Cats in the Cradle - Harry Chapin / Ugly Kid Joe

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 'fore I knew it and as he grew he said,

"I'm gonna be like you, dad, you know I'm gonna be like you."

Well, my son turned ten just the other day, he said "Thanks for the ball dad, come on, let's play.

Could you teach me to throw?", I said "Not today, I got a lot to do", he said "That's OK."

And he, he walked away and he smiled and he said, you know

"I'm gonna be like him, yeah, you know I'm gonna be like him."

Well, he came from college just the other day, so much like a man I just had to say

I'm proud of you, could 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?

I've long since retired, 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 a hassle and the kids have the flu,

but it's sure nice talking to you dad, it's been sure nice talkin' 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!