Back when it was released, it was just a cool rock song. Now, as a dad, I can't listen to it without crying, oh man...

I love the choice of words in this line "When are you coming home son I don't know when", because without punctuation, this exchange can be read in two different ways that reflect the stages in the song and the parallel between father and son over the years. The first two times are from the son's perspective, growing up, repeatedly asking his dad when he's coming home so they can spend time together, the line then reads - "When are you coming home?" - "Son, I don't know when." Then when the son is all grown up, in college, at his own house with wife and kids, and doesn't have time to spend with the dad anymore, the line then reads from the dad's perspective as he misses his son - "When are you coming home, son?" - "I don't know when."

Im 51 . My dad is 87 and on palliative care, I've been so blessed . He was so amazing . He always appreciated being a dad

This was one of my dad's favorite songs. He'd sing this song often in the car when he'd pick me up. He wasn't in my life as much as most Dads traditionally, but he'd call me often. We'd talk, laugh, and relate with each other. The older I got, the more I realized he was JUST like me! Unfortunately, the last time we spoke on the phone was two weeks before he died suddenly. Talk to your loved ones; you NEVER know when the last conversation with them will be. Enjoy paradise, Dad. ❤

This song should serve as a warning to those who spend all their time at work. You'll miss your children growing up.

I heard this song when I was a very young and impressionable young man and I swore to myself that I would always be there for my kids. I am now 50 and took a job working from home so I could wake my kids up in the morning and put them to sleep at night (had kids later in life). Best decision I have ever made in my life...

As my dad got sick, I played this for him. This was totally our song. When he left this world for a pain free one... this became our song

Listened to this song hundreds of times and only today have I realised how much I miss my late father and the life we didn’t have.

Just to my dad, I'm sorry I became a cocaine addict after your passing. And not being the man You raised me to be. But your boy has beat his demons and 4 years sober and back from deaths door. Living, not just existing, It's not goodbye dad... it's only till next time. Thank you

Watching this as a 42 year old dad vs watching it when I was 16 or so is heart-rending. Tears flowing.

I USE TO SING THIS TO MY SON BEFORE HE PASSED AWAY !( he died in my arm's) LOVE YOUR KID'S!!❤

My father was "just like him" and I didn't repeat it with my boys. I'm there for them, every day, as long as they need me...

What makes this song extra hard is that there's no bad intent, it's just the way it is.

I was 17 at work and told an older customer how much I was working with school and Baseball. He said “Remember…no dying man ever said I wish I spent more time at the office”. Probably the greatest advice I’ve gotten in my entire life. I’m 48 now and still remember that.

Hearing this at 13 and now at 44 hits home. Life goes fast so make the most of it....

This song is an exact story of me and my son. I know he loves me but is always working or coming up with excuses not to come and visit. I cry every time I here it. The lyrics are so poignant. Incredible song. 😢

The message is time eternal. My Dad was killed in an auto wreck when I was a 9 year old 4th grader. Now 52 years later I can still shed a tear when I think of things done and time spent with him, and this song in particular can make those tears flow. For most of my entire life Chapin's tune has served as a reminder. When I was a high school freshman, we had a stereo in our Advanced English class so we could listen to commercial-free FM radio while writing. That was a big deal at the time especially for the relatively small town community where I went to school. I remember one afternoon after Cats in the Cradle aired, hard-nosed Irish disciplinarian Mr. Hollahan shut off the stereo receiver and asked the entire class to chime in and talk about what we all had just listened to, the ballad sung, and how one should aspire to live. I don't remember all of my classmates' individual responses, but I was glad I was not called upon. Hearing Cats in the Cradle that day had not brought me to tears, but the lump in my throat would have made it tough to talk and express my own experience and feelings. It had not been that many years prior to that early September 1969 morning I was really looking forward to because I was going to get to ride my bike to school, but not long after awakening knowing I had overslept and that something was wrong when I heard our family friend Shirley McArthur's voice downstairs only to soon learn my Dad had been killed on the Pit 1 Grade the night before driving home. Now, I am a husband and father with a 14 year old son and an 18 year old princess. I endeavor to provide for my bride and family, I work hard, travel too damn much for work, but with the exception of a rare day when I only get to speak with my bride when I am on the road, I make absolutely sure my children hear me say "I love you" each and everyday. Yes, Chapin's song has had a nearly life long impact on me and maybe they don't realize it, but my own children too. Subsequently, fathers young and old, remember to major in the majors. Only we can be our bride's husband, provider, protector, lover, and confidant, and only we can be our childrens' guide, protector, and father. No job, career, profession, or business can ever match what a good man of steel and velvet and a rock solid father can accomplish.

My dad passed in 2001 when I was 19, never really was sure how he felt about me or if he really genuinely cared about me. Now I'm almost 39 with a 14 year old daughter and a seven year old son, and though I still wonder how my dad felt about me I know my children will never have to wonder the same thing.

As a father, honestly i don't want my boys to grow up to be like me, bitter, angry and resentful. I want them to be happy 😢

I love how life related this song is! It tells a powerful story of how your kids can grow up and before you know it, they are on their own! They start out as a baby, then as they get older they are in elementary school through high school, then finally college! Then they come home from college and are already in a full time career and have kids. The most heartfelt part is the hanging of the phone as this kid is all grown up and has moved on. Very powerful for life. Harry Chapin will never be forgotten.

I could never listen to this song without tearing up when my dad was alive because he always worked so hard, we rarely saw him. He died almost one year ago (September 26, 2019) and for some reason, I made it through without shedding a tear listening to this version now. He was the best daddy me and my sister could have asked for. She remarked one time how fortunate we were that we won the daddy lotto with him...I miss you more than words can say, daddy...Donald Ray Tibbitts - April 21, 1939 - September 26, 2019) A good man and the BEST daddy that ever lived!

At 40 my dads still alive, Marine, Vietnam vet, truck driver, policeman. At this age, the most i remember about my childhood is not the things he bought me, its the time we spent together. We talk regularly and know that one day I may pick up the phone he may not be there. Enjoy all the time you get with your parents people.

This song will catch you later in life when your old man dies . I miss you dad

I played this at my dads funeral. Always reminded me of him

One of the greatest covers around. People still never learn this life lesson.

Makes me cry because my Dad died a Pill addict and Alcoholic who couldn't get over the Divorce.....I never realized until listening to this song now how truly our children are a reflection of us.......I have been sober a year but I was a Heroin addict and alcoholic barley made it out alive....My dad has this album he passed on and left me his collection Listened to this song and got really sad......Just now I never understood it till now. I am crying......

This song always reminded me of my dad. He passed 2 years ago now it makes me cry remembering him. If you have your dad alive still, make sure you go see him because he will be gone before you know it while you’re living life.

WOW, very emotional, as I remember this song growing up and knew the lyrics but didn't think about them, and now that I am older, it hits home. Powerful message in this beautiful song.

To all the fathers in the world, and those from heaven continue to care for their children Happy Father's Day 2020 !!!

I fucking love Ugly Kid Joe. They kicked so much ass back in the early 90s, when I was just a boy... I call it the "Wayne's World" era.

My father and I always joked about this song. There was no animosity, just an understanding that that's life. There were times when he wasn't around, and there were times he was. He's gone now and I miss him everyday. Though he wasn't the best father at times, I wouldn't trade him for the world.

One of the rare remakes that's just as good, if not better, than the original. This song still rocks in 2024 :)

Sometimes before I wake my son for school, I will look at him sleeping. And as I do, I imagine myself as an old old man, and he now grown and raising a family of his own somewhere. And I ask myself, what would that old man pay, what would the old me give to be standing here in this quiet moment? The answer is he would pay any amount, he’d give anything to be able to stand there and watch his little boy sleeping. That simple mental exercise grounds me, reminds me these moments are golden and they should be savored for the gifts they truly are!

This is one of those moments I am thankful for my dad. Work came 9th place at all times. He told me "You can make money every day, you can't make your childhood again."

It's 2024 years later still a great song.

I was a teenager when this version of this song was released. Now with a family of my own and watching how fast my boys are growing and realizing all of those moments of their lives I missed due to either work or just my own faults, I wish to be apart of those moments now only to know that I’ll never be able to get them back. This song and video ring out through my mind. It’s almost insane how my younger life played out the same way the portrayal in the video does and now watching my boys go through a similar ordeal. The good thing is now that I’m retired, I can make new memories with them and not have them continue down the past that I had gone through . I love this song and the video.

Translation: Treat your kids in the way that you'd want your kids to treat your grandkids. Who in 2020? Ive lost my hero when i was 13. now im 32, i still miss you dad more then ever...

I was 14 when this came out in 92, to me then it was a great song. As I got older and understood the lyrics I apricated my dad a lot more for all he gave us. Now I'm a dad myself, this song reminds me to try, try to spend some time with the kids, no matter how knackered I am, before the cycle goes round again.

2024 anyone!?

This hits you so differently, when you are the "Dad" in the song....

This song hurts so much. My husband died when my kids were very little. I think I have missed every important thing that they did because I had to support them. I did good job supporting them. I have never had a chance to just be a mother.

Back in the 1990s, this was used for a PSA in Northern Ireland, aimed at breaking generational cycles of violence (basically "don't let your kids make the same mistakes your generation did"). Powerful stuff.

My son is about to turn 21. I gave 20 years to the Marine Corps,and was on several deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. I missed out on a lot of him and his sister's childhood, and after everything I've seen,done,and been through, it took this song to make me burst into tears.

Miss my three sons. One of them in particular, if only we could get together for a basketball game. I hope you boys know you’re apart of me and will always be. Until the end

I can’t listen to this without crying.. me and my dad had a huge falling out a few years back, I sent him old man by Neal young out of the blue and he replied with this, I tear up anytime I hear either one, I’m glad we worked everything out… I love you dad..

To all the good fathers and those who have good fathers, Happy Father's Day. I know it isn't here yet (16th June, 2024), but wishing you all anyway. Know that you, Fathers, are loved and appreciated for everything that you do.

Im 47 years old i remember when i listened to this i was crying ,now im listening to it now and i am crying again

I think what i love most about this song is how many people could relate to it. It isn't specific. The father's not abusive, negligent, cruel, mean, or absent. This actually happens in almost every family where there is a father, or even mother, that's too busy to get to know their child, and before they know it, they're retired, their kid is married with their own kids, and now THEY dont have time for THEM. It's honestly the circle of life as we know it.

I saw these guys live in Houston around the time they were hitting the rotation on MTV. They were the headliners but I was into the local opening band. I remember telling my friends that I wasn't really looking forward to the "I hate everything about you" guys. To say that I was blown away by their live performance would be a gross understatement. These guys absolutely brought it. Years later I honestly can't remember the opening band name but I'll never forget Ugly Kid Joe.

April 2024 🎉 this is timeless

I listened for the first time when I was a kid. I didn't understand English back then, and I didn't pay attention to the lyric, I just liked it because the tune sounded really awesome. Today I listened it again after many years not listening to it, I read the lyric, I found out the lyric was really great, with a deep advise. God bless to the band and the composer of the song.

One of the best songs ever written and the band does a great remake of it. I listened to this song as a kid and it always brought up mixed feelings. Still does. So glad I spent time with my son - he has grown up to be an awesome man and a great friend. All the time practicing baseball and shooting hoops with him was a joy for me. I wouldn't trade it for all the money in the world.

I turn this music on and 40 seconds in im crying like a child. I haven't cried in the last 6 months...

I'm not crying, you're crying!

My Dad passed away in 2011. I don’t have kids, but my Dad is sorely missed! He made sure to spend time with me. We went fishing all the time, and now that he’s not here I work at a seafood company at a dock. I get to fish every now and then. Most of the time I sell bait and tackle to other Dads and their kids. I think of this song all the time and love seeing this family time being made.

Lyrics: My child arrived just the 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 And he was talking '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" And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man in the moon "When you coming home, dad?" "I don't know when" But we'll get together then You know we'll have a good time then My son turned ten just the other day He said, thanks for the ball, dad, come on let's play Can you teach me to throw, I said-a, not today I got a lot to do, he said, that's okay And he, he walked away, but his smile never dimmed It said, I'm gonna be like him, yeah You know I'm gonna be like him And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man in the moon "When you coming home, dad?" "I don't know when" But we'll get together then You know we'll have a good time then 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 you sit for a while? He shook his head, and they said with a smile What I'd really like, dad, is to borrow the car keys See you later, can I have them please? And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man in the moon "When you coming home, son?" "I don't know when" But we'll get together then, dad You know we'll have a good time then 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 can find the time You see, my new job's a hassle, and the kids have the flu But it's sure nice talking to you, dad It's been sure nice talking 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 And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man in the moon "When you coming home, son?" "I don't know when" But we'll get together then, dad We're gonna have a good time then

Watching my dad fade away and my boys fading in..... this song holds much more meaning than when I first heard it when I was little... thank you

I'm a mother and my son has turned out like me. Can't listen to this song without crying ❤

This hits a heart string My kids are 11&12 they’ve grown up so quick I’ve taken them for granted Please don’t do this you will regret it Cherish and spend as much time as you can with them as you will never ever get this time back with them

My father always had time for us...I'm over 60 now...he's been gone since 2003...I miss him every day. In the middle of a large storage room, no one else in the room, I caught myself saying - out loud - I wish I could call my Dad and talk to him...

As a father now.. I can't listen to this without crying. This was/is basically the relationship I have with my father.

The bittersweet beauty of this song is that both parties can relate. For the parent, you see how quickly time passes and how you can unknowingly squander the time with your little ones while you actually have the chance; but once they're growing independent you see how much you long for those innocent years when you were the world to them. And for the child, you recognize the loss of your own innocence and a longing for the times when you wanted nothing more than the time with your parent, whether you got it or not. And the realization that over time you took them for granted and a means to an end.

The tree with paint on it. Such a subtle way of handling people growing older and dear lord does it kill me every time I watch this video.

Man this really hits home. My old man worked his life away and now at 37. I'm doing the same.

For everybody who grew up without a father. beautiful 90s

This song reminds me of my Dad. He never had time for me or my brothers. Now that I'm a dad I make time for my son and my grandson.

I'm blown away. Awesome version of this song. Great job Ugly Joe Kid. Having raised three sons, this hit home. I'm so glad I took time to stop and play with them when they were little guys. It all passed by so fast. They're all grown and we're very close. Life comes fast. Take time to enjoy it.

22 years later, 44 year old me started talking to my Dad again. He's 83. My advice people, fly the nest by all means, but never cut the apron strings. Time is something you can never get back. Don't waste it. Family is everything and everything else is nothing.

My mom heard me listing to this song the other day. She told me that she used to play this song in the car all the time when I was younger, no wonder why it sounded so familiar.

Im absolutely dying here. I guess im so obtuse to believe that I'm the only man who crumbles when i hear this song. I have my dad/son story, just as many of you. Time is a thief. Everyone who has commented here has helped me tremendously in coping and i thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I think what i love most about this song is no matter who you are how old you are or where youre from you hear it and you feel like you can open up in the comments

am i the only one who feels like crying whenever i watch this video?

This song makes me cry everytime.

I'm 56 and my children are in there 30's. I made sure i was there for them and did my best to show them what dad means to a family. I've lived a long life and the best accomplishment is being a dad to three amazing children that have given me grandchildren to carry our legacy.

happy father's day everyone

Man, I'm a kid from the early 80's and I grew up with all kinds of music, since my family is so versatile. And in my humble opinion: this song will never ever die! 👏👏👏

This is one of those rare songs that hits home, and it it's home hard. Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there working hard to support their families. May your hard work not cost you your kids as it did to the father in this video.

Thank you Jesus for giving me the best dad in the world

The songwriting and riff are equally poetic. This song is giving me a tremendous ammount of good nostalgia - they just do not compose like this anymore

I was born in 93 I feel like Ive missed a lot of good music. I wish the radio was more diverse than just the usual rock hits.

41 years old and this song makes me cry every single time I hear it. Every single time I’ve been too busy to play or cuddle with my son hits me like a brick.

Happy Father's Day.

my 12 years old son is coming from school in 20 minutes, will for sure give him a big hug. such a great song, and a warning

Sometimes there are lyrics put together in such a way that they become timeless any always meaningful.

Lost my Dad right when I got out of the military. We were just beginning to share war stories together when he died of a freak heart attack at 56.

This song bridges generations and no matter who sings it the message is still the same, life is way too short and time goes by way too fast!

this song hits for me right now. lost my dad this month, i just turned 18. i knew he cared about me but he was never the most present or involved in my life. he’ll never get to see me graduate from high school this year, or go to the same college that he did.

I have totally forgotten how incredibly beautiful Whitfield is, or was, I haven't seen current photos of him. I do know that this video brought about one of my most precious memories of My Mom Donna. She died when I was 24, and though I would love to share my memory w/ the world, I think it is something that you had to be there to really appreciate. I miss these days more than words can express, but I am extremely grateful for the ability to have my Mom as close as when she was alive just by watching this video. She was the most beautiful person who touched so many people, and I am forever grateful for ' UGLY KID JOE ' & this overplayed video that I gave me such a hilarious and beautiful reminder that I was so freaking blessed to have such a wonderful person as my Mom, the very best friend anyone can ask for, and the one who loved unconditionally to a fault!! THANK YOU DONNA LEE, MY BEAUTIFUL MOM FOR GIVING ME SO MUCH TO MISS!!! I LOVE YOU LADY JANE!!

To the future generations, never let this song die.

When this cover first came out.. I loved it bc it sounded just like a lullaby.. Now that I understand the world, it is a beautiful warning in ways you can interpret. I never knew my father, but many men shaped my life. My children have a good man as a father; this is my life's blessing.

Fun fact. The actor playing the young man taking the car keys at 2:04 is Norman Reedus from Walking Dead.

such a strong message about a son and a father relationship

Reading through these comments breaks the heart. 😪 Make family first again.

When was the last time that you gave a hug to your father and told him that you love him? Do it now before it is too late...

My first father's day without mine, hits totally different.

I say without apology, this is one of the best cover songs of Generation X.

a very very underrated band :(

I unfortunately grew up with out my dad. He was was always living over seas. One day he sent me this song and it had me in fucking tears. I love you dad.

Listened to this song with my dad growing up and now I have 2 beautiful babies of my own and cant help but wanna cry listening to this song now

Daddys rights. Daddys have rights . And children have the right to know both parents in most circumstances. 0:55