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: easy.

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

Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.

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.

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

1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.

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 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 arrangement in the key of Bb at 160 BPM. Difficulty: easy. 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: easy.
Is "Cat's In The Cradle" easy to play on piano?: Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.
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.
How long does it take to learn "Cat's In The Cradle" on piano?: 1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
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.

Cat's In The Cradle

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Cat's In The Cradle

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Lyrics

Cat's In The Cradle by Harry Chapin

About “Cat's In The Cradle”

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