Cats in the Cradle

It was originally done by Harry Chapin and got a version form Ugly Kid Joe. It’s been a long time since I’ve been hearing this song over the radio especially Sunday afternoon program over different radio stations here in Davao City. The very first time I hear this Folk Country Music, I just like the beat and its rhythm, unmindful that it contains or has a very significant message. More especially between father and son relationship. When I go over the lyrics, I am really surprised how powerful and how hard hitting song it is when anybody can really comprehend with the lyrics. It really touched me. And I know people out there can really relate to this song especially boys or men in the same shoes just what the song is trying to indicate. I can say it’s a father and son rapport but all this time it really makes me wonder how the title of this song became “Cats in the cradle”. Why is it? When if you go over the lyrics, we could have thought or think otherwise. If you haven’t heard it yet guys try it. To those who want to know the lyrics, here it goes:

Cats in the cradle By: Harry Chapin/Ugly Kid Joe

1. A child arrived just the other day; He came to the world in the usual way. But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay. He learned to walk while I was away.And he was talking “fore I knew it, and as he grew, He”d say, “I’m gonna be like you, dad. You know I’m gonna be like you.” Refrain: 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.”
2. 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, Said, “I’m gonna be like him, yeah. You know I’m gonna be like him.” Refrain: 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.”
3. Well, he came from college just the other day, So much like a man I just had to say, “Son, I’m proud of you. Can you sit for a while?” He shook his head, and he said with a smile, “What I’d really like, dad is to borrow the car keys. See you later. Can I have them please?” Refrain: 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.”
4. I’ve long since retired and my son’s moved away. I called him up just the other day. I said, “I’d like to see you if you don’t mind.” He said, “I’d love to, dad, if I could find the time. You see, my new job’s a hassle, and the kid’s got 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

Repeat Refrain twice…