What key is "Cat's In The Cradle" in?

"Cat's In The Cradle" by Harry Chapin is in the key of Bb with a tempo of 160 BPM. Difficulty: medium.

Is "Cat's In The Cradle" easy to play on piano?

This arrangement is rated medium. It requires comfort with chord shapes and basic hand independence. Expect 1-2 weeks of regular practice for a confident performance.

Can I play "Cat's In The Cradle" without reading sheet music?

Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.

What chords are used in "Cat's In The Cradle"?

This arrangement of "Cat's In The Cradle" uses 9 chords: Ab, Bb, Cm, Cm7, Db, Eb, F, Fpow, +1 more.

How long does it take to learn "Cat's In The Cradle" on piano?

2–4 weeks of consistent practice (20–30 min/day) for an intermediate player. Drill the tricky passages in isolation first.

What other songs by Harry Chapin can I play here?

Try "Cat's In The Cradle", "Cat's In The Cradle". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

Lyrics

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

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

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

And he was (Eb)talk in’ ’fore I (Eb)knew it, and (Eb)as he grew he’d say, (Ab)“I’m gon na (Cm)be like (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 in’ 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 (F)came from col just the (Ab)oth er day, so (Bb)much like a man.

I just (F)had to say, “Son, I’m proud of you, can you (Ab)sit for a while?

He shook his head and he (F)said with a smile, “What I’d (Eb)real ly like, (Eb)Dad, is to (Cm7)bor row the (Eb)car keys.

See you (Cm)lat er.

Can I (F)have them, please?”

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 in’ home, son?” “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.”

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 (Cm7)kids have the flu, but it’s (Ab)sure nice (Cm)talk in’ to (F)you, Dad.

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

And as I (Eb)hung up the (Eb)phone, it oc (Cm7)curred 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 with the (Eb)sil ver spoon, (Ab)lit tle boy blue and the man in the moon.

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

We’re (Ab)gon na have a (Cm)good time (F)then.”

Cat's In The Cradle by Harry Chapin

6 people have learned this song

Easy piano arrangement in the key of Bb at 160 BPM. Difficulty: medium. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “Cat's In The Cradle”

What key is "Cat's In The Cradle" in?: "Cat's In The Cradle" by Harry Chapin is in the key of Bb with a tempo of 160 BPM. Difficulty: medium.
Is "Cat's In The Cradle" easy to play on piano?: This arrangement is rated medium. It requires comfort with chord shapes and basic hand independence. Expect 1-2 weeks of regular practice for a confident performance.
Can I play "Cat's In The Cradle" without reading sheet music?: Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.
What chords are used in "Cat's In The Cradle"?: This arrangement of "Cat's In The Cradle" uses 9 chords: Ab, Bb, Cm, Cm7, Db, Eb, F, Fpow, +1 more.
How long does it take to learn "Cat's In The Cradle" on piano?: 2–4 weeks of consistent practice (20–30 min/day) for an intermediate player. Drill the tricky passages in isolation first.
What other songs by Harry Chapin can I play here?: Try "Cat's In The Cradle", "Cat's In The Cradle". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.