I was seven years old when Harry Chapin released what became his most enduring song.  With mentions of silver spoons, little boys blue and men on the moon, I thought it was a children’s song.  I’m sure I’m not the only one.

I don’t think there was a kid on the playground who didn’t know “Cats in the Cradle.”  We liked it because Mr. Chapin was telling us a story, and at that age that’s enough.

But the story of a little boy with a too busy dad resonated with us, and we never forgot it.  Guys of my generation vowed never to be that father.  Without question “Cats in the Cradle” is the saddest song of my childhood, because goddamnit it was my childhood.

Last week it came on when my kids and I were on our way to lunch, and that’s all I’m going to tell you.  For the rest of the story hop over to The Good Men Project, and don’t forget your hankie and your lighter.  I’m all about encores.