I never really understood all the boo-hooing about Cat's in the Cradle. I mean, yeah, I understand the point Croce's trying to make. But, strictly considering the ACTUAL lyrics, the worst thing about the protagonist father is that after the son grows up he sounds pretty selfish and needy.
Of course the kid wants to hang out with his old buddies when he comes home from college. And, Jesus, later he's just told you that he's dealing with a new job and his kid's got the flu -- get on a damn plane already and go help him out instead of whining that he doesn't have time to gab with you on the phone!!