boy at sixteen. I grew up fast. I married his mom in the seventies. It was was tuff on us all. I had to support us. His mom left . She thought she was taking my boy. Didn't happen even in the old days. My boy at fifty knows who took care him. I'm so proud of him. When he was young I had to support us, so this song hits right to my heart. I worked six days a week. Wasn't easy but I wouldn't change a thing. He's helping me out now that I'm old. I had a great family too. That helped us out as well.

[@fsimone777]

This song always haunted me. I was always afraid that my son and I would end like that. Luckily my son and I have a great relationship.

[@markkinser4247]

We are very fortunate guys. I have the same with my sons.

[@ppiper396]

I love this song and how Mr. Chapin sings it. One of my favorite songs of all times. RIP, Mr. Chapin. RIP

[@richardhowe6218]

I love this song! It brings home reality. Because of this song, I've tried to keep in contact with my kids. Lately, I've been learning how to play and sing it. For my entertainment only. Thanks Harry!!

[@beaverstandig1747]

This song is very profound and cautionary, Harry Chaplin was a great storyteller, perfection

[@danielnelson9411]

I remember hearing this song for the first time in 1974. I was 14 years old. I cried when I heard it and vowed not to be like my dad. It seemed to parallel me and my dad. He was always too busy to do things with me. He was either tinkering with some project he had in the garage or was unwilling to stop watching some show on the idiot tube. I was determined to be a better father than he was when I had kids. Unfortunately, I ended up being worse than my dad. I believe he was a better father than I was.

[@loripumphrey890]

I saw Harry Chaplin in 1978 at South Dakota State. Much of the proceeds from his concerts were donated to fight world hunger. He tragically died just a few years later. The world lost not only an amazing singer, songwriter, poet, but also an amazing humanitarian.

[@drakehonest2]

Hey how are you doing?😊

[@jallancam5503]

I am living this song but in a good way had house church with my son and family and thankfully we get to spend a lot of quality time together ,, Dear God may it continue and let us all be here for our precious children Love and blessings to you all Jesus loves you

[@jamieminsky9436]

Saw him in NJ back in the day and was very sad when he passed...still one of the best

[@JackieParks-nq9th]

Maybe more dad's should listen to this song. Be a man and put your kids first

[@gregnormal]

Hello!!! How are you doing? Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you are a fan? Have a great day… Stay Safe!

[@davidstewart9213]

You just don't get it. He wanted to. Alot of us want to. But part of being a man is supporting your family. He talk his child the most important lesson. Do what's needed. NOT WHAT YOU WANT

[@JackieParks-nq9th]

I have a son, he apparently listened to this song, of course you need to provide, but in your absence... it's called a balancing act. While you're busy they are growing up alone, your love and attention means more than than great wealth

[@jenningsmills5398]

This song is so powerful you can tell even Harry is having a rough moment singing it.

[@drakehonest2]

Hey how are you doing..?

[@goonerbeau]

Musically, this is an assured piece of folk-rock - a song that speaks volumes about a man’s relationship with his son. The words of 'Cat's in the Cradle' have the ability to break hearts and summon tears.

[@davidbalnaves2458]

Amen to that!😀

[@natalierampone9750]

Absolutely! Brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. It hits home.

[@randywl8925]

Harry's son said it true. He seems like a fantastic guy just from the few words he spoke about the song. One of the best songs ever written on a personal level.

[@rogergeyer9851]

Randy WL: What a fantastic tribute to Harry, and the connection his son got seeing firsthand the impact that song had on Harry's fans. Such an ongoing tribute must be a rare thing. Maybe for an artist's child seeing people view a parent's work in an art gallery, etc would be similar. But for most of us, we get a few mentions for a few years after the passing of a loved one from people who remember them, and that's about it.

[@jessiegoss3712]

I remember having moved away and going to school in Dallas. Got right with God and was down on my knees in prayer and found myself praying, God if you will take me back home, I'll be a better son. When I got up from prayer I knew I was going home immediately. Called my boss to tell him I quit. Told my room mate he needed to find another room mate I was moving. Loaded up my Good Times van and headed home. Moved back in with Mom and Dad and stayed until I was married years later. Stayed very close to my parents and was always there when they needed me. They actually were my best friends. They made me strong. I was glad when they died because they both were ready to meet their Maker. I miss them but I'll join them soon now myself. Got a daughter who I love and am loved by. We see each other as often as we can. ❤😊

[@Robert-jd6xc]

I have a 12 yo son. This song is a stinging reminder that I only have 6 years left to show him how important it is to spend quality time together.

[@2341Boris]

I have a 6 month old daughter and this song really makes me want to spend more time with her.

[@bobcatfish2796]

My dad is a trucker, sometimes doing cross country and still is more often than not too busy to spend much time with. Now that I’m older and living on my own, working a somewhat laborsome job that doesn’t let me see my wife as much as I’d like, I cry when I hear this song. As much as my dad has messed up in his life, and me in mine, this song has never failed to help me understand him and hope that I can be closer to my son than we were.

[@thegreat_I_am]

Not long before she died my mum phoned me up and suggested she’d like us to go to the pictures together. I said I was far too busy, but after I hung up, the words of this song came into my head and I phoned her back and said OK. We saw The King’s Speech and I’m so glad we did that, as it was probably the last quality time we spent together.

[@cawilson5357]

I have listened and cried to this song for many many years and it never fails to remind me of my Dad and our lives together. I feel so lucky to have him as long as I did. We all need a good cry now and then.......

[@robertsiebenrock3997]

If you listen to the words, it hits you right where it hurts. Great song!❤

[@lawrencewerline9509]

I had the pleasure of meeting, and conversing with both,. Harry and his brother Tom. In a USO Tour show in an extinct volcano around Naples Italy. A very small, yet personalized show that was truly a once in a lifetime gift for me. Both gentlemen were immensely cordial and laid back, easy going. I still have these photos and cherish them.

[@drakehonest2]

Hey how are you doing?

[@lawrencewerline9509]

@@drakehonest2 I'm not sure if you are referring to me. This is the first time I've seen a reply in KZbin. I'm not a big social bug. Not even sure if I am doing this right. Lol. As for your inquiry. I'm doing as well as I can. Lol. How are you.? Where are you from.?

[@drakehonest2]

@@lawrencewerline9509 Nice meeting you here I’m originally from Norway 🇳🇴 but living in San Diego California.. Where are you from?

[@lawrencewerline9509]

@@drakehonest2 I live in a very small town on Onieda lake. Some 25 miles N. E. Of Syracuse NY. I was reading allot about Southern Californians apparent flustration with the govt,. As well as the homeless situation. That is until KZbin censored me. Now, I can't get anything political, or in social science areas. Unfortunately, we now live in a corporate, socialist governing country. No more Republic 😔 The people have become hedonistic sheep. That suits them just fine. How bad is it there.? Even with all of California's difficulties. I would love to return there. It's truly a beautiful state. With the best weather. Norway, is amazing. I don't think I would want to ever leave there.

[@drakehonest2]

@@lawrencewerline9509 San Diego California it’s a very beautiful place to stay i bet you gonna have fun 🤩.. If i may ask are you married with kids?

[@edswanson3941]

My dad was a truck driver in the 70's and 80's. My mom would make 8-track and later cassette tapes for him to listen to. Every single tape she made had this song on it. After high school I enlisted which meant even less opportunity to see him. It was so special when we did get together or talk. Unfortunately in 1990 at 48 he passed, alone in a hotel room. This song has had such a different meaning to me since then and I've always tried to be there for my kids. When I'm no longer around, all of the kids in my life will remember Harry for this song and me for "making" them listen to it. RIP Harry and Dad.

[@rogergeyer9851]

Ed Swanson: The big picture never really changes, but good for you for making your kids listen to this song you consider important. All you can do is try. One thing I'm pretty sure of is that when we're old we won't regret time we spent doing important things like connecting with loved ones and good friends. Your mention of the 8-track (I couldn't afford to buy music until cassette was "the thing", needing all my money/effort to get through college), reminds me of how media wars have been raging since media existed. I remember being about 15 in the mid-70's and noticing how so many "older" people (in their 30's, I'd say) had 8 track players, disdained cassettes, claiming 8 tracks were better. I didn't get it. Cassettes were smaller, had higher capacity, and sounded at least as good to me. I never saw media in our house aside from TV, radio, LP's, or cassettes in the 60's and 70's as I grew up. And of course, as computers took off (and I was big into that from the PC on), the media changes and media wars were just a constant blur from the time diskettes started rapidly increasing in capacity and changing format.

[@Grandpaw2511]

My Dad and I had a great relationship, and this song reminds me of how lucky I was growing up with him. I was a new Dad when this song hit the charts and its story has stayed with me. My kids and grandkids and I have the same wonderful relationship.

[@sublimnalphish7232]

He passed away way too young.

[@shorttripfromcradletocript]

This song is so poignant. As a physician who specializes in heart attack treatment I have witnessed many family tragedies where the father was suddenly taken with a fatal heart attack and the type of emotions this song generates would occur in the children of the victim. Sudden death of their beloved father who was going to mean so much to them in the future when he could focus on them and not work and it was gone. Don't wait, prioritize those you love above all else or you may never get the chance.

[@drakehonest2]

Hey how are you doing today..?😮

[@shorttripfromcradletocript]

@@drakehonest2 I'm doing well despite all the tragedy I experienced I'm fortunate to have kept my humanity as I learned so much from these experiences on how to comfort people, save lives, and live my own life. I'm grateful.

[@drakehonest2]

@@shorttripfromcradletocript Nice meeting you here where are you originally from?

[@shorttripfromcradletocript]

Small rural ranch town in western Nebraska@@drakehonest2

[@rebeccawagner4167]

I love this song 🎵 ❤️, so much truth in this song. I love the 70's it was the best time for music 🎶 🎵. I'm so blessed to have grown up with this type of music. Harry Chapin you sent something to think about in this song. Your lyrics are mind blowing. All parents should listen to this. Ty,well done 🎉❤

[@glamdolly30]

I only discovered this song and artist today, I had never heard of either. What talent! I was so very moved by the lyrics. They neatly capture the old adage 'Life is short', which is never more obvious than when we realise our children have grown up - and we lost so much time with them (and other loved ones) we'll never get back, thanks to life getting in the way. I didn't think I could be more moved - until I Googled the artist and learned he died in a car crash aged just 38. Oh my - I am on the floor now! What powerful poignancy Harry's tragic premature death adds to this already gut wrenching song. It's almost like he knew. His family must tear up every time they hear it.

[@oh8wingman]

One of the things that might very well make his family hurt even more is videos like the one of this performance. They can see him as he was and that might make them think of what might have been had he lived.........

[@glamdolly30]

@@oh8wingman Yes, it must be so bittersweet for them seeing him perform this particular song and its powerful lyrics, when he was in his youthful prime, fully expecting to live a full life. No day is promised, so you'd better do your best to be kind, be happy, and live fully without regret.

[@SomeJustice19k]

Listen to the ugly kid Joe version. Also very good.

[@harvickfan100]

@Glamdolly30 if you watched the video you wouldn’t have had to waste your time googling. It states in the video he died at 38.

[@glamdolly30]

@@harvickfan100 Wow, you actually took time to type out that petty, pointless, mean-spirited little post. Thanks for proving my point, life is short - try to find more positive things to do with your short life than spreading tedious negativity!

[@davepayne1915]

Jeeez! I miss my dad. He died around 20 years ago and unlike thi song he ALWAYS had time for me. Camping, playing, going to the beach and in later life helping with my business. What a guy. I was a lucky kid to have had him as my dad. I'm 71 now and still play this and other Chapin gems... of which there are many 😊

[@darlagail56]

I’m 67 and this song is timeless and truthful . RIP Harry

[@stanleydavis7904]

I was the son,and the dad.i saw my dad cry when I left for the nam,and a bear hug when I came home.scary times

[@eoindee7007]

Blessings and good wishes to you and yours Stanley 🙏🤝

[@stanleydavis7904]

Thank you right back at you

[@josephchristopher5209]

Glad you came home .

[@ArtistsCry13]

As in the Vietnam War?

[@pumpkinpuna4087]

thank you for your service 👍🇱🇷❤️👍

[@smudgealdrin1512]

As a hard working family man having to provide for your kin. You really are caught between a rock & a hard place . Especially in todays economic climate.... 34 years long haul truck driver... Looking back I wish I took a different direction but was not able too . But my kids had a good mother & turned out well , went to college . They are both settled in good careers making their own way in life. And I am proud of them . I live a little way apart from them & visiting times are precious.

[@Sam-tc9ge]

It's like when you take a nap, it's 6 and then you wake up and you're 25 years old. This song reminds me of how fast time passes.

[@soniclycruedrecords8212]

I love you Dad, always. And I finally did it! I have my own child. Thanks for everything

[@rajm6080]

I first heard this song when I was a teen and it was just another slow song. Today I am 60 and I cannot stop crying when I hear this song. I hope I was not like the person in the song. I even made my kids, who are teens, now listen to this song hoping they will understand what is important and what is not.

[@GMANN83]

This is one of these songs that can be used as a learning tool for for dads with kids make time for them never be too busy

[@froggypaws]

What an awesome introduction by his son, I feel his connection

[@brileygabriel4949]

I first remember hearing this song when I was maybe around 10 years old... the son of a single mom. No father in the house...and I related. Fast forward several decades later, I am 52 a father of four, two parent home, but I was the sole provider... and now I relate from the other perspective! smh.. This is one of the greatest songs ever written!!

[@pamstevens118]

I know how you feel. Play the songs ever I have it in my playlist. I listen to it all the time and now that my boys are 43 and 53. I have them listen to it.

[@pamstevens118]

My father got divorced that he was never around for us kids.

[@arcadian99]

This song will live for infinity - as will my tears - every time I hear it!

[@dipaknadkarni62]

Probably one of the greatest ballads I remember as a young man. Now, as I enter middle age, this song is song is so important.

[@drakehonest2]

Hey 👋

[@lesliebeichnr4484]

I'm 61 years old; always has been a touching song; A frozen Memory in time. And always will be! Mark. GREEN TRACTOR.

[@carolgroff591]

Having 3 boys & now 3 grandsons. Didn't appreciate this song till now ❣️

[@drakehonest2]

Hello how are you doing..?

[@baileys60]

I first heard this song in the early 90s covered by ugly kid joe. 2010 I flew from the UK to Australia when my son was 4 as work was difficult to find at the time for a self employed construction worker. I came back after catching the planes and paying the bills. 2024 he’s in college so my life is 75% into this song. Some songs don’t age well however this is a timeless piece and will follow me through life. I’m 41 now and as I was once told but never appreciated then, time is the most valuable commodity you will ever have. Im on the cusp of I’d like to see you son if you can find the time. Spare us all the who is listening in blah blah year comment. This song and it’s lyrics is worth much more. If you’re a father and don’t quite understand. In time you will.

[@michellebarton9953]

Miss this artist and the music we will never hear…one of the GREATS💔❤️

[@cormacdavid7355]

Hello Michelle 👋

[@leahharris5]

❤. Rest in Peace 🕊️🕊️ Harry Chapin ❤

[@grahamwer]

A true legend taken much to soon ... gone but never forgotten.

[@garycampbell7753]

I lost my father 20 years ago when I was 50, I had my son who was 12 when his Grandad passed. Till this day it is our song and I cry everytime we listen to this.