Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
St. Paul, Minn.

Poem on a father-son relationship inspired 'Cat's in the Cradle'

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Today's Morning Edition music is from Harry Chapin with "Cat's in the Cradle," which was the No. 1 song on the charts 40 years ago today.

It is based on a poem that Chapin's wife Sandy wrote about her ex-husband and his distant father. Chapin says he created the chorus by reworking nursery rhymes, especially "Hey Diddle Diddle."

Chapin was killed in traffic accident in 1981. He was 39 years old.

Here's a clip of Chapin's wife and son talking about the song.

• More Morning Edition music

Volume Button
Volume
Now Listening To Livestream
Meghna Chakrabarti
On Air
On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti