A 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 before I knew 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 in the moon.
When you coming home, dad?
I don't know when,
But we'll get together then son
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.
Can you teach me to throw?
I said, not today I got a lot to do.
He said, that's ok.
And then he walked away but his smile never dimmed
And he said, 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 in the moon.
When you coming home, dad?
I don't know when son
But 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,
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

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.

Well 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 could find the time.
You see my new job's a hassle, and the kid's got 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.

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.

When you comin home son,
I don't know when
But will get together then, dad
Were gonna have a good time then.