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 going 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-
you know we'll have a good time then

My son turned 10 just the other day
he said, Thanks for the ball, Dad com'on let's play
Can you tech me to throw?
I said not today, I got a lot to do
He said, That's okay
and he walked but his smile never dimmed
it 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 comin' home, Dad

I don't know when
but we'll get together then-
you know we'll have a good time then

Well he came home 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 awhile
He shook his head and said with a smile-
what I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
see you later, can I have them please?

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 can find the time

You see my new job's a hassle
and the kids have the flu
but it's sure nice talkin to you, Dad
It's been 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 comin home, Son?
I don't know when
but we'll get together then, Dad,
we're gonna have a good time then