Cats in the Cradle
Cats in the Cradle

Ugly Kid Joe - Cats in the Cradle Lyrics

Rock
Aug 31, 1992
235
Cats in the Cradle Music Video

Cats in the Cradle Lyrics

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."

Writer(s): Sandy Chapin, Harry F. Chapin
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who originally wrote 'Cats in the Cradle'?

    'Cats in the Cradle' was originally written by Harry Chapin and his wife, Sandy Chapin. The song's lyrics were based on a poem that Sandy wrote.

  2. Why did Ugly Kid Joe decide to cover 'Cats in the Cradle'?

    Ugly Kid Joe decided to cover 'Cats in the Cradle' because they needed more songs to fill their debut album. Lead singer Whitfield Crane suggested it as a filler, but it ended up becoming one of their biggest hits.

  3. How did Ugly Kid Joe's version of 'Cats in the Cradle' perform on the charts?

    Ugly Kid Joe's version of 'Cats in the Cradle' performed very well on international charts. It reached number six on the US Billboard Hot 100, number seven on the UK Singles Chart, and topped charts in countries like Canada and Australia.

  4. What changes did Ugly Kid Joe make to the original title?

    Ugly Kid Joe removed the apostrophe from the original title, making it 'Cats in the Cradle'. This small change means that, interpreted literally, there is more than one cat in their cradle.

  5. Who directed the music video for Ugly Kid Joe's version of 'Cats in the Cradle'?

    The music video for Ugly Kid Joe's version of 'Cats in the Cradle' was directed by Matt Mahurin. He is an American illustrator, photographer, and film director known for his work with various high-profile artists.

  6. 'Cats in the Cradle' has been used in various media. Can you name some examples?

    'Cats in the Cradle' has been featured in numerous TV shows and movies including The Office (US), Shrek The Third, Modern Family, and several episodes of The Simpsons. It has also been used for commercials and public service announcements.

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