v.1
My child arrived just the other 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
An he was talkin 'fore I knew it, and as he grew
He'd say, I'm gonna be like you, Dad
You know I'm gonna be like you

Chorus:
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, yeah
You know we'll have a good time then

v.2
My son turned ten just the other day
He said "Thanks for the ball, Dad, c'mon let's play"
"Can you teach me to throw?" I said "Not today"
"I got a lot to do", he said "That's ok"
And he walked away, but his smile never dimmed
He said "I'm gonna be like him, yeah
You know, I'm gonna be like him

Rpt. Ch.

v.3
Well he came from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
"Son I'm proud of you, can we sit for awhile"
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?"

Rpt. Ch.
Instr. Brk.8b

v.3
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 could find the time"

"But the new job's a hassle, and the kid's have the flu
"But it's sure nice talkin' to you, Dad"
"It's been sure nice talkin to you"
Ad as I hung up the phone it occured to me
He'd grown up just like me, my boy was just like me

Rpt. Ch.