Mom, mama, mommy, or mum. No matter what you call your mother, it’s an undeniable fact that moms are important pillars of love and support in our lives. And, what better way to celebrate their passion and dedication than by sending them heartfelt songs about moms?
A Song for Mama by Boyz II Men
“A Song for Mama” is a heartfelt ballad featuring lyrics about how loving one’s mother is “like food for my soul.” Upon release, this song peaked at number seven in the 1997 Billboard Top 100, making it the last time Boyz II Men released a top 10 hit.
Turn To You (Mother’s Day Dedication) by Justin Bieber
With semi-biographical lyrics about a teenage mother working two jobs, “Turn to You” emphasizes the incomparable strength of all mothers. Bieber wrote and released the song for Mother’s Day 2021 as a thank you to his mother.
The Best Day by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift may be known for her pop-driven power anthems, but her 2008 album Fearless featured a surprisingly tender song dedicated to her parents. In “The Best Day,” Swift sings from the perspective of her younger self, reminiscing about all the ways her mother helped her through the major milestones of her life.
In My Daughter’s Eyes by Martina McBride
The lyrics of this song capture a sentiment faced by many mothers all over the world. A woman may feel inadequate in many facets of her life, but she often realizes how brave and powerful she is when she looks at herself through her daughter’s eyes.
Mama’s Song by Carrie Underwood
“Mama’s Song” is unlike other songs about moms because it’s written from the perspective of a young bride on her wedding day. Originally released as a single in 2009, it eventually peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 Country Songs list in 2011.
Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton
Having grown up in poverty, Dolly Parton has pleasant memories of her mother sewing patches of rags together to form a “coat of many colors.” In 1969, she wrote a song about this precious memory that went on to reach number four in the U.S. country music charts in 1971.
Dear Mama by Tupac
Having been absent from young Tupac Shakur’s life due to drugs, Afeni Shakur was finally able to attend rehab and reconcile with her son, which eventually inspired the lyrics to this famous song.
Superwoman by Alicia Keys
On the surface, “Superwoman” is a song about powerful women, but its themes of overcoming adversity can be applied to motherhood. In the song, Keys sings the lyrics, “for all the mothers fighting for better days to come,” reminding the listener of all the ways a mother sacrifices for her children.
The Perfect Fan by the Backstreet Boys
At the height of their popularity, the Backstreet Boys released “The Perfect Fan.” While fame has helped the group win fans all over the globe, the members’ mothers are considered”perfect fans due to their encouragement and guidance from the band’s pre-fame days.
Mama Said by The Shirelles
“Mama Said” may have been released in 1961, but the lyrics are still applicable today. “Mama said there would be days like this” describes the way a mother warns her daughter about the pitfalls of falling in love with the wrong boy.
The Baby by Blake Shelton
Mothers will always see their children as babies, even if they’re grown men like the narrator in Blake Shelton’s “The Baby.” The song details the relationship between a mother and her hardworking, blue-collar son, who is also her youngest, making him her “baby.”
Oh Mother by Christina Aguilera
Written by Christina Aguilera herself, “Oh Mother” is about the spousal abuse faced by Aguilera’s mother. The unexpectedly tender ballad provides a calm, piano-backed interlude in her otherwise danceable Back to Basics album.
Where You Lead by Carole King and Louise Goffin
Originally written as a song about romantic devotion, “Where You Lead” was re-recorded in 2000 as a duet with Carole King and her daughter, Louise Goffin. In the new version, the lyrics were tweaked from their original 1971 version to reflect a mother-daughter relationship.
Like My Mother Does by Lauren Alaina
Originally recorded in 2008 by Kristy Lee Cook, “Like My Mother Does” was popularized by the runner-up of the 2011 season of American Idol, Lauren Alaina. The song is about a woman acknowledging her mother’s influence in her life.
Hey Mama by Kanye West
In 2005, Kanye West released “Hey Mama,” a tribute to his mom, Donda West, who supported his music career since the age of thirteen. The song features lyrics detailing key memories of their life together, such as, “You worked late nights just to keep on the lights.”
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle by Glen Campbell
“Heaven help us to always remember that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” These lyrics from the song’s chorus perfectly illustrate how the world’s most influential people and events are rooted in a mother’s love.
You Are the Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder
This 1972 hit song was written about Stevie Wonder’s wife, but it can also be applied to motherhood. Through the catchy lyrics of the chorus, Wonder promises the “apple of his eye” that he’ll love her “forever,” reminding many listeners of the love they have for their own mothers.
You Never Gave Up On Me by Reba McEntyre
Like many other music artists, Reba McEntyre credits her mother for her successful career. In 2019, she released “You Never Gave Up On Me” as a tribute to her mother’s undying support.
No Charge by Melba Montgomery
Raising a family is a job that often goes unappreciated, as illustrated in the 1974 song “No Charge.” The song is about a woman recounting all the physical and mental labor involved in raising her son, but in the end, there’s “no charge” for unconditional love.
Mom by Garth Brooks
“Mom” by Garth Brooks is another song about a mother’s devotion. However, Brooks sings from the perspective of God as He assures a young baby not to be scared to go down to Earth because his mother will always protect him.
Mamma Mia by ABBA
Before it became a Broadway musical, “Mamma Mia” was a simple pop song about post-breakup regret. Unlike other songs about moms, the only allusion to motherhood is in the title, which means “my mother” in Italian.
Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack
In the end, all mothers just want their children to grow up happy and fulfilled. “Hope You Dance” is sung from the perspective of a mother trying to give advice, but in the end, she just hopes her child always finds time to dance and be happy.
Other Songs About Moms
- Promise to Try by Madonna
- Mom by Meghan Trainor ft Kelli Trainor
- Mama Tried Song by Merle Haggard
- The Hand That Rocks the Cradle by Glen Campbell and Steve Wariner
- Mother’s Little Helper by The Rolling Stones
- Somebody’s Hero” by Jamie O’Neal
- Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton
- I’m a Survivor by Reba McEntire