Cat's In The Cradle (Harry Chapin cover) - as performed by Jack Marti

"For I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments." Exodus 20:5-6

This folk song by the late Harry Chapin is one of those numbers that really needs to be listened to. It's message is poignant and pertinent. All too often we have our priorities entirely out of whack, and a song like this comes around and biffs us right in the beezer with a musical two by four to get our attention. So, all you dads out there, pay attention!

My child arrived just the other day,
He came through 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."

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue and the man on the moon.
"When you coming home, Dad?" "I don't know when,
But we'll get together then.
were gonna have a good time then."

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 he walked away, but his smile never dimmed,and
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 on the moon.
"When you coming home, Dad?" "I don't know when,
But we'll get together then.
were gonna 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 on the moon.
"When you coming home, son?" "I don't know when,
But we'll get together then, Dad.
were gonna have a good time then."

I've long since retired and 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 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,
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 on the moon.
"When you coming home, son?" "I don't know when,
But we'll get together then, Dad.
you know well have a good time then."

Category:

Music

Tags:

• folk
• song
• music
• father
• son
• child
• children

[readyeddy101]

Excellent cover and you made it your own rather than to try to copy. Your voice and playing were right on !!! 2 thumbs up!!!

[guitmartiman]

@readyeddy101 Thanks! I try to sing the message as it comes across to me rather than just the song. I'm glad you enjoyed it! Blessings on you!

[hiddentalent123]

Great job Jack. This is a great song with a great message . Did you get the video that I sent in the mail ?

[guitmartiman]

Yes, I will be sending you a donation ere long. :o)

[acousticaddic]

That was a nice one Jack. Happy to see you back.*****

Steeve

[guitmartiman]

Thanks! Glad to be back., I've been slacking off a bit lately on making videos for YT because there's so much else going on in my life, I just haven't had as much time for it. Hopefully, I can pick up the pace a little more now that summer is over.

[chichiboypumpi]

very good

I'd like a beer with chippy or wings please

[TheSimmi45]

That´s a really great Cover!!!! Regards Andreas

[doglover427]

This song always wants to make me cry, it's so beautiful. Good job!

[guylline]

Beautiful sung, picked & renditioned Jack ! All the stars !

Rene

[SmurFinPhantom]

Okay, I have watched this one before but I like this song, and I like you as a singer. So I decided to watch it again. It is amazing. Would you send me this one in an MP3 as well?

[Ottawarocket]

A true Classic..Great job Jack

Rocket

[tigerhugger66]

good stuff!!!

[scottklaw]

I love this song. You made it awesome again too. (**********)