Cats in the Cradle
Harry Chapin
Capo: 1
 
E G A child arrived just the other day
A E He came to the world in the usual way
E G But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay
A E He learned to walk while I was away
DA/C# BmA And he was talking before I knew It, and as he grew
GBm/F# E He said, "I'm gonna be like you, Dad.
GBm/F# E You know I'm gonna be like you"
E D And the cats in the cradle and the silver spoon
G A Little boy blue and the man in the moon
E D "When you comin' home, Dad?" ... "I don't know when,
GBm E But we'll get together then
GBm E You know we'll have a good time then."
E G My son turned ten just the other day
A E He said "Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on lets play
E G can you teach me to throw?"
A E I said, "Not today, I've got a lot to do," he said "Thats okay"
DA/C# BmA And he walked away but his smile never dimmed
GBm/F# E And said "I'm gonna be like him, yeah
GBm/F# E You know I'm going to be like him"
Repeat Chorus
E G Well, he came from college just the other day
A E So much like a man I just had to say,
E G "Son I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?"
A E He shook his head, and he said with a smile
DA/C# BmA "What I'm feeling like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
GBm/F# E See you later, can I have them please?"
Repeat Chorus (comin' home son .. together then, Dad)
C D E ‑
C D E ‑
E G I've long since retired, my son has moved away
A E ‑ I called him up just the other day
E G I said "I'd like to see you if you don't mind"
A E ‑ He said "I'd love to, Dad, if I could find the time.
DA/C# BmA You see my new job's a hassle, and the kids have the flu.
GBm/F# E But Its sure nice talking to you, Dad,
GBm/F# E Its been sure nice talking to you."
DA/C# BmA And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me
GBm/F# E He'd grown up just like me.
GBm/F# E My boy was just like me.
Repeat Chorus (comin' home son .. together then, Dad)
... We're gonna have a good time then.