A child arrived just the other day,
He came into the world in the usual way,
But there were planes to catch and bills to pay,
He learned to walk while I was away.
He was talkin' before I knew
And as he grew he was saying:
"I'm gonna be like you, Dad.
You know I'm gonna be like you."

Well my son turned ten just the other day.
He said, "Thanks for the ball, Dad, let's play.
Can you teach me to throw?"
I said, "Not today; I got a lot to do - "
He said, "That's O.K." and he walked away.
He walked away, but his smile never dimmed.
It said, I'm gonna be like him, yeah.
You know, I'm gonna be like him.

Well, I've long since retired and my son's 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 he'd love to if he could find the time.
"You see, my new job's a hassle and the kids have the flu,
But it's been sure nice talking to you, Dad,
It's been sure nice talking to you."
And as he hung up the phone it occurred to me
He'd grown up just like me;
My boy was just like me.

Story Songs Ltd. (sung by Harry Chapin)