Cats In The Cradle - Harry Chapin »
Posted By RickyDawkins 2 months, 3 weeks ago in Arts & EntertainmentA child arrived just the other day, 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. He was talking before I knew it and as he grew, he said I'm going to be like you Dad, you know I'm going to be like you...
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RickyDawkins
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RickyDawkins2 months, 3 weeks ago
"Cats In The Cradle"
A child arrived just the other day,
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
He was talking before I knew it and as he grew
he said I'm going to be like you Dad,
you know I'm going to be like you.
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
We'll get together then, you know we'll have a good time then.
My son turned 10 just the other day,
Said thanks for the ball now c'mon let's play
Will you teach me to throw, I said not today,
I've got a lot to do, he said that's ok
And he walked away and he smiled and he said
You know I'm going to be like you, Dad,
you know I'm going to be like you.
(Chorus)
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RickyDawkins2 months, 3 weeks ago
He came from college just the other day,
so much like a man I just had to say,
I'm proud of you, won't you sit for a while
He shook his head and said with a smile,
What I'm feeling like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
See you later can I have them please.
(Chorus)
I've long since retired and 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 talking you Dad, it's been real nice talking to you.
And as I hung up the phone it occured to me
He'd grown up just like me, my boy was just like me.
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memestryker2 months, 3 weeks ago
Reminds me of my dad, who was a business owner. We didn't spend much time together until he retired, but we were always close, enjoyed the time we did share, and he made sure we always had a comfortable life.
I think of him whenever I hear this song. Thanks for a nice memory.
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dadesider2 months, 3 weeks ago
RD...
I knew Harry... If you want to know or give, maybe see, http://www.licares.org/Our_Founder.htm... I do not profit from this, just a link, THX...
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Endoscopy2 months, 3 weeks ago
The message is a true one. I had a job that took me out of town a lot. I made sure that when I was not traveling I spent as much time with the kids as I could. I always remembered this song.
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Spadecaller2 months, 3 weeks ago
For me and for so many of us, this is one of those songs connected to so many emotions from the past. Good choice Ricky. Thanks.
Most of us do not get through this life without "screwing" up in some way or another - especially when it comes to relationships.
My oldest children have taught me one important lesson: do not overlook all the things that you did right also, because they will be remembered last.
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canadianrancher572 months, 3 weeks ago
I always thought this was a great song which is sort of odd since it really doesn't apply to the families or the area I live in. I attended a funeral today of the mother of one of my friends and saw the exact opposite of this song, families who work together and take their kids to work with them and teach them that family is important.
Maybe the reason that this has been a favorite of mine for years is it lets me appreciate that there are still places and people in the world that have the time to spend with their families, friends and neighbors.
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RickyDawkins2 months, 3 weeks ago
I had always liked the sound of it, but only paid attention to the lyrics recently.
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wtagg2 months, 3 weeks ago
Though Bob Geldof gets almost all of the accolades for hunger relief (and he should get plenty), it really all started with Harry back in the 70's. I think I saw him about half a dozen times in the 70's. A great performer, whether with his band or solo. He would spend hours after a concert signing things for the WHO.
Fav song - Sniper
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HannibalBarca2 months, 3 weeks ago
A great song writer and person, and his brother is good also, especially for kid songs.
Here is my fav by Harry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXiU-OP2Rlo
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1basque12 months, 3 weeks ago
Reminds me of the song "Time in a Bottle" by Jim Croce .
Thinking music, when you can still understand what they were saying .
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chevydog2 months, 3 weeks ago
Good post Ricky.
For a long time, it hadn't struck me that the boy sort of just fell in with it fairly easily. It's easy to isolate oneself.
Also, a parent sometimes reaches the end not really knowing what was for him/her and what was for the child.
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CRYMTYPHON2 months, 3 weeks ago
My son took up the guitar.
He learned 'cats in the cradel' which is a beautiful tune and he played it and played it.
'Alright already', I shouted, 'lets throw the old baseball or build with legos or something'.
'I'm 19', he said.
'Then let's have a really nice talk,' I screamed.
He switched over to Neil Young's 'Old man take a look at my life', -
He's been playing that 3 days now.
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BronxBomber2 months, 3 weeks ago
It's too bad Harry Chapin was taken away from us much too soon. The potentiality of more folk songs he could've written, and performed. What a talent he had! Thanx Ricky!
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Justice4All2 months, 3 weeks ago
I never pay attention to lyrics. But from the first time I heard "Cats in the Cradle" I paid attention. Something about those words. It's like they found me.
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hefaa12 months, 3 weeks ago
In a freshman year Philosopy class in college we had to write a short paper on the lyrics of this song. The premise: Our we Oblivious to the Obvious? Our we working long hours and missing tbe truly important events in our lives? Are our goals distorted? If we don't make time for our children when they're young, we'll they make time for us when we're old? Why do we have to work 12-hours to maintain the same "Quality of Life" our parents/grandparents only had to work eight to maintain? Our we so cynical because we over-analysis? and more.... All this conjecture from a simple tune.
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protoham2 months, 3 weeks ago
As a parent of two, both now over 21, it amazes me the things they remember and how important some simple aspects of their growing up was. Thanks for the memory.
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Charlson2 months, 3 weeks ago
Anyone who's a father or son can relate to this song. I'd always wanted my father around when I was very young but had less time with him as time went on. As a teenager, you sort of want to start flapping your wings and leave the nest which doesn't leave much time with dear old dad. As an adult you start your own family and that takes up much of your time. Then you're middle aged and start to see mortality as you age and come closer to the end of your life and want to reestablish past relationships and sometimes you're too late. This song says relish the relationship with your father because you'll never get back old times and the new times may to too short. Love you Dad and rest in peace.
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Shadowolf2 months, 3 weeks ago
Probably due to my folks divoricing when I was @ 5, I was afraid I'd never see my Dad again...every time I heard this song I cried...
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