Cat's in the Cradle

Ugly Kid Joe

About Cat's in the Cradle

"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. In 1992 American rock band Ugly Kid Joe covered the song and released it as a single; their version topped the Australian Singles Chart and became a major hit in several other countries, including Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and the United States.  


Year:
1992
4:01
176 
#3

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My child arrived just the other day;
Came to the world in the usually way
But there were planes to catch and bills to pay.
He learned to walk while I was away.
He was talkin' 'fore I knew it.
And as he grew he said,
"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 ?"
"Son, I don't know when.
We'll get together then.
You know we'll have a good time then."

Well, my son turned ten just the other day.
He said , "Thanks for the ball, Dad. Come on, let's play.
Could you teach me to throw ?" I said, "Not today.
I got a lot to do." He said, "That's okay."
And he walked away and he smiled and he said,
"You know,
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.
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,
"I'm proud of you. Could 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 ?"

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.
We'll get together then.
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'd like to see you, if you don't mind."
He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I could find the time.
You see my new job's a hassle and the kids have the flu,
But it's sure nice talkin' to you, Dad.
It's been sure nice talkin' 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.
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)

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.
We'll get together then.
You know we'll have a good time then."

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Ugly Kid Joe

Ugly Kid Joe is an American rock band from Isla Vista, California, formed in 1990. The band's name spoofs that of another band, Pretty Boy Floyd. Ugly Kid Joe's sound includes a range of styles, including hard rock, funk metal and heavy metal. more »

1 fan

Written by: Sandy Chapin, Harry F. Chapin

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


2 facts about this song

Harry Chapin Version
Harry Chapin, a folk singer-songwriter, released "Cat's in the Cradle" in 1974 as a part of his album "Verities & Balderdash." - The song took inspiration from Sandy Chapin, Harry's wife. She wrote the lyrics as a poem when Harry was always on the road for his musical journey. - "Cat's in the Cradle" was Harry Chapin's only number 1 hit. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1974. - The song is known for its powerful and emotional storyline that speaks about a father who fails to make time for his son, only to have the son grow up to be just like the father. - Harry Chapin was known as a master storyteller through his songs. "Cat's in the Cradle" is considered a classic example of his skill. - Chapin was tragically killed in a car accident in 1981, and his song "Cat's in the Cradle" remains one of his enduring legacies.
Ugly Kid Joe Version
Ugly Kid Joe, an American rock band, covered "Cat's in the Cradle" in 1992. It was included in their debut album, "America's Least Wanted." - Their version was also successful and reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks list. - "Cat's in the Cradle" was their first single, and it helped them gain significant commercial success. - The band's rendition of the song was praised for keeping the essence of the original while adding their own rock spin, making it distinct and appealing to a younger audience. - Ugly Kid Joe's version of "Cat's in the Cradle" was nominated for Best Rock Performance in the 1993 Grammy Awards, it didn't win, but the nomination increased the band's fame. - Over the years, the band's rendition continued to be popular, and many millennials discovered Harry Chapin's original song through their cover.

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    Cat's in the Cradle

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1993

    Billboard #6


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