Why did Harry Chapin write the song 'Cat's in the Cradle'?

Answer 1

According to Harry's Biography on Wikipedia, his wife Sandy wrote a poem titled, the 'Cat's in the Cradle". When Jennifer, their 1st child was born, Harry wrote the music for the poem. Harry's father, a talented musician, was hardly ever home during Harry's childhood because he traveled extensively with famous jazz bands, such as Woody Herman. At the time the song was published, Harry's schedule was very hectic, performing several hundred concerts yearly. I tend to think that he wrote the song to remind himself not to neglect his precious daughter and not to do to his children as his father had done to him. The song is timeless, has incredible wisdom, and will be remembered and listed as one of the greatest and most important songs of the 20th century. The song struck a chord in the hearts and minds of every father, mother, and child, and rose to be #1 on the charts and remained there for months and months. Harry Chapin was truly a "one of a kind" Musician and Lyricist. He painted beautiful stories of life and presented them with a wonderful artistic musical form. I followed him numerous times in concert from '72 to his departure in 1981. I was sooo sad to see him go. He was my Fav. I do miss him. We have lost a great compassionate man and musician. His songs will live forever in our hearts. May God eternally Bless you Harry and your wife and children always. Ed DeRocher Ed