61 Great Mother’s Day Songs to Help You Say 'Thank You, Mom'
From R&B to country, these tunes will show her how much you care.
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Mothers and mother figures are the inspiration behind some of the most wholesome songs ever written and for good reason. After all, they represent selflessness, sacrifice, and unconditional love, which are the perfect recipes for a heartwarming tune.
Whether you’re hosting a Mother’s Day brunch, gardening together or simply spending a relaxing day at home with your mom, incorporating a playlist of the best Mother’s Day songs into your activities is a wonderful way to commemorate the special day.
From hip hop to country and every genre in between, this collection includes sentimental lyrics of gratitude, respect, and of course, enduring adoration. So, celebrate the moms, grandmothers, aunts, and other prominent matriarchs in your life through the gift of song that will be music to their ears.
"Mama Used to Say" by Junior
Mothers are typically our first teachers. The British singer reflects on what his mom taught him about the importance of slowing down and living in the present with this catchy 1982 hit.
"Let It Be" by the Beatles
Sometimes the greatest masterpieces are inspired by dreams. Paul McCartney says that the lyrics to this 1968 hit came to him during a deep slumber where he saw his late mother advising him to just “let it be,” and that everything will work out when it comes to life’s hardships.
"On My Mama" by Victoria Monet
When it comes to looking good, Monet knows where she gets it. In this award-winning hit, she proudly credits her mother for attractiveness and bets her assuredness on the one responsible for giving her life.
"Hey Ma" by Chance the Rapper
The Chicago native pens this heartfelt rap for his mom and all the mother figures in his life who helped him accomplish his dreams.
"I Called Mama" by Tim McGraw
No matter what you're going through, you can always count on your mother's soothing voice for comfort. This 2020 song reminds people to cherish their moms and that they're only a phone call away.
"Somebody's Hero" by Jamie O'Neal
All moms truly are heroes. Jamie O'Neal illustrates that fact perfectly with this song dedicated to all the everyday tasks that mothers make look so easy.
"In My Life" by The Beatles
If you happen to be remembering the life of a mother, grandmother, aunt or maternal figure, The Beatles have just the song to make you feel closer to them this Mother's Day. The iconic group sings with the fondness of someone close to them with the chorus: "Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before, I know I'll often stop and think about them, in my life, I love you more."
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"The Mother's Day Song" by Bryant Oden
This silly song speaks from the perspective of a young child trying to take on the demands of his mother's life for Mother's Day. Not only will it give you a greater appreciation for all that she does daily, but you'll get a good laugh too.
"Always Love You" by Tori Kelly
Tori Kelly perfectly captures the unconditional love of a mother in this sweet tune. She also speaks to how she has been inspired by her mother's love with the lyrics, "when I'm ready to leave,
start a family, I'll love them like you loved me."
"Like My Mother Does" by Lauren Alaina
Anyone who's ever been told "you're just like your mother" will resonate with this song. Lauren Alaina details all of the ways she lives our her life "like [her] mother does."
"In My Daughter's Eyes" by Martina McBride
There is nothing quite like the relationship between a mother and daughter, and this song is proof. Martina McBride effortlessly croons emotional lyrics about the strength she draws from their bond.
"You Can’t Hurry Love" By The Supremes
Moms always find a way to give the best advice. The Supremes said it best when they detailed a mother's advice about waiting on love. If your mom is into the classics this sweet tune will be right up her alley.
"Because You Love Me" by Céline Dion
The truth is, many of us wouldn't be where we are now without our mom. Celine Dion's iconic song will bring tears to her eyes thanks to lyrics like, "You were my strength when I was weak. You were my voice when I couldn't speak."
"Coat of Many Colors" by Dolly Parton
There is nothing quite like receiving a handmade or sentimental gift from your mom. Dolly Parton perfectly encompasses that feeling with this warm ballad speaking to the "coat of many colors
that my momma made for me."
"Forever My Lady" by Jodeci
Celebrate the woman who brought your child into the world with this R&B tribute. Jodeci delivers on this soulful tune that will have you belting out "now our baby is born healthy and strong, now our dreams are reality."
“You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder's upbeat 1973 single will be the perfect reminder to the special woman in your life that she always brings you the sunshine.
“Mom” by Earth, Wind & Fire
For a jazzy melodic song that will transport Mom back to the 70s, you'll want to keep this Earth, Wind & Fire hit in rotation throughout all of your Mother's Day festivities. Not only is it pleasing to hear, but lyrics like "She gave me words of love" and
"She gave me peace and love" will keep all the various lessons your mom has taught you at the forefront of the day.
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"Sweetest Devotion" by Adele
New moms will be able to relate to this 2015 hit songstress Adele wrote about her devotion to her son. With lines like "You will only be eternally, The one that I belong to" and "Just remember, that come whatever, I'll be yours all along," you can't help but to catch all the feels.
"To Zion" by Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill describes her journey to becoming a mother in this emotional ballad. Play this for your mom to remind her of the "joy" of her world.
"You'll Be In My Heart" by Phil Collins
This Phil Collins song made its debut in 1999 as part of the soundtrack for the animated film Tarzan. It's played as Tarzan's adoptive mother attempts to console the infant. Though Collins reportedly wrote the song for his daughter Lily, the sentiments of the song are still enough to bring a tear to any mother's eye.
Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.
Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with more than two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Travel + Leisure, Tripadvisor, People, Parade and more. Her coverage includes travel, lifestyle, entertainment and wellness content. When she's not exploring the world with her family, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears.
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