Homework 2: Week 5, Class 1

Today's video in class was a 1975 recording of the late American singer Harry Chapin singing his song 'Cats in the Cradle' [a HUGE hit in the early 1970's]. A huge hit in the early 1970’s, there have been numerous version through the years, some of which have re-entered the charts. As will become clear, the theme of the song is fatherhood, and the impact a certain kind of fatherhood can have on the development of children.

As a option for this weeks homework, watch the video and then have a listen to the song with the lyrics. Write for about 10 to 15 minutes about your father or someone who has acted like a father to you.

Specifically, see if you can focus on such issues as:

(i) how much time he was able to spend with you;

(ii) the quality of the time you spent together;

(iii) the impact this has had on the ways in which you might choose to spend time with your children in the future - or children whom you might have care of.

The version in the link below, by the way, is the latest version of the song to reach the 'American Top 40'. Its sung by Ugly Kid Joe.

Cats in the Cradle:
Harry Chapin

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 talkin' 'fore I knew it, and as he grew
He'd say, I'm gonna be like you dad
you know I'm gonna be just like you

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home dad?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
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 lets play",
"Can you tech me to throw". I said, "Not today,
I got a lot to do", he said, "that's OK",
and he walked away but his smile never dimmed,
And said, I'm gonna be like him"
"You know Im gonna be like him"

Well he came home 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 said with a smile
"What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys,
See you later, can I have them please"

I've long since retired, my sons 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 kids have the flu
But's its sure nice talking to you, Dad,
Its bee sure nice talking to you.

And as I hung up the phone it occured to me,
He's grown up just like me
My boy was just like me...