Cat's In The Cradle

by Harry Chapin

🎹 Loading song
Preparing player…
1
Play in Full ModesMore Songs for Kids

Same song, different levels

Lyrics

My child ar rived lege just the (Ab)oth er day.

He (Bb)came to the world in the (F)u su al way, but there were planes to catch I and (Ab)bills to pay.

I He learned to walk while I (F)was a way.

And he was (Eb)talk ing ’fore I (Eb)knew it, and (Cm)as he grew (Eb)dimmed.

he says, (Cm)“I’m gon na be er.

like I (F)you, Dad.

You (Ab)know I’m gon na (Cm)be like (F)you.”

And the cat’s in the cra dle and the (Eb)sil ver spoon, (Ab)lit tle boy blue and the man in the moon.

(F)“When you com ing home, Dad?” “I (Eb)don’t know when, but (Ab)we’ll get to (Cm)geth er then.

You (Ab)know we’ll have a (Cm)good time (F)then.”

Well, My son turned ten lege just the (Ab)oth er day.

He (Bb)“Thanks for the ball, Dad.

Come (F)on, su let’s play.

but Can you teach me throw?” can said, (Ab)“Not to day.

I He lot to do.” He said, (F)“That’s o kay.” And And he, (Eb)real he walked a (Eb)way but his (Cm)smile nev er (Eb)car It said, (Cm)“I’m gon na be er.

like I (F)him, yeah.

You (Ab)know I’m gon na (Cm)be like (F)him.”

And the cat’s in the cra dle and the (Eb)sil ver spoon, (Ab)lit tle boy blue and the man in the moon.

(F)“When you com ing home, Dad?” “I (Eb)don’t know when, but (Ab)we’ll get to (Cm)geth er then.

You (Ab)know we’ll have a (Cm)good time (F)then.”

Well, he

I’ve long since re tired, my (Ab)son’s moved a way.

I called him up just the (F)oth er day.

I said, “I’d like to see you if (Ab)you don’t mind.” He said, “I’d (Bb)love to, Dad, if I can (F)find the time.

You see, my (Eb)new job’s a (Eb)has sle and the (Cm)kids have the flu, but it’s (Ab)sure nice (Cm)talk ing to (F)you, Dad.

It’s been (Ab)sure nice (Cm)talk ing to (F)you.”

And as I (Eb)hung up the (Eb)phone, it oc (Cm)cured to me, he’d (Ab)grown up (Cm)just like (F)me;

my (Ab)boy was (Cm)just like (F)me.

And the cat’s in the cra dle and the (Eb)sil ver spoon, (Ab)lit tle boy blue and the man in the moon.

(F)“When you com ing home, son?” “I (Eb)don’t know when, but (Ab)we’ll get to (Cm)geth er then, Dad.

You (Ab)know we’ll have a (Cm)good time (F)then.”

Cat's In The Cradle by Harry Chapin — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Cat's In The Cradle by Harry Chapin in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of Bb at 160 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Cat's In The Cradle" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "Cat's In The Cradle"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
What other Harry Chapin songs work for kids?
Try "CAT'S IN THE CRADLE", "Cat's In The Cradle". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.