Harry Chapin – Cat’s In The Cradle (Official Lyric Video)
Inspiration Behind Cat’s in the Cradle:
Cat’s in the Cradle was inspired by a poem written by Harry’s wife Sandy. This poem details the strained relationship between Sandy’s first husband and his father. Harry takes this situation and writes it as if he was the man who was never around for his son. Some of the trials that individuals experience are self-inflicted. When you are unwilling to take time for other people, you will reap what you sow as others will make similar excuses in life.
Biblical Application:
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life, Galatians 6:7-8.
Exegesis of Cat’s in the Cradle:
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 talking ‘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”
There was a time in American culture when men weren’t expected to be in a delivery room. Their job was to be the sole provider while his wife stayed at home to raise their children. Subsequently, missing the birth of a child wasn’t rare.
And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
“When you coming home, dad?” “I don’t know when
We’ll get together then, you know we’ll have a good time then”
As children grow up, especially boys, they need time with their father to grow and mature. When a dad always makes an excuse, children are watching, following in the footsteps of their parents.
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 okay”
And he walked away but his smile never dimmed
Said, “I’m gonna be like him, yeah
You know, I’m gonna be like him”
At the time this was written, Baseball was America’s favorite pastime. Playing catch with a glove on your hand was part of Americana. The father missed out on becoming a valuable part of his son’s childhood.
And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
“When you coming home, dad?” “I don’t know when
We’ll get together then, you know we’ll have a good time then”
This father was self-absorbed, unwilling to make time for others as family wasn’t a priority for him.
Well, he came 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 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?”
Friends had become this young man’s family.
And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
“When you coming home, son?” “I don’t know when
But we’ll get together then, dad, you know we’ll have a good time then”
Promises made by the father were empty words, void of any action.
I’ve long since retired and my sons 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 could find the time”
“You see, my new job’s a hassle and the kids got the flu
But it’s sure nice talking to you, dad
It’s been sure nice talking to you”
This stanza illustrates karma or as the Bible states, “you reap what you sow.”
And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me
He’d grown up just like me
My boy was just like me
It took decades, but the father finally realized that he set a bad example for his son.
And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
“When you coming home, son?” “I don’t know when
But we’ll get together then, dad, we’re gonna have a good time then”
Interruptions in life, like putting family ahead of work, will make you happy and more efficient as long as you love what you do.
Final Thoughts:
Since my father was an immigrant to America, he had to work for everything that he owned. My father wasn’t around much until my family moved to Delaware. At this time, he decided to coach my little league team for a season. While my father was an intense leader, I would learn to appreciate this trait later in life. When my children all began to play baseball, I pulled back from my social schedule to coach my 2 sons. Later on, my daughter and I would play on a co-ed volleyball team on Friday nights. As my athletic career winds down, I try to play in as many disc golf tournaments with my children so that they will each develop a desire to spend time with their own kids. Enjoy these moments when they happen.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 