Cat's in the Cradle - Harry Chapin (1974) 5/15/23

Today is my son Josh's 48th Birthday. He grew up to be an interesting human being: a Marine veteran, Christian, biker, and, although it's been quite a while, an actor like his old man. I only get to see him once or twice a year (distance and scheduling are the main problems) but I cherish those times, and I'm pretty sure that he knows that I'm proud of him. That said, I can't help but relate to to today's "Great Song of the '70s: "Cat's in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin. I originally highlighted this song way back on 1/4/20, and I figured today would be a good day to highlight it again. Here's what I wrote: What "Great Song of the '70s" scared its singer/songwriter to death? "Cats in the Cradle."

The lyrics of Harry Chapin's 1974 hit were written by his wife, Sandy, about the the relationship between her first husband and his father: a New York City politician who was almost never home. What scared Harry? He felt it mirrored the relationship he had with his own son, Josh.

The song also resonated with millions of others--including me--for obvious reasons. (In addition to MY Josh, this includes my daughters Heather and Holly).

"Cat's in the Cradle" went to #1 in Canada and the U.S. and was Harry Chapin's biggest hit. The song was nominated for a Grammy, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2011...30 years after Harry died way too soon in a 1981 traffic accident at age 38. TRIVIA: The title refers to Cat's Cradle: an ancient game for children and adults that involved creating string figures, either individually, or by passing a string back and forth between 2 or more players. "Cat's in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin: a "Great Song of 1974. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmhoOp2fUzg Tomorrow: Robert Palmer covers himself. Coming June 1: Great Songs of the '80s!