Harry Chapin - Cats in the Cradle

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 พ.ย. 2024

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  • @RaulBenavidez-iv5mh
    @RaulBenavidez-iv5mh 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +253

    I'm 59 this song still brings tears to my eyes

    • @kerikopey7419
      @kerikopey7419 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Me too

    • @vance5681
      @vance5681 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      I cry every time I hear this song. Unfortunately it reminds of me and my Dad.

    • @PeterGoodwin-nl9bt
      @PeterGoodwin-nl9bt 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      I’m 70 and still listening.

    • @judichristophersen7238
      @judichristophersen7238 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Me too husband died sang this to boys

    • @basharatjavaid5980
      @basharatjavaid5980 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I am 75 and it brings tears to my eyes by the bucketful.

  • @cjrrun
    @cjrrun ปีที่แล้ว +219

    Every dad should listen to this song from the moment you find out you'll be a dad until your child is born. Puts priorities in order

    • @drakehonest2
      @drakehonest2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hello how are you doing today?

    • @scottjohnson454
      @scottjohnson454 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      AMEN

    • @agentzapdos4960
      @agentzapdos4960 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Only the ones with jobs. In my experience, most dads are layabouts that collect welfare and drink until they're drunk every day, and then leave forever when the mother or kids finally get sick of his constant yelling and violence

  • @ebonpaladin
    @ebonpaladin 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1903

    Who is listening to Harry in 2022? This is one of those songs that I've listened to all my life, from childhood to teendom, then in later adulthood I re-discovered it. Love it still!

    • @xbreezy9843
      @xbreezy9843 2 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      Ironically I'm watching Shrek the Third and Donkey was singing the song made me come back to it

    • @barbaradyer4726
      @barbaradyer4726 2 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Love this song.

    • @geminiwednesday16
      @geminiwednesday16 2 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      I'm listening,ebonpaladin.....as I have for years...along with "It was a very good year"...Frank Sinatra...and "Father and Son"...Cat Stevens ....just to name the minimal; I have no sons but the very beauty of these lovely songs makes us realise how very short life really is and these days there are no songs that can compare.

    • @pererikgranberg1240
      @pererikgranberg1240 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      I do and i love it 🤗

    • @erikhansen7754
      @erikhansen7754 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Always!

  • @adameckard4591
    @adameckard4591 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +36

    I want this played at my funeral.

  • @PB-wz3dp
    @PB-wz3dp 2 ปีที่แล้ว +831

    A couple years ago my dad asked if i could get time off work to go with him on a road trip to Idaho. My brother and sister both just had their second kid and weren’t visiting much. This song came on. He laughed and said “this song is so true” and I went “huh?” He said “well… it’s about a father who never had time to spend with his son… and when his son grew up… his son didn’t have time for his dad… thanks for coming with me on this trip. I really appreciate it.”
    Took everything in me to not cry.

    • @erigatsu
      @erigatsu 2 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      its a song that reminds me of a story that my dad had told me about when i was really young (still tells me about it now). Its about a father not having enough time for his son, and the point of the story was that the kid had saved up money to buy an hour of his dads hour (because he was a professional businessman).

    • @joepincombe66
      @joepincombe66 2 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      The power of parent guilt never fails

    • @paulbate4258
      @paulbate4258 2 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      I recently re-discovered this song as a dad with a young 18 month old boy. Actually listened to the lyrics instead of just singing the chorus. It sums up my relationship with my dad perfectly, and now in hard times having to spend so much time apart from my lad for work, it's such a relatable subject. Seeing how quick he grows it makes me appreciate the time we have together and how important it is to try and break the cycle. Emotional song to hear though.

    • @ricklebl
      @ricklebl 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Beautiful words.

    • @robertdouglas8895
      @robertdouglas8895 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@joepincombe66 Only if it raises its ugly head and you ask for correction.

  • @dorrieh4595
    @dorrieh4595 2 ปีที่แล้ว +792

    I'm 49 years old, and this song still makes me cry every time I hear it.

    • @JadetheGoober
      @JadetheGoober 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      I’ve always known the song but now that im nearly 30 it definitely makes me cry now.

    • @Honeybee70
      @Honeybee70 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Me too

    • @jamesknowles1907
      @jamesknowles1907 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      You are not alone

    • @mischief8404
      @mischief8404 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      At 66 I still cry when I hear it.

    • @adambeck1897
      @adambeck1897 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Why crying? Hes just talking about cats 😆

  • @terrysmitherman4116
    @terrysmitherman4116 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +169

    I remember this song when I was a little boy. I'm 58 years old now and this song still brings tears to my eyes...

    • @ronkampsen1098
      @ronkampsen1098 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      61. Same thing!

    • @annaaustin1843
      @annaaustin1843 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Me too

    • @annaaustin1843
      @annaaustin1843 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I’m 58

    • @brozyt80
      @brozyt80 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Same 58 and loving this song

    • @aineyconstruction3838
      @aineyconstruction3838 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You and me both man i miss my old man

  • @nataliahedke
    @nataliahedke ปีที่แล้ว +202

    this happened to me and my son. i worked all the time and know im retired at home. and hes always working.and after work as he had the weekend off hes hang with his buddies. one time he came over to ask for some money and he saw me crying listening to this song. he listened and it broke his heart.poor kid . he cried and we hugged. every weekend hes comes over nowand stays in touch constantly. thank you harry chapin.

    • @peterdean9181
      @peterdean9181 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      You should write your own song about how your son is always working, but has to borrow money to go out with his friends.

    • @100YearJukebox
      @100YearJukebox 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Thank you for this beautiful story, and thank goodness the two of you mended fences while there was still time. And oh, yes: thank you again, Harry Chapin, AND your wife, Sandy--for writing the original lyrics. 💓💓💖💖

    • @timothy4557
      @timothy4557 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      That's wonderful, God bless you both.

    • @VivienneFinch
      @VivienneFinch 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Touching!!❤

    • @KeithSmalley-x2r
      @KeithSmalley-x2r 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'm am so there

  • @dinosaur656n6m
    @dinosaur656n6m 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +231

    Anyone listening 2024?
    This song gives me tears sad story REST IN PEACE HARRY CHAPIN

    • @hvacmike1175
      @hvacmike1175 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      I have two daughters both of them have 3 children. The oldest has 2 boys the youngest has 2 girls
      Me and my wife have two daughters.this song makes think of who I was at that time I was 15 or 16 years old I still have tears every time I hear it.. my daughters are great moms and they have strong convictions of right and wrong .i tell them every time I see them to spend time with them. Every minute of every day on this planet should be precious have time set aside to visit them as much as you because one day will be your last to visit. If your children bury you then you have won the game of life.

    • @ronaldhartke982
      @ronaldhartke982 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      It happens between son and dads,....sad as it is,...it's reality...😮😮

    • @debrabrooks6138
      @debrabrooks6138 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Always and forever!

    • @wongck2
      @wongck2 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Always like a wake up call. I always use it to help my friends.

    • @sinneadfert
      @sinneadfert 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Boomer here. Will always be listening. This song has meant so much down the years. So glad to hear it is just as powerful today.

  • @rorycampbell5401
    @rorycampbell5401 ปีที่แล้ว +108

    This is probably one of the most moving songs ever written

  • @robertvalentine3181
    @robertvalentine3181 2 ปีที่แล้ว +398

    I am 58 yr old and have 20 yr old kids. This song is my living life right now. I worked all my life and the kids are in school and doing their thing. I see this song everyday. People, ENJOY your kids while you can..

    • @PTPavlos
      @PTPavlos 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Stage of life hopefully they will find more time. 😉

    • @jamesknowles1907
      @jamesknowles1907 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      I tried and tried and still was not able to fulfill avoiding the truth of this song.

    • @jamesknowles1907
      @jamesknowles1907 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      I heard a horrible saying along the same line as this song. "People avoid the sick and visit the dead"🤔😪😢😥

    • @jamesknowles1907
      @jamesknowles1907 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Talk about the moment... Croce wrote "time in a Bottle" for his then unborn son and died when his son was 13 months.
      th-cam.com/video/dO1rMeYnOmM/w-d-xo.html

    • @pumpkinpuna4087
      @pumpkinpuna4087 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@jamesknowles1907 also... sometimes the only way to have a "family reunion" and to finally get the WHOLE family together under one roof is funerals and weddings !!!

  • @MrAnimalControl
    @MrAnimalControl ปีที่แล้ว +145

    My dad was my best friend. I joined the Marine Corps fresh outta high school when I was 19. Unbeknownst to me his time on this earth was coming to an end. A day after I turned 21 he died in my arms of a massive heart attack at 58. I would give anything to have those years back and see my dad again.

    • @rodpinheiro9036
      @rodpinheiro9036 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      I know what it's like bro
      I went through the same situation

    • @Donnie-u9i
      @Donnie-u9i 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      I cried as I read your words. I was there as my dad took his last breath 😭. Spiritual and sacred times

    • @FrancescaLee-np3qr
      @FrancescaLee-np3qr 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      My dad was dying of cancer and we booked our plane tickets to see him but he died before we got there

    • @queentroll1955
      @queentroll1955 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      hugs .. glad you had some time ... cherish the memories . my dad was a walk away. the best mom ever..

    • @BenDozier-bo8ue
      @BenDozier-bo8ue 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      My all time favorite song
      Harry left all of us thinking

  • @nitrojunkie22
    @nitrojunkie22 ปีที่แล้ว +156

    That final lyric, "As I hung up the phone, it occurred to me, he'd grown up just like me. My boy was just like me." chokes me up every single time. It looks like it chokes up Harry, too. If it doesn't, then you don't have a soul. Songs like this aren't written anymore.

    • @rogergeyer9851
      @rogergeyer9851 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Nitro Junkie: Or we don't hear them, or can't relate to them because we're old.
      The world keeps changing. And we change, inevitably. We can't reach out and be teens or 20's etc. again.
      It was a great song, and I have no real desire to listen to most modern popular music because it lacks context to me (like rap and hip hop -- give me a break), yet that's the most popular music, per statistics.

    • @ScubaSteveM45
      @ScubaSteveM45 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Good thing fathers and sons the world over can listen to this song and remember not to brush each other off across their whole lives, right?

    • @VickySwindoll
      @VickySwindoll 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I always cry when I hear this song 😢 Harry Chapin was a great song writer, truly missed!

    • @327JohnnySS
      @327JohnnySS 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I agree. Greg wrote about 'They don't write th-cam.com/video/k8ePSJ44Fiw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=_B5vLcXvxBSUssPB

    • @vulpinemachine
      @vulpinemachine 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Songs like this are still written, they're not always as popular or in the same genre but there's always genuine artists writing and performing stuff that speaks to the human experience.

  • @rayeannkemp9518
    @rayeannkemp9518 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +80

    Who's still here in 2024? I'm 65 and I remember when this came out! I loved Harry 's songs. Always touched my heart.

    • @ronschultz6887
      @ronschultz6887 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Me too!

    • @marilynparker3087
      @marilynparker3087 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Me

    • @susiejane8586
      @susiejane8586 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I’m 70. Yes.

    • @albieinangelus
      @albieinangelus 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      75 here....hope I raised my kids with this in my brain....I know God was there

    • @ScaredShiftless91
      @ScaredShiftless91 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      52

  • @lorieharris4886
    @lorieharris4886 7 ปีที่แล้ว +481

    I saw my father cry twice. The first time was when he received a call from a family member informing him of his mother's death.
    The second was when I informed him that his only son had died.
    I lost my father on Sept 12, 2010. I wish that I could have told him more often that his baby girl loved him.
    He was only able to tell me that he loved me twice... once written in a card and once in person, the night before he died. I leaned in and whispered back, "I always knew that you did, and I love you, too".
    Peace.

    • @coryburns1905
      @coryburns1905 6 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      I bet your dad was a great dad when I read that really got me I understand him I guess I felt bad about the news he heard no father wants to hear that I the youngest I miss my dad he wasn't easy but we got along great at least after he retired then you don't have to come home and see the kids you know he has enough worries in his life he's the breadwinner he supported us and took care of us

    • @bapete5159
      @bapete5159 6 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Lorie Harris Never saw my Dad 😢cry....never ever said he loved me...But I know he did...God Bless you DAD.....

    • @billjohnson2508
      @billjohnson2508 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      He knows Lorie, you just told him. He 's listening from above.

    • @laurences52
      @laurences52 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      OK that story got me as a composer. Just like I said to a woman falling from Tower one on 9/11 "Honey I don't know your name but I will write a song for you " I want to write one based on this, thanks for sharing. www.ourmuiscrocks.com
      Song was called Unborn baby of tower one.

    • @Elvis68spec
      @Elvis68spec 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      WOW! A beautiful, amazing story!

  • @danmeadows3859
    @danmeadows3859 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +23

    My dad was raised in the depression, in the 1930’s. He was so hardened by it that there was no way we would ever be close. I can never remember him giving me a hug. But this song made me think about a lot of things when my son was born. We’re very close. Thanks,Harry😊

    • @ronschultz6887
      @ronschultz6887 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You can still make a turn-about

    • @danmeadows3859
      @danmeadows3859 12 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@ronschultz6887-I wish that could have happened, but dad died in 1988. We had gotten a little closer, but he was raised in a way to show NO EMOTION. The older generation thought that crying was a sign of weakness. I never saw him cry. My wife, kids, and grandkids have all seen ME Cry, but that’s ok. This song has been a big part of that growth 😊

  • @solafide4054
    @solafide4054 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1582

    My father was raised in a small town on the western side of Wisconsin. His father, my grandfather was a decent man. Worked hard to provide for his family but rarely made the time to spend with my father. My father met my mother while he was attending college in Kansas City Missouri and that's where I grew up. About a month after I graduated high school, my grandfather passed away. During the 500 mile road trip from Kansas City to my dad's hometown this song came on the radio. My dad turned the volume up and told me to listen to the song. After it was over my father told me a lot about his childhood, things I'd never heard before. He explained to me how much he respected and loved his father but promised himself long before I came around that he would never be absent from his children like his father was. First time I can remember seeing my father cry. My father kept the promise he made to himself all those years ago. And I'm happy to say now that I am a father, I've been the kind of father that mine was to me.

    • @hung1396
      @hung1396 9 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Nobody cares

    • @solafide4054
      @solafide4054 9 ปีที่แล้ว +86

      Barak Busby apparently you do! If it offends you so much, then don't read it.

    • @ericbedenbaugh7085
      @ericbedenbaugh7085 9 ปีที่แล้ว +87

      Barak Busby I do. Great story

    • @ericbedenbaugh7085
      @ericbedenbaugh7085 9 ปีที่แล้ว +56

      nicholas bronson Thank you for sharing that story.

    • @2old2bhere
      @2old2bhere 9 ปีที่แล้ว +36

      awesome story!

  • @debraoneill1930
    @debraoneill1930 ปีที่แล้ว +337

    I'm 58 never had kids, but this song reduces me to tears and makes me miss my mum and dad (both passed). It is a song which will never age, a simple song, yet I think the saddest song in the world....yet beautiful. Now to wipe the tears away. xx

    • @JSashiKumar
      @JSashiKumar ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I lost my father in the year I discovered this song, but before I was able to share it with him. One thing I've learnt, is that they never lose love in their kids, it only grows. I hope you had a chance to experience their love. My deepest condolences. I truly understand your loss. Wish you recover well and grow. Love.

    • @rrn3263
      @rrn3263 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      It brings to light how so many of us are entangled with everyday hustles , away a sad amount of time from family. The short hours together we need to make the time special. Sadly, many are too exhausted by then.

    • @someythemoney
      @someythemoney ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I wanna meet you... I miss my dad!

    • @matthewryan7281
      @matthewryan7281 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes sir I'm there too. Great song

    • @travisbaxter6597
      @travisbaxter6597 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      TAPS@Davidholton0207

  • @Moses1973
    @Moses1973 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +41

    Had my boy at sixteen. I grew up fast. I married his mom in the seventies. It was was tuff on us all. I had to support us. His mom left . She thought she was taking my boy. Didn't happen even in the old days. My boy at fifty knows who took care him. I'm so proud of him. When he was young I had to support us, so this song hits right to my heart. I worked six days a week. Wasn't easy but I wouldn't change a thing. He's helping me out now that I'm old. I had a great family too. That helped us out as well.

  • @lydiajones5365
    @lydiajones5365 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +60

    I would give anything to go back and live in the 70' s when i was young back then we were free and safe. I miss those safe days. All we have are the good memories! No cell phones. We had great music to keep us busy. Kids today have no idea how good it was back then. Sometimes i sit with the 70"s music and peacefully wonder back in time feeling like im living it with my mind set at the moment.

    • @mtyhntr49
      @mtyhntr49 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      In the '70's our airing was breaking in the Dwight D Eisenhower CVN69 brand new. This song is a national treasure. The comments are treasures themselves!!!

    • @Harry-oe5os
      @Harry-oe5os 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Yes I agree with ya! The 60s and 70s were my era as a kid and loved it. Much simpler times compared to all of the social media these days. Although I appreciate TH-cam for thinking about are generation that brings great memories back to us. Thank you!😎👍🇺🇸🎼

    • @Skynyrdforever
      @Skynyrdforever 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I wish we could go back as kids with our kids and see them enjoy what we enjoyed, together.

    • @wendyfrench8042
      @wendyfrench8042 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I agree with you - we didn’t know how much we’d long to go back- many people live for the “next “ thing and don’t enjoy what’s right in front of them.

    • @judycoker1001
      @judycoker1001 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Me too ❤❤❤

  • @bradyboy1390
    @bradyboy1390 2 ปีที่แล้ว +261

    I’ll never forget the first time i heard this song, my dad had a model railroad set in the basement and we were hanging out. This song came on and he just said “listen to this song”. He passed in 2018 and I now have a 9 month old boy, hearing this song now really hits home. God Bless!

    • @denisehammill3625
      @denisehammill3625 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      The first time i heard this song i was a very abused kid. still to this day it hits home and i am very protective of all my kids and my extras that i have taken in oven the years

    • @helenrosales6519
      @helenrosales6519 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@denisehammill3625 wow Dennis I hear your pain.. my husband was an abusive alcoholic who stayed at home raising my kids while I worked I hardly see my older son and I always tell him hey cats in cradle. ... So yes this song works for women too.. my regret is what my boys went through because of my husband..

    • @tessamadere80
      @tessamadere80 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@denisehammill3625 beautiful

  • @askeptic887
    @askeptic887 8 ปีที่แล้ว +529

    I heard this song the first time when I was a young man with three little boys. It rocked my soul and at that moment I dedicated myself into being the best father and husband I could be. Day upon day and weeks upon weeks and years went by. I kept my promise. My sons are all grown now and they have given me wonderful daughter-in-laws and 9 grandchildren. We talk everyday on the phone. I was at my youngest son's home visiting along with my wife and the mother of my boys. I overheard my son telling his oldest son, "I want you to be like grandpa. I had to excuse myself saying I needed to use the restroom. I closed the door and I wept. Always let your children know you are not perfect. Tell them at least every hour you love them. Sometimes I cry a little wishing I could have those days with 3 little kids all over again. I love them so much!

    • @sweaq123
      @sweaq123 7 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      Inspiring stuff. Thanks for sharing.

    • @ianord6893
      @ianord6893 7 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Listen to Dan Fogelberg, Leader of the band, another great father son song

    • @Johnny_Blaze
      @Johnny_Blaze 7 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I am a father of 3 boys under 10. I just heard this song for the first time recently. Your comment hits home...so much, it hurts. I will be the man they want to be.

    • @esbizzze
      @esbizzze 6 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      When I was a teen and this song came out, it literally spoke to my relationship with my father. When my father died in 86, I stood at his casket and cried. Not for the loss of him, but for the loss of memories not had, and memories I didn't have to hold on to him with.

    • @jimburgoon1541
      @jimburgoon1541 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Very well said sir i have 3 daughters between them i have 7 grandkids love everyone of them

  • @shimmeringfairydust3275
    @shimmeringfairydust3275 2 ปีที่แล้ว +267

    This is an absolute masterpiece. Chapin wrote a plethora of brilliant songs, but few can say they wrote a masterpiece. This one is.

    • @pumpkinpuna4087
      @pumpkinpuna4087 2 ปีที่แล้ว +33

      his wife wrote it as a poem

    • @kimdyer2288
      @kimdyer2288 2 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      As Pumpkin Puna mentioned, his wife wrote it while he was on the road, touring. He looked at the poem, set it aside, and forgot about it for a while. Shortly after his son Joshua was born, he found renewed interest and put it to music. Henry died in a car crash about half a dozen years later. His son was only eight years old.

    • @KungFuPanda254
      @KungFuPanda254 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      He didn't actually write this song. His wife did then he put music to it.

    • @harvickfan100
      @harvickfan100 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @Shimmering Fairy Dust did you actually watch the video? Wow the illiteracy of people is astounding!!

    • @whiteyfisk9769
      @whiteyfisk9769 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      He shouldnt have went into the chorus after one verse

  • @brian_nirvana
    @brian_nirvana 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +25

    Culturally significant. The future generations will thank you for putting this on youtube.

  • @rabbaker1958
    @rabbaker1958 ปีที่แล้ว +73

    I am now 64 years old and remember this song from my days in high school. My dad and I never were able to heal all the rift between us. He had been raised in the Depression and, like many in his generation, learned to hide his fear, his feelings and would never admit being wrong or say he was sorry.
    I have two daughters, 32 and 27. I am very close with both of them and so is my wife. For our 40th anniversary we asked them to join us - we are both most happy when our girls are with us. I just sobbed while listening to this song. In the last few years I have referenced this song when asked how my girls are doing.
    That's the power of this song...even when it makes you think of those you ARE close to and love. I determined that this great song would not describe me with my children. Cherish the time with your children. This is a great song.

    • @corqMcc
      @corqMcc ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Your comment made me think you’d also like the Mike and the Mechanics song, “living years” from back then.

    • @RickyVolk-rq4xo
      @RickyVolk-rq4xo 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I’m 68years the same sanario but I have boys who grew up just like me and I idid the same thing my father did .i haven’t seen my two sons in close to 30years

    • @pamelagood8077
      @pamelagood8077 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

      What a lovely, heart-felt post.

  • @bonnee3813
    @bonnee3813 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    My parents were friends with Harry Chapin. Harry, was friendly and outgoing. He had so much love for everyone and Huntington, New York. I went to Huntington High School with Harry's sister.

    • @drakehonest2
      @drakehonest2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey how are you doing today?

    • @bcal4877
      @bcal4877 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      I live in Huntington too, its really cool to see how much love and pride our town has for Harry. My wife went to HHS with his daughters, and just loves the Chapin family. My friend Kieran was fighting cancer and Harry’s son brought him some memorabilia, made his last days special. Really felt like something Harry would yave done.

    • @harrychapin808
      @harrychapin808 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Harry was a salt-of-the-earth guy!! Such a tragedy. I learned this song on guitar as a tribute to him!!

    • @harrychapin808
      @harrychapin808 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      ​@@bcal4877That's amazing!! ❤

    • @jamesgalasso
      @jamesgalasso 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Went to Walt whitman high school but was friends with Tommy forte from huntington high school

  • @reneemartinez9286
    @reneemartinez9286 2 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    Sure do miss my dad but as an adult I found my way to the Bible study and discovered the resurrection!!!!! I will see my dad again!!! Revelation 21:3,4 and beyond happiness!!!

  • @tonycook7457
    @tonycook7457 ปีที่แล้ว +284

    A message to the future generations:
    Don't let this song die.

    • @skifullydone8165
      @skifullydone8165 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ugh, really? Every damn comment is like this.

    • @DrewHop325
      @DrewHop325 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@skifullydone8165 Bot or just a sad person...

    • @skifullydone8165
      @skifullydone8165 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@DrewHop325 Ah, probably. Don't know. It's either: Underrated song or this garbage. Fucking annoying shit. Ah well.

    • @NeilPundick
      @NeilPundick 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I feel like it'd be best if this song DID die...because that would mean nobody ever had to live the life of the boy

    • @elmarucham75
      @elmarucham75 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@NeilPundickOr nobody remembers a time were they weren't the boy

  • @bungalobill7941
    @bungalobill7941 ปีที่แล้ว +98

    One of the greatest songs ever written.

    • @nicidevine6670
      @nicidevine6670 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      For sure

    • @shanghunter7697
      @shanghunter7697 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      And "Dear momma" by Tupac Shakur......Beautiful song IF one can listen to the words/message.

    • @piscesempress1978
      @piscesempress1978 ปีที่แล้ว

      i love that song@@shanghunter7697

  • @roopdog2675
    @roopdog2675 9 ปีที่แล้ว +236

    How can anyone dislike this song, one of the best father son songs in the history of the world hands down love it

    • @59771006
      @59771006 9 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Another great one is "Father and Son" by Cat Stevens.

    • @daveandjoannabercea7479
      @daveandjoannabercea7479 9 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Douglas Roth Cat Stevens Rocks

    • @59771006
      @59771006 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Dave Bercea True that.

    • @thugpug95
      @thugpug95 9 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      roopdog2675 Another great song is I believe called 'Beautiful Boy" by John Lennon

    • @mathiaselias4852
      @mathiaselias4852 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ryco50 beautiful boy is such a lovely song!

  • @TomRouton
    @TomRouton 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

    40 years ago, I took it to heart, and Harry’s song made me a better dad. I can tell, by watching my kids now. They are wonderful parents. Thank you, Harry. 👩‍❤️‍👨👭🧍‍♂️

  • @fjf7653
    @fjf7653 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    I heard Cats in the Cradle on the radio the other day and I thought of my Dad. It’s a song that surely hits the heart of every son that has an aging father. My Dad once told me the song reminded him of me. It occurred to me that the song is incomplete without a response from a son and these lyrics just came to me as I was listening to the song:
    I’ve longed since the day my Dad passed away, I called him up just the other day. I said I’d like to see you if you don’t mind and then I realized I had run out of time.
    And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me, I’ve grown up just like him, my Dad was just like me…
    Miss those phone calls Pop. ❤

  • @10shanwei
    @10shanwei 2 ปีที่แล้ว +289

    I think I'm blessed as a 20-year-old to come across this masterpiece of a song. Definitely taught me the importance of fatherhood in the future. Song's too poignant and emotional for me :")

    • @lemurianchick
      @lemurianchick 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      If something is TOO poignant it's criticizing how it makes you feel. I think you meant SO poignant;)

    • @DD-rq6mh
      @DD-rq6mh 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      You are a wise young man ReaperZapper.

    • @chadgrindstaff6821
      @chadgrindstaff6821 ปีที่แล้ว

      Aus I will find you I promise that

    • @davidcurtis7547
      @davidcurtis7547 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Definitely they grow so fast , kids . I wish we had more time to spend with our kids .

    • @LeonardGuillory
      @LeonardGuillory ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@lemurianchick You's what we call, "a Hater"! I'm a stickler for the usage of English too, but I wouldn't go out of my way to critique a post on TH-cam! That's just WAY OUT OF BOUNDS!

  • @gordonmaser1804
    @gordonmaser1804 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +31

    I’m 70 years old and still love this song

    • @loudemeo6138
      @loudemeo6138 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'm 78 years old and I wish I would have listened to the comment above about putting my priorities in order

    • @AndyArnold-uz5yo
      @AndyArnold-uz5yo หลายเดือนก่อน

      This song reminds me of my wife. It was her favorite song before she lost battling cancer, I wish I could change the hands of time, she was always there for me and our lovely daughter, life could be so unfair most times, but sometimes I wonder why bad things always happen to good people

  • @donnahimelrick3763
    @donnahimelrick3763 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    That song will never die! RIP Harry Chapin

  • @wadewaldron4035
    @wadewaldron4035 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    This song is sad but until you have children of your own it doesn't hit you! But as soon as you have a child and hear this song it HITS YOU like a TON of BRICKS!

    • @martinm3422
      @martinm3422 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Cant agree, I have no kids and Iam 57 but my dad still lives. He had a stroke recently and corona.
      I visited him today at home and he wanted something explained on the smartphone, but i was short on time...
      A few hours later on YT i heard this song and read the lyrics...iam from germany.
      I think i have to change something when there is time left...
      There is an additional song from Luther Vandross which put tears to my eyes... "Dance with my father".

    • @NobbyL-o1z
      @NobbyL-o1z ปีที่แล้ว +1

      TOP, nun ja meine Kindheit war gut .
      Aber viele meiner Freunde haben das erlebt .
      Tolles Lied
      TOP, well my childhood was good.
      But many of my friends have experienced this.
      Great song

    • @cawilson5357
      @cawilson5357 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I will agree that having children does help to understand. I am childless however I have helped in raising quite a few...... This song makes me shed tears everytime I listen to it. Ever since it was released way back.......even right NOW

    • @wadewaldron4035
      @wadewaldron4035 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes it hits you like a ton of bricks. Then your wife (or husband) dies. Then it hits you a hundred times harder! My wife soulmate Karen died October 5th 2023. It still hurts. We met on a blind date June 30th 1989. Got married March 14th 1991. Never separated but for hospital stays and when I drove 18wheelers from California to Main and everywhere in-between. I miss her greatly!

  • @johnshields6852
    @johnshields6852 2 ปีที่แล้ว +160

    This came out when I was about 10, I'm 62 now and still sounds amazing, great story.

    • @drewleonard2675
      @drewleonard2675 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I can’t believe it’s already been 52 years

    • @karitahannikainen4734
      @karitahannikainen4734 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      John Shields, totally same.
      Take care! The Best. Karita.

    • @jshrek62
      @jshrek62 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      More like you were 14. "Cat's in the Cradle" is a 1974 folk rock song by Harry Chapin from the album Verities & Balderdash. The single topped the US Billboard Hot 100 in December 1974. As Chapin's only number-one song, it became the best known of his work and a staple for folk rock music. Chapin's recording of the song was nominated for the 1975 Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2011.

    • @rogergeyer9851
      @rogergeyer9851 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jshrek62: Not sure how being pedantic about it is really helpful here. It's not like whether it was 1970 or 1974 makes ANY fundamental difference re the context and meaning of that wonderful old song.

    • @lynndavist
      @lynndavist ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm 61 and believe it was for us

  • @wakeup3379
    @wakeup3379 6 ปีที่แล้ว +238

    Its a great song I always loved the song. My son was born in 2008 his mom passed away when he was 7, now when I listen to this it brings tears to my eyes. He's 10 I'm 51 and I'm all he has. Just writing this I couldn't stop crying. That's a powerful song.

    • @joebrusseau1218
      @joebrusseau1218 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      You sound like a future hero to your son if not now partner peace to you and the little guy.

    • @coloradokevin1675
      @coloradokevin1675 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Take this from someone whose father never cared about his child. Please keep doing what you’re doing with your son. You will be rewarded in due time. Please trust me from my perspective.

    • @joebrusseau1218
      @joebrusseau1218 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@coloradokevin1675 I'm sorry for your predicament but glad to see it had a positive reaction and you have a good heart to see past that with a heart felt comment peace brother....

    • @smugglersrun7779
      @smugglersrun7779 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Be strong he needs you god bless you prayers for you

    • @survivorman-dg6eg
      @survivorman-dg6eg 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      My son is 20yts old now,with a beautiful bay girl..i miss all the time we used to hunt,hike,and whatever.. GREAT SONG.. GETS ME EVERY TIME

  • @johnsherwood9519
    @johnsherwood9519 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    60yrs old and still enjoy this masterpiece. I have 2 sons in their 20s and they appreciate great music

  • @ronstiles2681
    @ronstiles2681 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

    Harry, this song describes my life in many ways, I miss my dad ,thanks Harry

  • @startrac2
    @startrac2 5 ปีที่แล้ว +108

    Who would thumbs down this song!?!?!? This is one of the greatest songs ever written!

    • @BadKruser
      @BadKruser 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Exactly....I think people intentionally thumbs down videos just to be pricks.

    • @derekjennings220
      @derekjennings220 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Michael T Hale only a fable minded fool would

    • @anotherarmchairhistorian2831
      @anotherarmchairhistorian2831 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Crappy father's

  • @CoalMiner379
    @CoalMiner379 ปีที่แล้ว +79

    Bringing Harry Chapman into 2023 just as he should be!!! Rest easy Harry your still here with us with your music!!!

  • @baldskullfitness2681
    @baldskullfitness2681 2 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    My dad used to sing this to me when I was a teenager, just as a joke. It made him this of his dad who died when he was 32. I am now 32, and my dad is dying...and I can't stop thinking of my dad in the kitchen, singing this with a smile on his face thinking of his dad...

    • @jallancam5503
      @jallancam5503 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      sooooo sorry to hear your dad is not doing well .. Be of good courage and remember those good times .. Nothing will ever separate you from his love however this turns out May God bless you your dad and family,,,

    • @baldskullfitness2681
      @baldskullfitness2681 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jallancam5503 wow....thank you so much 🥲

    • @janekostov7674
      @janekostov7674 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      So sorry to hear about your dad. Be beside him till his last breath. Greetings for you man 🤗

    • @baldskullfitness2681
      @baldskullfitness2681 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@janekostov7674 thank you. I was. Got to see him just before he left us. Best wishes to you and your family. Thanks for the kind words.

  • @joshlight6892
    @joshlight6892 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I like how this song does not really villainize the father, but merely reminds us all to make time for our loved ones most particularly our children, because they will be grown up before you know it and you will miss so much if you don't. Nothing is more important than that.

  • @WinstonSmith24
    @WinstonSmith24 2 ปีที่แล้ว +104

    We should’ve been seeing Harry sing this song at age 70, after it all truly ran full circle for him. We were all robbed of that. Thanks for sharing a masterpiece with us, Harry.

  • @urbannomad6928
    @urbannomad6928 2 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    “Cat’s in the cradle, and a silver spoon. Little Boy Blue and the Man in the Moon…” Kid trying to make sense of fragmented nursery rhymes that no one had the time to teach him. Heartbreaking and ingenious lyrics. 😢

    • @wem8v3n
      @wem8v3n 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Wow I never looked at it like that you just blew my mind

  • @mikeburke1881
    @mikeburke1881 9 ปีที่แล้ว +106

    I miss my Dad. He passed 12/2010.....he was my hero.

    • @janinemartin1767
      @janinemartin1767 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's hard. My father passed away 30 years and I still miss him so much. I was 21 when he passed 😢😢 and I miss him as much now and I did then

    • @lazaruslazybones
      @lazaruslazybones 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      I’m sorry to hear this

  • @smudgealdrin1512
    @smudgealdrin1512 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    As a hard working family man having to provide for your kin. You really are caught between a rock & a hard place . Especially in todays economic climate.... 34 years long haul truck driver... Looking back I wish I took a different direction but was not able too . But my kids had a good mother & turned out well , went to college . They are both settled in good careers making their own way in life. And I am proud of them . I live a little way apart from them & visiting times are precious.

  • @mihailmihaylov2564
    @mihailmihaylov2564 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    My father sends this to me every birthday. I get so happy every time I see this.

    • @bbenjoe
      @bbenjoe ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Spend time with him as much as you can. :)

  • @zanythos3716
    @zanythos3716 2 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    My father (RIP) was on his way to Chapin's final concert when he got the news of the accident. My mother was pregnant with me at the time. This song was played at his funeral at his request.

    • @KennethDawson-zv8rn
      @KennethDawson-zv8rn 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Praise the eternal ancient of days!

  • @tayyabjamil5036
    @tayyabjamil5036 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +38

    Old memories. Listening in 2023, in Canada. Both parents passed away.God bless both of them.

    • @d.bronemann524
      @d.bronemann524 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      2024 and the counting

    • @FrancescaLee-np3qr
      @FrancescaLee-np3qr 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Mine too 12 years ago and still think of them everyday

  • @lumpjones6459
    @lumpjones6459 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +20

    Harry Chapin was one of the best.. R.I.P. HARRY

  • @angelahill5447
    @angelahill5447 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    After watching the recent documentary on Harry Chapin, I was so happy to hear his music again and remember all those concerts. My son indicated he didn't know the name. After singing the chorus to Cats in the Cradle, he said I feel like my body knows that song. About 31 years ago, I sang that song over and over again to a colicky baby during those long nights
    Thank you for the music, Harry

    • @rogergeyer9851
      @rogergeyer9851 ปีที่แล้ว

      Angela Hill: Music is SO generational as is all media, really. I'll never forget being in a record store (remember those?) in roughly 1990 and hearing some kid (a seemingly perfectly ordinary kid) say something like: "The Beatles? I thought Paul McCartney was in Wings!"
      It doesn't take long for things to REALLY, REALLY change in the modern world.

    • @angelacollins2764
      @angelacollins2764 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm 64 still love this song

  • @DeltaElites
    @DeltaElites 2 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    In September of 77 as a teen, I was riding my moped up to Griffith Park Observatory and I hear "Cat's in the Cradle" playing. Harry Chapin was playing this at the open air Greek Theater just down the hill. I pulled over on the side of the road where I could watch and listen to the whole concert for free. What an amazing show.

  • @eimagine
    @eimagine 2 ปีที่แล้ว +55

    Harry Chapin
    One Of The Greatest Men On Earth
    December 7, 1942 - July 16, 1981
    While waiting outside of Colden Auditorium at Queens College, after a canceled concert, I met and had a few words with the man who was to have given the concert. In my eyes, one of the greatest men on Earth.
    He was a dedicated humanitarian who fought to end world hunger. He was the co-founder of World Hunger Year or WHY, now known as WhyHunger, a wonderful and efficient non-profit that is still helping feed hungry people today. He was instrumental in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977.
    He was a man that was posthumously awarded the highest civilian award in the United States, the Congressional Gold Medal. He was a man who performed benefit concerts for hundreds of worthy organizations during his career. He was a man who raised more than 3,000,000 USD for those in need in the last six years of his life. He was a man that donated to charitable causes an estimated 33% of the revenues from his indefatigable schedule of 200 plus concerts performed each year.
    Besides his tireless humanitarian work, he was an accomplished and creative renaissance man that during his life was nominated for the following illustrious awards: Oscar, Grammy, Peabody, Emmy, and Tony.
    He was a man that I was lucky enough to have seen in concert a handful of times between 1975 and 1980. He is a man that I still miss today.
    His name was Harry Chapin.
    by Mark R. Elsis
    EarthNewspaper.com/HarryChapin

  • @MichaelGonthier-s1p
    @MichaelGonthier-s1p 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Had my dad listen to this song back in the day. He was working so much he was up at 5 and worked til 11 ... I forgot how much he did for us ... But his love still with me ... I cared for him in his last year after mom past ... He was suffered by dementia and physically disabled by it ... I carried him ... Like he carried me ... Miss you dad ... ❤

  • @bailinnumberguy
    @bailinnumberguy 8 ปีที่แล้ว +931

    Whatever happened to artists like Harry Chapin, Jim Croce, Janis Ian, Gordon Lightfoot, etc who actually sang about real life? They left behind a great gift.

    • @brendanours8982
      @brendanours8982 8 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      Billy joel

    • @palanoolho
      @palanoolho 8 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      you forgot Billie Joel man.

    • @pushstick
      @pushstick 8 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      you just need to listen more closely. There are plenty of artists with the same gifts today.

    • @palanoolho
      @palanoolho 8 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      ***** name them.

    • @GetReal77
      @GetReal77 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      In the old talent department the CAT blew'em all away!

  • @chocodiledundee1
    @chocodiledundee1 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    This is one of the most powerful songs ever written ❤I am 48 I absolutely love every time this song comes in the car radio ❤

  • @christinemarieciurlino-dun4002
    @christinemarieciurlino-dun4002 2 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    I was so lucky to grow up with this music, this new generation has no clue. We didn’t have social media, internet, iPhones, but we had the music, he was such a high talent of my generation.

    • @petrwarthursty2011
      @petrwarthursty2011 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Now you have no family

    • @ahugefan742
      @ahugefan742 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@petrwarthursty2011 OOOOOH

    • @rogergeyer9851
      @rogergeyer9851 ปีที่แล้ว

      Christine: Respectfully, I'm 63, and I don't think it's about fault or good and bad, etc. The world was different, largely since technology was very different.
      Even though in many ways (and I'll accept the blame) I have trouble relating to much of the modern generation and their seemingly complete obsession with phones (I spend my time on Windows laptops, but still absorbing lots of media) -- I'm sure they find me just as clueless / strange as I find them.
      It's mostly luck / fate / accident, how we find ourselves re time, place, and circumstance -- NOT about being clueless or brilliant, IMO. And 99.9999 percent of us fall into the ordinary bucket, re historical time...
      And big picture, the species doesn't get smarter or wiser by leaps and bounds. The media and technology change and the times change along with them. But the fundamental human issues and constraints and problems remain.
      Cold war then. Ukraine travesty now. Pollution and hunger and overpopulation then. AGW and hunger and overpopulation now (bigger population, but same big picture).
      But we were brilliant because we grew up with what were the great musical artists of the 70's (which were inimitable in their way, granted), and young people are "clueless", now? Again, respectfully, like so many people, I think your perspective on the world is very narrow to have that attitude.

    • @christinemarieciurlino-dun4002
      @christinemarieciurlino-dun4002 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@rogergeyer9851 I appreciate your feedback, I just feel we lost something. I didn’t grow up with them/they non-binary, etc. I can’t understand how we as a society can accept a man as a woman, playing in women’s sports. Kids being taught hate in school, trying to indoctrinate them. Girls trying to be boys and boys trying to be girls, and teachers are ok with it, when these kids are just kids.
      In congress they can’t define what a woman is, and accepting that men can have babies when it is impossible and ridiculous. I can go on and on. No, I didn’t grow up like that and thank the lord I didn’t. Look at this country is beyond a mess, never have seen this in my lifetime.

    • @kurtskaaning5426
      @kurtskaaning5426 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@christinemarieciurlino-dun4002 100% right - this country is a mess - have a good day.

  • @andygingrich653
    @andygingrich653 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I think of my Dad ever time I hear this song . I wish I could tell how much I truly loved him. Sometimes I cry listening to this like now . I miss you love Andy

  • @terriellis5145
    @terriellis5145 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +204

    Who's listening in 2023 and 24?!! God bless all of us us and our families!!

    • @michellewaye6522
      @michellewaye6522 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      This song hits home for alot of people. Incredible voice and passion in this song! Love from Toronto Canada 🇨🇦

    • @KevinHallSurfing
      @KevinHallSurfing 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      2024 and I'm now 73 ... and my son's a dad. 😍

    • @oldcountryboy
      @oldcountryboy 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      My dad literally went out for a pack of cigarettes and never returned I was just a baby I had a mean stepdad for a while The only quality time we ever spent together was when He was beating the s*** out of me Mom eventually divorced him You can't imagine watching other kids with their dads And you don't have one I used to be a boy scout My mother the bartender set me up with some drunk dude To go on the father's son retreat He told me to get away from him he had something to do So I did Come to find out The something he had to do was go back home So here I was Father son retreat all by myself I didn't get to do anythingCouldn't do any of the games All I could do was watch other kids with their dadsAnd let me tell you that was awesomeMy father has since diedAt least that's what someone told meI said my father didn't die I didn't have a fatherBut enough of this doom and gloomBut enough of this doom and gloomYou guys that do have fathers cherish themCherish every single moment😅😅😅

    • @quinntheeskimooutdoors6234
      @quinntheeskimooutdoors6234 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Listening now, grew up with this. I have grandkids now. 71😊

    • @jimjames3678
      @jimjames3678 4 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      I am

  • @cawilson5357
    @cawilson5357 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I have listened and cried to this song for many many years and it never fails to remind me of my Dad and our lives together. I feel so lucky to have him as long as I did. We all need a good cry now and then.......

  • @richardhowe6218
    @richardhowe6218 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I love this song! It brings home reality. Because of this song, I've tried to keep in contact with my kids. Lately, I've been learning how to play and sing it. For my entertainment only. Thanks Harry!!

  • @alannothnagle
    @alannothnagle 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    When I suddenly became a father and, consequently, a husband at 25, utterly unplanned and unintended, I had no idea how to fit into this new, unintended, and utterly bewildering role. But I happened to have a cassette of a local group singing Cat's Cradle (which I had only been vaguely aware of previously), and it became the blueprint for my relationship with my twins: No matter what, always take time for them. Today, they're pushing 36, and I see them regularly. Say what you like about me, but there is no way I could ever become a cold, distant father, and I owe that entirely to Harry Chapin.

  • @ablenav1
    @ablenav1 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Loved this song since it was first released. My dad at the age of 97 passed away in December 2022. As I am writing his obituary for the newspaper right now, I turned on You Tube; and what are the odds that Cats in the Cradle showed up? It is true, I turned out just like him. We will have a good time soon - God has blessed him with eternal life, love and light.

  • @strevino5561
    @strevino5561 10 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    when I hear this song I cry because my dad was my scout leader, My baseball coach and the best teacher of how to fix things. Now he's gone and i feel for those that didnt have a father like mine and i realize how lucky i was to have him. Unfortunately he died at age 65 and didnt get to teach me everything that he knew so there will always be an empty place in my mind for the final teachings from my Dad

    • @zachwilson6820
      @zachwilson6820 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Sorry to hear that man, my condolences.

    • @bubblejuggler
      @bubblejuggler 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Steven, if you ever come back to these comments perhaps you'd like the book, Letters to My Son: A Father's Wisdom On Manhood, Life, and Love by Ken Nerburn. www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/taf/ref=cm_sw_l_view_dp_4pv2ub014VME1?ie=UTF8&contentID=1577310314&contentName=item&contentType=asin&contentURI=%2Fdp%2F1577310314&emailCaptionStrID=&emailCustomMsgStrID=&emailDescStrID=&emailImageURL=&emailSubjectStrID=&emailTemplate=%2Fgp%2Fpdp%2Fcommon%2Femail%2Fshare-product&eventID=&imageURL=&isDynamicSWF=0&itemInfo=1577310314&learnMoreButton=&merchantID=¶ms=&parentASIN=1577310314&placementID=dp_4pv2ub014VME1&referer=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.amazon.com%252Fgp%252Fproduct%252F1577310314%252Fref%253D&relatedAccounts=amazondeals%2Camazonmp3&suppressPurchaseReqLogin=&titleText=&type=SH&viaAccount=amazon

    • @anthonyforch
      @anthonyforch 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      fill that empty places with his smiles and his love

    • @petedaniels7617
      @petedaniels7617 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      .... the empty space is the place where you share what he taught you, the joy he brought you learning, and now sharing him thru your teaching. I miss the Old Fart more each day. Was the Grand Master of Hugs, Humility, and Love.

  • @keetah99k7
    @keetah99k7 6 ปีที่แล้ว +155

    This song will remain Immortal..

    • @paulleckner8235
      @paulleckner8235 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Let's hope so!! My broken relationship with my father.

  • @tommymelendez-on5bj
    @tommymelendez-on5bj 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    My oldest and don’t talk, I send him this all the time to remind him, I’m thinking of him 🖤

  • @ubs0
    @ubs0 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    That last line “My boy was just like me” gets me every time. I never had the greatest relationship with my Dad, but we do our best to get along now. Been told many times by my mum and my sister I take after him.

  • @rebeccawagner4167
    @rebeccawagner4167 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I love this song 🎵 ❤️, so much truth in this song. I love the 70's it was the best time for music 🎶 🎵. I'm so blessed to have grown up with this type of music. Harry Chapin you sent something to think about in this song. Your lyrics are mind blowing. All parents should listen to this. Ty,well done 🎉❤

  • @johnnychinstrap
    @johnnychinstrap ปีที่แล้ว +15

    This song made me cherish every minute I could with my son from the day he was born. I lost him in a brutal divorce so technically, have lost him for what could be forever, but I still have those awesome first 12 years. Thank you Harry! Love the people you love as much as you can. You never know when they may slip away!

    • @hereigns7221
      @hereigns7221 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      This makes me sad. As a wife whose husband who was kept from his dad due to female drama (mom/stepmom not getting along), I pray when your son is 18 you can reconnect and have a wonderful relationship. My husband is devastated to this day that he never had his dad close in his life. He died young due to lung cancer and his stepmom always kept him away from his dad 😢🙏🏻

    • @johnnychinstrap
      @johnnychinstrap ปีที่แล้ว

      @@hereigns7221 Thank you for your prayers. Please pray for my son as he wants to commit suicide has 2 more years to survive with this evil woman until he goes to university. I can do nothing to help him because legally I am not his Dad. I hope the values that I instilled in him and the love I shared with him can carry him through these times and allow him to reconnect with God as she has taken his God too.
      May your God guide you through your life and carry you gently upon his back during the trying times.

  • @beaverstandig1747
    @beaverstandig1747 2 ปีที่แล้ว +51

    This song is very profound and cautionary, Harry Chaplin was a great storyteller, perfection

  • @jamieminsky9436
    @jamieminsky9436 2 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    Saw him in NJ back in the day and was very sad when he passed...still one of the best

  • @lawrencewerline9509
    @lawrencewerline9509 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I had the pleasure of meeting, and conversing with both,. Harry and his brother Tom. In a USO Tour show in an extinct volcano around Naples Italy. A very small, yet personalized show that was truly a once in a lifetime gift for me. Both gentlemen were immensely cordial and laid back, easy going. I still have these photos and cherish them.

    • @drakehonest2
      @drakehonest2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey how are you doing?

    • @lawrencewerline9509
      @lawrencewerline9509 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@drakehonest2 I'm not sure if you are referring to me. This is the first time I've seen a reply in TH-cam. I'm not a big social bug. Not even sure if I am doing this right. Lol. As for your inquiry. I'm doing as well as I can. Lol. How are you.? Where are you from.?

    • @drakehonest2
      @drakehonest2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@lawrencewerline9509 Nice meeting you here I’m originally from Norway 🇳🇴 but living in San Diego California..
      Where are you from?

    • @lawrencewerline9509
      @lawrencewerline9509 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@drakehonest2 I live in a very small town on Onieda lake. Some 25 miles N. E. Of Syracuse NY. I was reading allot about Southern Californians apparent flustration with the govt,. As well as the homeless situation. That is until TH-cam censored me. Now, I can't get anything political, or in social science areas. Unfortunately, we now live in a corporate, socialist governing country. No more Republic 😔 The people have become hedonistic sheep. That suits them just fine. How bad is it there.? Even with all of California's difficulties. I would love to return there. It's truly a beautiful state. With the best weather. Norway, is amazing. I don't think I would want to ever leave there.

    • @drakehonest2
      @drakehonest2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@lawrencewerline9509 San Diego California it’s a very beautiful place to stay i bet you gonna have fun 🤩..
      If i may ask are you married with kids?

  • @sandracloke6268
    @sandracloke6268 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    My father and I did not have a great relationship, maybe we were too much alike. Then he passed quite a few years ago, I wished we could have overcome some of our differences. We had a small funeral and I was to speak at the services. I chose parts of this song to work into my farewell to my father and this song will forever remind me of him.

    • @drakehonest2
      @drakehonest2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey how are you doing?

  • @goonerbeau
    @goonerbeau 2 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    Musically, this is an assured piece of folk-rock - a song that speaks volumes about a man’s relationship with his son.
    The words of 'Cat's in the Cradle' have the ability to break hearts and summon tears.

    • @davidbalnaves2458
      @davidbalnaves2458 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Amen to that!😀

    • @natalierampone9750
      @natalierampone9750 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Absolutely! Brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. It hits home.

  • @Grandpaw2511
    @Grandpaw2511 2 ปีที่แล้ว +56

    My Dad and I had a great relationship, and this song reminds me of how lucky I was growing up with him. I was a new Dad when this song hit the charts and its story has stayed with me. My kids and grandkids and I have the same wonderful relationship.

  • @bobcatfish2796
    @bobcatfish2796 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    My dad is a trucker, sometimes doing cross country and still is more often than not too busy to spend much time with. Now that I’m older and living on my own, working a somewhat laborsome job that doesn’t let me see my wife as much as I’d like, I cry when I hear this song. As much as my dad has messed up in his life, and me in mine, this song has never failed to help me understand him and hope that I can be closer to my son than we were.

  • @mattiasgraff8162
    @mattiasgraff8162 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    He played at my grade school back in 1974. I still remember him. What nice man and great songwriter.

  • @fsimone777
    @fsimone777 2 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    This song always haunted me. I was always afraid that my son and I would end like that. Luckily my son and I have a great relationship.

    • @markkinser4247
      @markkinser4247 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      We are very fortunate guys. I have the same with my sons.

  • @raymondslemmer5084
    @raymondslemmer5084 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I'm 69 and dad's been gone 20 years and I still think him every day, this song really hits home with me.

    • @drakehonest2
      @drakehonest2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey how are you doing today..?

  • @b-ladyfisherfree4073
    @b-ladyfisherfree4073 5 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    This is a song that every father, grandfather, mother family should listen to and keep in their music library. I love this song!

    • @LoneBrowncoat
      @LoneBrowncoat 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      What about "Father and Son" by Cat Stevens, as well?

  • @josephbennett6712
    @josephbennett6712 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    Just gave my 16 yo son his first car today. After his first spin, he backed into the driveway. Wife commented how he is so you. My response was "my boy is just like me..." tears to my eyes

  • @ppiper396
    @ppiper396 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    I love this song and how Mr. Chapin sings it. One of my favorite songs of all times. RIP, Mr. Chapin. RIP

  • @glamdolly30
    @glamdolly30 2 ปีที่แล้ว +77

    I only discovered this song and artist today, I had never heard of either. What talent! I was so very moved by the lyrics. They neatly capture the old adage 'Life is short', which is never more obvious than when we realise our children have grown up - and we lost so much time with them (and other loved ones) we'll never get back, thanks to life getting in the way.
    I didn't think I could be more moved - until I Googled the artist and learned he died in a car crash aged just 38. Oh my - I am on the floor now! What powerful poignancy Harry's tragic premature death adds to this already gut wrenching song. It's almost like he knew. His family must tear up every time they hear it.

    • @oh8wingman
      @oh8wingman 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      One of the things that might very well make his family hurt even more is videos like the one of this performance. They can see him as he was and that might make them think of what might have been had he lived.........

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@oh8wingman Yes, it must be so bittersweet for them seeing him perform this particular song and its powerful lyrics, when he was in his youthful prime, fully expecting to live a full life.
      No day is promised, so you'd better do your best to be kind, be happy, and live fully without regret.

    • @SomeJustice19k
      @SomeJustice19k 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Listen to the ugly kid Joe version. Also very good.

    • @harvickfan100
      @harvickfan100 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Glamdolly30 if you watched the video you wouldn’t have had to waste your time googling. It states in the video he died at 38.

    • @glamdolly30
      @glamdolly30 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@harvickfan100 Wow, you actually took time to type out that petty, pointless, mean-spirited little post.
      Thanks for proving my point, life is short - try to find more positive things to do with your short life than spreading tedious negativity!

  • @Mr427351
    @Mr427351 9 ปีที่แล้ว +129

    Make time for your aging parents and your kids. Life flies by.

    • @paulbrown2681
      @paulbrown2681 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      amen

    • @jodacious46
      @jodacious46 7 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      My Dad has been gone more than 23 years, but Thank God, we had some good times together. We rode train to see St. Louis Cardinals in August 1958, 1960 and 1962. When I was 16, he cooked steaks for me and 2 of my HS buddies....We loved trains, the Cardinals, but most of all , we love the weather. I'll see you, Mama, Trish and Pam soon, but in meantime, I love and miss all of You!😘

    • @warrenksanbornjr.6643
      @warrenksanbornjr.6643 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Mr427351 yes it does

    • @blackdiamond51
      @blackdiamond51 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, be very kind to your parents. Your children are watching.

    • @warrenksanbornjr.6643
      @warrenksanbornjr.6643 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Mr427351 yes so true

  • @danielnelson9411
    @danielnelson9411 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I remember hearing this song for the first time in 1974. I was 14 years old. I cried when I heard it and vowed not to be like my dad. It seemed to parallel me and my dad. He was always too busy to do things with me. He was either tinkering with some project he had in the garage or was unwilling to stop watching some show on the idiot tube. I was determined to be a better father than he was when I had kids.
    Unfortunately, I ended up being worse than my dad. I believe he was a better father than I was.

  • @randywl8925
    @randywl8925 2 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Harry's son said it true. He seems like a fantastic guy just from the few words he spoke about the song. One of the best songs ever written on a personal level.

    • @rogergeyer9851
      @rogergeyer9851 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Randy WL: What a fantastic tribute to Harry, and the connection his son got seeing firsthand the impact that song had on Harry's fans. Such an ongoing tribute must be a rare thing. Maybe for an artist's child seeing people view a parent's work in an art gallery, etc would be similar.
      But for most of us, we get a few mentions for a few years after the passing of a loved one from people who remember them, and that's about it.

  • @shawnyeaton4801
    @shawnyeaton4801 5 ปีที่แล้ว +382

    Unfortunately you really don't really comprehend the lyrics until it's too late...

    • @lisagee3318
      @lisagee3318 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Hey you thank you

    • @cecelawlor4862
      @cecelawlor4862 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@lisagee3318 i have an ex husband who does not till this day get this song so sad.. be well all that do..

    • @jamesanderson730
      @jamesanderson730 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@cecelawlor4862abosoluly im living ths song without much effort

    • @hulkhogan9380
      @hulkhogan9380 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Gordon lightfoot

    • @cecelawlor4862
      @cecelawlor4862 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      hey james what does that mean exactly U do not seem to get the reply.. I just feel so sad for anyone who never listened including harry. My ex husband I feel and pray for him.. although a lot wonder why. why my girls where young I told him to stop and listen.. never did.. so James Anderson are you doing Ok?

  • @edswanson3941
    @edswanson3941 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    My dad was a truck driver in the 70's and 80's. My mom would make 8-track and later cassette tapes for him to listen to. Every single tape she made had this song on it. After high school I enlisted which meant even less opportunity to see him. It was so special when we did get together or talk. Unfortunately in 1990 at 48 he passed, alone in a hotel room. This song has had such a different meaning to me since then and I've always tried to be there for my kids. When I'm no longer around, all of the kids in my life will remember Harry for this song and me for "making" them listen to it. RIP Harry and Dad.

    • @rogergeyer9851
      @rogergeyer9851 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ed Swanson: The big picture never really changes, but good for you for making your kids listen to this song you consider important. All you can do is try. One thing I'm pretty sure of is that when we're old we won't regret time we spent doing important things like connecting with loved ones and good friends.
      Your mention of the 8-track (I couldn't afford to buy music until cassette was "the thing", needing all my money/effort to get through college), reminds me of how media wars have been raging since media existed. I remember being about 15 in the mid-70's and noticing how so many "older" people (in their 30's, I'd say) had 8 track players, disdained cassettes, claiming 8 tracks were better.
      I didn't get it. Cassettes were smaller, had higher capacity, and sounded at least as good to me. I never saw media in our house aside from TV, radio, LP's, or cassettes in the 60's and 70's as I grew up.
      And of course, as computers took off (and I was big into that from the PC on), the media changes and media wars were just a constant blur from the time diskettes started rapidly increasing in capacity and changing format.

  • @skiperman3
    @skiperman3 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    My son now 28 got off on the wrong foot, like his dad, i joined the Marines in 79 thru 83. He took my advice and in 15 he served as well, i listen to this song and is so emotional i cry, but i did good

  • @mifnp8887
    @mifnp8887 6 ปีที่แล้ว +257

    My father abandoned me at age 10 and we never had a relationship after that. I just want him to know I forgive him and love him anyway.

    • @frankdux3605
      @frankdux3605 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Why don’t you try to find him bro? Maybe he will be happy. You’ll never know unless you try!

    • @jm5792
      @jm5792 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      No abandonment just shunned! I feel ya but god moves people out of our lives for a reason!

    • @Elvis68spec
      @Elvis68spec 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      That's very good of you! You must be very wise, it takes wisdom to know that forgiveness defeats hate!

    • @finallythere100
      @finallythere100 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Unconditional love.

    • @olenbrown7246
      @olenbrown7246 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Amen

  • @freemanhochstetler9598
    @freemanhochstetler9598 5 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Still brings goose bumps and tears to my eyes. I’m 63 now and I’m still moved by this awesome song.

  • @buckysbooks4093
    @buckysbooks4093 24 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    I lost my dad 7 years ago. I’m the child in this song. At least I talked to him 3 times a week before he passed

  • @welcometothegunnshow481
    @welcometothegunnshow481 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I’m in the position of both the father and the son. I became the same hard working man my dad did and now with 3 boys of my own, I cry every time I hear this song. If I raise just one man like my father and myself, I will be proud and sad at the same time. Today being my 38th birthday crying my eyes out with my retired dad sitting close to me after I worked all day.

    • @butterpecan9749
      @butterpecan9749 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Wow… Life takes a full circle, doesn’t it?

    • @konigludwig6539
      @konigludwig6539 26 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Nice to hear. Glad you had a father you are proud of and are a good and cool father now too!

    • @konigludwig6539
      @konigludwig6539 26 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Nice to hear. Glad you had a father you are proud of and are a good and cool father now too!

  • @jallancam5503
    @jallancam5503 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I am living this song but in a good way had house church with my son and family and thankfully we get to spend a lot of quality time together ,, Dear God may it continue and let us all be here for our precious children Love and blessings to you all Jesus loves you

  • @GMANN83
    @GMANN83 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    This is one of these songs that can be used as a learning tool for for dads with kids make time for them never be too busy

  • @Jotinko
    @Jotinko 9 ปีที่แล้ว +531

    The son wanted to be like his dad..........But it happened in a way he didn't want. BRILLIANT SONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Harry was taken far too Soon. Rest In Peace.

    • @ysidrocavazos803
      @ysidrocavazos803 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      ConvictedAshes lllllll

    • @LordMos8
      @LordMos8 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      ConvictedAshes respect

    • @davidbitz4724
      @davidbitz4724 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      ConvictedAshes this song reminds me of my father whom I never had close relationship with r.i.p Dad

    • @sawyervanhorn3170
      @sawyervanhorn3170 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Agreed

    • @rankinrocks7806
      @rankinrocks7806 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      ConvictedAshes I

  • @Cdntrvler54
    @Cdntrvler54 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This song is the reason I am so close to my son.. We call each other Best Pal.. I hit 70 soon and he hits 30.. And we always end any chat. Love You Best Pal. Saw your dad, here in Vancouver in 1980.. THE BEST concert of all time.. And as I was in the music business, I saw a hell of a lot.. Your Dad was genuine to chat with..

  • @thegreat_I_am
    @thegreat_I_am 2 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Not long before she died my mum phoned me up and suggested she’d like us to go to the pictures together. I said I was far too busy, but after I hung up, the words of this song came into my head and I phoned her back and said OK. We saw The King’s Speech and I’m so glad we did that, as it was probably the last quality time we spent together.