THE CAT'S IN THE CRADLE 4/4 time D F 1. My child arrived just the other day; G D He came to the world in the usual way. F But there were planes to catch and bills to pay, G He learned to walk while I was away. C And he was talkin' 'fore I knew it, Am F D And as he grew he'd say: "I'm gonna be like you, dad, F D You know I'm gonna be like you." D C CHORUS: And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon, F G Little boy blue and the man in the moon. D C "When you comin' home, dad?" "I don't know when, F D But we'll get together then, son, F D You know we'll have a good time then." D F 2. My son turned ten just the other day, G D He said, "Thanks for the ball, dad, come on let's play. F Can you teach me to throw?" I said, "Not today, G D I got a lot to do." He said "That's OK." C Am And he walked away, but his smile never dimmed; F D It said "I'm gonna be like him, yeah, F D You know I'm gonna be like him." (continued next page) THE CAT'S IN THE CRADLE (continued) D F 3. Well, he came from college just the other day, G D So much like a man, I just had to say, F "Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?" G D He shook his head and said with a smile, C Am "What I'd really like, dad is to borrow the car keys. F D See you later, can I have them please?" D F 4. I've long sing retired, my son's moved away. G D I called him up just the other day. F I said, "I like to see you if you don't mind," G D He said, "I'd love to, dad, if I can find the time. C Am You see, my new job's a hassle and the kids have the flu, F D But it's sure nice talkin' to you, dad. F D It's been sure nice talkin' to you." C Am And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me, F D He'd grown up just like me. F D My boy was just like me. D C ENDING: And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon, F G Little boy blue and the man in the moon. D C "When you comin' home, SON?" "I don't know when, F D But we'll get together then, dad, F D You know we'll have a good time then."