Family is about the affirmation of love, connections, and strength. With a supportive family around you. life is so much better. But when a family goes wrong, there is a frail bond or a loss that erupts into hardships and challenges.
The following musical list features songs with tunes that empathize, are a work in progress, and make you happy regarding our families who know us the best. These playlist tunes are songs about various types of family connections.
Even though the word family is identified in some of the titles and lyrics, there are other songsters whose songs feature a family theme. The song lists are in the form of rock, pop, country, and more – enjoy!
1. “Family Affair” by Sly and the Family Stone
Nothing screams ‘It’s a Family Affair!’ better than Sly and the Family Stone’s song! Its simple yet well-thought-out lyrics perfectly capture the complexity of family relationship – “One child grows up to be somebody that just loves to learn. And another child grows up to be somebody you’d just love to burn,” but despite this, “mom loves the both of them.”
Sly and the Family Stone band exemplified the essence of family. It was made up of Sly’s younger brother and his sister. The rest of the band worked and lived closely just like a family.
The band comprised black and white accomplished players which was rare during the 1960s. The single “Family Affair” was a number 1 hit but was also the Band’s last big hit. Sly and the Family Stone band led the funk, rock and psychedemic music circa during the mid 60s and the 80s.
On a talk show in 1967 the leader of the band Sly. spoke about the #1 single “Family Affair” from their There’s A Riot Going On album. Sly stated that songs about family was important to him because family is what you make it. whether it is blood or very close friendships, thus this song title.
2. “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge
As a single release from Sister Sledge’s 1979 album “We Are Family” is still played today at various events like weddings, anniversaries, and school reunions. The Sister Sledge band was a family of four sisters.
The beginning career of Sister Sledge was not going well. The sisters were thinking about leaving the industry when their musical godfathers. Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers wrote We Are Family just for the girls.
The rest is musical award-winning history.
Women and LBJTQIA groups continue to feature this song as their anthem for unity and celebrating family bonds.
3. “My Father’s Eyes” by Eric Clapton
This captivating Eric Clapton ballad is a testimony to the unbreakable bond between father and son. He sings, “Bit by bit, I’ve realized that he was here with me, and I looked into my father’s eyes.”
Eric Clapton’s family circumstances were challenging. He never knew his father but imagined a relationship with him. The top 40 1992 release of “My Father’s Eyes” was about love as an homage to the loss of his father who had passed away before Eric had a chance to know him.
Clapton only had photos of his father. Two stanzas empathized with his plight as he wrote “How did I get here? What have I done?”
But he found solace when his son was born. Clapton’s solace was realized through a new generation when his son was born. Because he said that when he looked into his son’s eyes, he realized that they were his father’s eyes.
4. “Family Portrait” by Pink
It took 12 years for Pink to release the emotional hit of “Family Portrait.” Pink wrote the lyrics after her dad left their home.
She was distraught about her dad leaving the family at the young age of 9 years old. Like every other child, she only wanted love and a normal childhood with a mother and father.
Writing helps people to release their strained emotions. This single was released in 2002. It hit the top 20 charts in Europe and the U.S.
5. “Father To Son” by Queen
This rock tune was written by May. the lead guitarist of the British Rock Band Queen, regarding his relationship with his father.
May’s father did not want him to be a rocker. Dad thought that May should seek a worthier profession. “Father to Son” was written from the father’s perspective to his son about his future. The track is written in a typical Queen style of heavy metal rock from their winning 1972 “Seven Seas of Rhye” album.
6. “Teach Your Children Well” by Crosby Stills, Nash, and Young
Each band member from Crosby Stills. Nash, and Young contributed lyrics to “Teach Your Children Well” because of their family memories and parenthood.
At the time of its release, the 60’s/70’s were going through various social and political events. This song and its lyrics were an invitation for parents to take more of a role in their children’s lives, unlike Graham Nash’s father who was in jail.
Its intentional social movement lyrics were meant to tell parents to teach their children how they deal with life as reflected from their own experiences.
Even when the group broke up. Nash and Crosby in their solo performances were asked to perform ’Teach Your Children Well” as the audience members sang along.
7. “Family Reunion” by the O’Jays
The single “Family Reunion” by one of the best R&B groups in the 70s was one in a long string of hits by the O’Jays. The disco beat of Family Reunion was a celebration of family coming together and the joy it brings. The O’Jays celebrated their working together.
Family Reunion was a generational celebration of the African American family for many years which continues to take place today.
8. “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” by The Temptations
This was written by the Motown songwriters Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield in 1971. It became a mega hit when the Temptations performed it from its original failure by Strong and Whitfield. Yes. it is a song about a family man with a wandering eye.
Unfortunately, it is a song that is not unusual because there are many fatherless families. There wasn’t a one-person lead, instead each of the Temptations lead a four-stanza lyric vocal which meant to denote the truth that each family has flaws and that this wasn’t a one-person story.
The song was such a hit with audiences everywhere that the Temptations have a seven-minute version that featured there amazing dance moves. This version won them a number one hit on the Hot 100 charts as well as three Grammy Awards.
9. “In My Daughter’s Eyes” by Martina McBride
“In My Daughter’s Eyes” was written and released in 2003 by James T. Slater. It was recorded by the great country music singer Martina McBride who herself is a mother of three girls.
The lyrics portray how women find strength and courage when they look into the eyes of their daughters, both when they are born and when they have grown into adulthood. The recipe for a healthy mother daughter relationship begins when the daughter is just a little girl.
McBride contributed to the lyrics with a phrase that says. ’But the truth is plain to see; she was sent to rescue me; I see who I want to be In my daughter’s eyes.”
10. “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men
Mothers play diverse roles in a child’s development. She factors in every aspect of a child’s developmental, social, and cognitive growth. *A Song for Mama” was the title of this top 100 and R&B single by Boyz II Men.
This single was written and produced by Babyface. In addition to the many hits by Boyz II Men. “A Song for Mama” was a personal adulation to the group’s mothers.
It is their tribute and expression of love for the women they consider the queens of their hearts by supporting them through a capella performances in high school up to the fame they now experience.
11. “I Will Always Love My Mama” by The Intruders
Here is another one of the popular songs about family and the love expressed for mama. “I Will Always Love My Mama’ was a 1973 single from The Intruders Save The Children album. The Intruders recorded this popular hit on the Gamble & Huff label.
The Intruders all grew up together from the same Philly neighborhood. This single was so popular that it remained on the Hot 100 list for seven weeks with everyone singing and playing it at family functions. The title was inspired by Kenny Gamble and his relationship with his mother.
The lyrics was an anthem for mothers with wording like ‘she’s my favorite girl, you only get one. yeah. I’ll always love my mama, she brought me in this world.”
12. “Mama” by the Spice Girls
Mama is a deeply endearing term that is used both to describe mothers and elder women by family and friends around the world. Like the English pop group. The Spice Girls, many teens go through a rebellious phase. This means that our parents experienced a lot of headaches dealing with us during these periods of time.
The single release of ’Mama” is about realizing how much a mother does for her children, especially during those hair-pulling teenage years. Now that they have grown and matured, mothers and daughters can come back together as friends.
The pop/rock group The Spice Girls give back to their mothers by writing lyrics like “now I see through your eyes, all that you did was love. Mama, my friend. Mama I love you.”
13. “Family” by Dolly Parton
Songs about family is a universal theme no matter what genre music category you perform in. If you’re looking for a great song to play at a family gathering, you may well consider this single track from Dolly Parton.
As forthright has Ms. Parton is. she writes and sings about how family members can have different personalities. Some family members are fun while others may be annoying and embarrassing. But since you can’t choose your family, no matter what they are still your family whom you love!
14. “These Are My People” by Rodney Atkins
Popular country music artist Rodney Atkins says that you have the family you grew up in and then there is a family of friends. ‘These Are My People” was recorded by Rodney Atkins in 2007 from his platinum album “If You’re Going Through Hell.”
This song is a guitar-strumming jubilant tempo track with lyrics that reflect Atkins description of his rural life. Atkins says that his songs reflect his life and are not just ditties. He believes in telling a story in the melody of his songs which about diversity and love.
As his family lyrics show ‘But these are my people, this is where I come from. It ain’t always pretty, but it’s real. It’s the way we were made, wouldn’t have it any other way. These are my people.”
15. “Grandma’s Hands” by Bill Withers
The lyrics of “Grandma’s Hands” are meant to serve as a loving memory to Bill Withers’ grandmother. His grandmother helped to raise him while his mother worked, and his father was absent from the family.
His lyrics reflect all that his grandmother and an ode to grandmothers everywhere for all that they did for the family to help make us the people we became.
This 1971 single release from the debut album. “Just as I Am” became a favorite with the fans who helped to make it a chart-topping hit for many weeks.
16. “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” by Bon Jovi
It feels good when you leave home for various reasons, only to find yourself returning and being welcomed!
“Who Says You Can’t Go Home” was written and recorded by Jon Bon Jovi with two different versions. The first version was for his pop/rock fans and the second version featured vocals by country singer Jennifer Nettles. The country version was the first time a rock band recorded a number one country hit song.
The song was important to New Jersey born Jon Bon Jovi and the band. It was written to reflect how leaving a familiar hometown for many new locations and having the support of family and friends who reassured them that they can always come back home.
17. “Dear Mama” by Afeni Shakur (Tupac)
Tupac was named Lesane Parish Crooks at birth. He changed his name for different iterations to settle on Tupac Shakur. An accomplished rapper during the 70’s, he lived by the street’s rules that if you made it out of the hood’, then you pay back the family who helped you.
Tupac wrote “Dear Mama’ as one of his songs about family It was his ode to say thank you to his mother Afeni for supporting him during the tumult problems that life presented in a drug and alcohol community environment.
He lavished his mother with expensive jewelry and clothing which was his way of paying her back and to how her how much he appreciated her love. “Dear Mama” like other pen to paper hits Tupac wrote became one of the top 10 Billboard hits in 1995.
18.”Mockingbird” by Eminem
The original Eminem 2004 release of the Encore album featured a 2005 single known as “Mockingbird.’ Family relationship are often an emotional challenge Mockingbird was written by Eminem to reflect the turmoil experienced with his relationship involving his daughters and his wife.
Unfortunately, family can sometimes involves pain. Life takes you down different paths and the choice of which road to travel is up to you.
During a mix of rap and dialogue Eminem renders an apology to the women in his family. The lyrics are obviously very personal and vulnerable for Eminem, yet his fans and critics praised the song. Mockingbird became one of the top 10 Billboard hits both in the U K. and the U.S.
19. “Family Affair” by Mary J Blige
Mary J. Blige believes in the joy that family is supposed to experience. To give her family and friends a fun jam. she wrote “Family Affair” to say put the drama behind us and lets crunkit up (get drunk and dance) and have fun.
Her lyrical intent was to tell everyone to leave the problems of life behind and celebrate life. The tempo was so popular, and the lyrics were kicking that it remained on the top of the Billboard Chart for several months. “Family Affair” was also featured in many movie and TV scores like The Sopranos.
20. “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins
Phil Collins collaborations with the Disney Company has given fans some of the best songs about family ever written. His song ‘You’ll Be in My Heart” was popularized in the Tarzan animated film for which he won an Oscar.
The song is about two people who will be physically separated, but always together in spirit i.e.. a mother (gorilla) and son (Tarzan). Mothers are those that give birth and those that give all the love they can.
Phil’s daughter said that he originally wrote the lyrics as a lullaby for her as a child. Because he was on the road so much, he wrote the lyrics to say that no matter how long we are away from one another, the love we have will always remain in our hearts.
From unconditional love and generational wisdom to quarrels and reconciliations, these songs about family show a glimpse into the highs and lows of family dynamics.
21. “Daughters” by John Mayer
In “Daughters,” John Mayers perfectly captures how father-daughter dynamics can change a daughter’s perception of love and intimacy, which often affects romantic partnerships. Mayer, however, offers a simple advice to fathers: “Be good to your daughters.”
22. “Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross
If you’re looking for a family-themed song honoring your dad, Luther Vandross’s “Dance With My Father” will not only tear you up, but it’ll also comfort you by reminding you to focus on the best moments you had with your loved ones; “If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him, I’d play a song that would never end.”
23. “Hey Jude” by The Beatles
The Beatles’ Hey Jude is another masterpiece. Aside from its iconic build-up from ballad to the infectious bridge (“Na na na nananana, nanaanana”), it is one of the best songs for families because it highlights the importance of support and encouragement.
24. “Keep the Family Close” by Drake
Of all songs about family, this rap by Drake brings out the saying “Blood is thicker than water” best. In it, Drake laments the betrayal he has suffered at the hands of people he considered friends and regrets not keeping his family closer.
25. “Family Is Family” by Kacey Musgraves
Anything country singer Kacey Musgraves touches turns into gold, and this track on her Pageant Material album, is no exemption. Like other songs about family in this list, she beautifully points out that family is always present in our lives, from your first heartbreak to getting up in your business during Christmas.
26. “Oh Mother” by Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera’s hit song is more than just a celebration of women’s strength and resilience. It is also a condemnation of violence in the family. She sings, “Oh mother, don’t look back again ’cause he’ll never hurt us again.”
27. “Papa Don’t Preach” by Madonna
Relationships between fathers and daughters aren’t always rosy, and Madonna tackles the topic head-on in her hit song “Papa Don’t Preach.” She sings, “Papa, don’t preach, I’m in trouble, deep…but I made up my mind, I’m keeping my baby.”
28. “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” by Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles
Eventually, you’ll have to venture into the real world and experience life without your family. But that doesn’t mean you can’t go back home, whether you were running from the only thing you’ve ever known or “spent twenty years tryin’ to get out of this place.” Moreover, ‘Who says you can’t go home?’ anyway.
Other Songs About Family
- Teach Your Children Well by Crosby Stills, Nash and Young
- Family Business by Kanye West
- Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton
- Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin
- In My Daughter’s Eyes by Martina McBride
- Mockingbird by Eminem
- Dear Mama by Tupac Shakur
- Family Portrait by Pink
- We Are Family by Sister Sledge
- Daddy Sang Bass by Johnny Cash
- Family Table by Zac Brown Band
- I’ll Be There by Mariah Carey
- Family Bible by Willie Nelson
- Family Man by Fleetwood Mac
- The House That Built Me by Miranda Lambert
- The Luckiest by Jason Mraz
- Lean on Me by Bill Withers
- The Chain by Fleetwood Mac
- Home by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
Endnote on Songs About Family
The connective meaning of family are individuals related by blood and/or ancestry. However, there are other family relationships that do not involve genes but have everything to do with love, support, compassion, and more.
Actor Michael J. Fox quotes that ‘family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” Family cannot be defined by paperwork like marriage certificates. Family ties begin in the soul and heart.
We hope that this collection of songs about family love represents a source of encouragement and an incentive for you to love and appreciate your family makeup even more.
If you can’t get enough of thematic song collections or if you have any questions, we are here to provide more. Check back with us soon!
WHAT’S A GOOD SONG ABOUT LIFE?
Song styles can be very diverse. A discerning ear is required to classify a song because it may contain elements of various musical trends. Aside from trends, each culture creates its own music. With that, whats a good song about life?
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong is a perfect song about life. This song is fantastic in every way. It serves as a reminder of how beautiful life and the planet are. Plus, you can’t help but smile when you hear Louis’ voice.
One of the numerous songs that has lasted the test of time is “What a Wonderful World.” Its melody and lyrics teach us that in life, even when all appears to be lost and sorrow fills our souls, there is always hope for the future.
Despite the fact that it was written during a time of great turbulence, it gave us hope for a better future and demonstrated that we can always triumph. Many people of various ethnicities and religions were moved by the song. It taught us that no matter how awful things appear in our lives, no matter what you look like or who you are, things can always get better.
A GOOD SONG TO DEDICATE TO YOUR FAMILY
Music has brought families together, provided smiles, brought culture, brought tears, and so much more. It’s impossible to ignore the feeling you get when you hear music with your family, whether it’s rhythms, notes, a tune, or even natural sounds. Many people have been inspired by music, and it has aided them at difficult times in their lives.
Furthermore, our families can be a source of affection, support, irritation, and even humiliation. They can, however, keep you entertained and smiling. Though what is a good song to dedicate to your family.
“We are Family” by Sisters Sledge is such a good song to dedicate to your family. Sister Sledge’s song has a clear message, that family is vital. ‘We Are Family’ isn’t just a song. It’s a rallying cry for cooperation and generosity, as well as a reminder of the power of family and the need of banding together to help others in need.
“Family” means being able to be free together, to be able to express yourself without fear of being judged or abused. And We Are Family offered marginalized people a voice, allowing them to sing, yell, and exist without fear of prejudice.
Songs with powerful messages
There are songs that hit us right on the feels. Whether you are feeling down or lost, music is one way of finding the words that you want to hear. After all, music has the capability of uniting people to share the same sentiments over one thing.
Expert Tip: Some songs may sound stereotypical or just about flexing their riches but there are songs that will teach you to be compassionate, strong, and face your hardship to achieve your goals. Some songs are about reality and nature.
So what songs have a powerful message?
- Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson. This talks about change should start from yourself so that you can make the world a better place.
- Somewhere over the Rainbow by Judy Garland. It’s a song about making the best of what we have and that things will be better.
- Till I Collapse by Eminem. Greatness has a cost and you have to take it all if you really want to succeed.
- Beautiful by Christina Aguilera. This is about how each one of us is beautiful in our own ways.
- Heal the World by Michael Jackson. While moving forward with technology, we should never forget to take care of our nature and the world for it to be a better place for our children.
- Where is the Love by Black-eyed Peas. This song is about how media distorts reality and all the hatred in society.
- Born this way by Lady Gaga. You have to work what you got because those things won’t go away so embrace who you are.
- Fireworks by Katy Perry. This song will inspire you to believe in yourself even when things are down and your confidence is low.
- Lost Stars by Maroon 5. This song is about the youth who are trying to find their paths and what is their purpose in life.
- You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban. This song is about those people who are always there for us through tough times.
- The Winner Takes it All by ABBA. This song is written about divorce and the emotions that come with it.
- Hero by Mariah Carey. There is a hero inside of us. We don’t need to be superheroes to become a hero. We just need to do the right thing.
- Let it Be by The Beatles. Be gentle. Don’t try fighting things. Go with the flow and do your best. Things will work out one day.