Cat's In The Cradle -- Harry Chapin

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"

(**)_

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?"

(**) 

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

(**) 

This heart-wrenching song tells of a father and son who can't schedule time to be with each other, and it serves as a warning against putting one's career before family. The verses start out with a natural harmony and depict the tale of a father with his newborn son.                 (wikipedia) 



       Cats in the cradle and the silver spoon.