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Cats In The Cradle

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Song originally by Harry Chapin - http://www.chapinmusic.com/lyrics/text/cats_in_the_cradle.html
[Intro]
(x2):
e|----------------------------------|
b|----------------------------------|
G|---2------------------------------|
D|-0-----4-0-0------2-0-------------|
A|-------------0--3-----------------|
E|----------------------------------|
[Verse]
   D                      F
A child arrived just the other day
    G                       D
He came to the world in the usual way
                                    F
But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay
    G                    D
He learned to walk while I was away
            C
And he was talkin' 'fore I knew it and as he grew
          F                  D
He'd say, I'm gonna be like you, Dad
     F                     D
You know I'm gonna be like you
[Chorus]
         D                           C
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
F                       G
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
D
When you comin' home Dad?
   C                                         D
I don't know when but we'll get together then
     F                           D
You know we'll have a good time then
[Verse]
    D                       F
My son turned ten just the other day, he said
G                              D
Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let's play
Can you teach me to throw?”, I said
F                          G                     D
"Not today,       I got a lot to do", he said, "That's okay"
[Chorus]
    C
He walked away but his smile never dimmed
         F                 D
He said, I'm gonna be like him, yeah
     F                     D
You know I'm gonna be like him
[Chorus]
         D                           C
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
F                       G
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
D
When you comin' home Dad?
   C                                        D
I don't know when but we'll get together then
     F                           D
You know we'll have a good time then
[Verse]
          D                          F
Well, he came from college just the other day
   G                        D
So much like a man, I just had to say
                               F
"Son I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?"
    G                      D
He shook his head, and he said with a smile
           C
"What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
F                       D
   See ya later, can I have them please?"
[Chorus]
         D                           C
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
F                       G
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
D
When you comin' home Son?
   C                                        D
I don't know when but we'll get together then, Dad.
     F                           D
You know we'll have a good time then
[Intro]
(done two times)
[Verse]
      D                      F
I've long since retired, my son's moved away
    G                     D
I called him up just the other day
                                F
I said, I'd like to see you, if you don't mind
              G                        D
He said, I'd love to, Dad, if I could find the time
            C
You see my new job's a hassle and the kids have the flu
          F                    D             F                    D
But it's sure nice talkin' to you Dad, it's sure nice talkin' to you"
      C
As I hung up the phone it occurred to me
      F                 D
He'd grown up just like me
    F                D
My boy was just like me
[Chorus]
         D                           C
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
F                       G
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
D
When you comin' home Son?
   C                                      D
I don't know when but we'll get together then, Dad.
       F                      D
We're gonna have a good time then
[Intro]
(but just once through]

Cats In The Cradle chords and lyrics

Free chords for Cats In The Cradle by Johnny Cash. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

Song originally by Harry Chapin - http://www.chapinmusic.com/lyrics/text/cats_in_the_cradle.html
[Verse]
[Chorus]
[Verse]
Can you teach me to throw?”, I said
[Chorus]
[Chorus]
[Verse]
[Chorus]
[Intro]
(done two times)
[Verse]
[Chorus]
[Intro]
(but just once through]

Cats In The Cradle Chords by Johnny Cash

Learn how to play Cats In The Cradle by Johnny Cash with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Cats In The Cradle chords”, “Cats In The Cradle guitar chords”, or “Johnny Cash Cats In The Cradle chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Cats In The Cradle chords and for experienced players who want accurate Cats In The Cradle lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include G, D, A, E, F, C.

Frequently asked questions about Cats In The Cradle

How do I play "Cats In The Cradle" by Johnny Cash on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Cats In The Cradle" by Johnny Cash on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "Cats In The Cradle" by Johnny Cash free?

Yes. The chords for "Cats In The Cradle" by Johnny Cash are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Cats In The Cradle" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Cats In The Cradle" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Cats In The Cradle"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Cats In The Cradle" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Cats In The Cradle" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Cats In The Cradle" by Johnny Cash with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Johnny Cash below.

What key is "Cats In The Cradle" in?

The chords for "Cats In The Cradle" show the original chord names (including G, D, A, E, F, C). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.