A child arrived just the other day.
I came into the world in the usual way.
But I didn't know that there were bills to pay.
I learned to walk while Dad was away.
And I was talking 'fore he knew it, and as I grew
I 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 wants to hear "Goodnight 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, you know, I turned ten just the other day.
I said, "Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on, let's play.
Can you teach me to throw?" He said, "Not today.
I got a lot to do," and I said, "No way!"
And I walked away with a face very grim.
I said, "I will never be like him, no.
You know I'll never be like him!"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon.
Little boy wants to hit the ball to 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, I came from college just the other day.
Was I so surprised when I heard Dad say,
"Son, I'm proud of you! Can you sit for a while?"
I remembered my date and I said with a smile,
"Yo! Dad! What'd really like is to borrow the car keys!
See ya later! Can I have them?

Please?"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon.
Little boy and his girl necking under 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, Dad's long retired, and I've moved away.
He called me up just the other day.
He said, "I'd like to see you, if you don't mind."
I 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 to you, Dad.
It's been sure nice talking to you."

And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me
just what I'd grown up to be:
The same kind of man as he.

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon.
Little boy's head reflects the glow of the Moon.
"When can I see my grandkids?"
I don't know when
but we'll get together then, Dad.
You know we'll have a good time then.