Best Songs About Moms for Mother’s Day
Boyz II Men, “A Song for Mama”
“A Song for Mama” was written for the 1997 film Soul Food and served as the movie’s main theme song. It was Boyz II Men’s last top 10 single to date, peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B charts. Not only are the group’s signature melodies to die for in this track, but the lyrics are so simple, so pure and so sweet that they’ll make you and Mom misty: “You were there for me to love and care for me / When skies were gray / Whenever I was down / You were always there to comfort me / And no one else can be / What you have been to me you will always be / You will always be the girl / In my life for all times / Mama, Mama you know I love you / Mama, Mama you’re the queen of my heart / Your love is like tears from the stars, yes it is / Mama I just want you to know lovin’ you is like food to my soul.”
Sugarland, “Mother”
It’s hard to narrow down a lyric to this Sugarlandsong to point out because it’s all just so sweet, sentimental and heartwarming, but this particular passage about tough love is beautiful: “When you fail her, when you’re afraid / And crying in the careless mess you’ve made / She’ll make you clean it up yourself / And offer you a little help / And dry your weary eyes when you let her / But she’ll look at you and know you can do better.”
Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris, “The Sweetest Gift”
“The Sweetest Gift” was written in 1942, but it’s Linda Ronstadtand Emmylou Harris’ 1972 cover that’s most famous, and with good reason: Those voices! The song, written by J.B. Coats, is about a mother visiting her “erring but precious” son in prison, loving him unconditionally.
The Beatles, “Julia”
John Lennon wrote The Beatles’ classic “Julia” about his own mother, Julia Lennon, who passed away in 1958 when she was just 44 years old.
Brandi Carlile, “The Mother”
Brandi Carlilecaptures the struggle of balancing one’s own identity, needs and desires as an individual with the role of motherhood. Added bonus? The music video was filmed with an all-female crew.
Beyoncé, “Blue”
From Beyoncé’s self-titled album, “Blue” is an ode to her first-born daughter, Blue Ivy, who she and husband Jay-Z welcomed after suffering a miscarriage.
Glen Campbell and Steve Wariner, “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle”
This country-rock crossover classic from Glen Campbell pairs vivid imagery of a newborn son (“He got here red, wrinkled and scared and cryin’”) with a sweet tribute to the efforts moms put in: “There ought to be a hall of fame for mamas / Creation’s most unique and precious pearls / And heaven help us always to remember / That the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.”
The Shirelles, “Mama Said”
This girl group classic reminds us that, yep, mama’s always right—especially about bad days.
2Pac, “Dear Mama”
Tupac Shakur wrote a compelling and heartwrenching rap for his beloved single mother, Afeni, detailing his life growing up in poverty and Afeni’s own struggles with addiction.
Meghan Trainor, “Mom”
Meghan Trainorfeatures an adorable recorded phone call with her mom on this cute and catchy track from her sophomore album Thank You.
Kacey Musgraves, “Mother”
Kacey Musgravespraises her own mother’s empathy as well as showcases her own on “Mother,” in which she coos, “I’m just sitting here thinking ‘bout the time that’s slipping / And missing my mother, mother / And she’s probably sitting there / Thinking ‘bout the time that’s slipping / And missing her mother, mother.”
Carrie Underwood, “Mama’s Song”
Carrie Underwoodsings this sweet song about assuring your mama—on your wedding day—that your husband will take care of you (and that you can take care of yourself), but that she’ll never be replaced in your heart.
Spice Girls, “Mama”
The Spice Girls helped cowrite this track from their debut album, Spice. Mel Bsaid of the sweet song in their book Real Life: Real Spice: The Official Story, “We wrote ‘Mama’ when I was going through a bad phase with my mum. The sentiments are really that your mum’s probably the best friend that you’ve got. Whether she’s an over-protective mother or a bit of a landmine, she probably knows you better than yourself in some ways.” Mel C added, “Mama’s all about how you’re such a cow to your mum when you’re going through that rebellious teenage stage. Then when you get a bit older, you realize that whatever she was doing, she was only doing it for your own good. And you think: ‘God, I was really horrible.’”
Kanye West, “Hey Mama”
Kanye Westwas incredibly close to his late mother, Donda. In “Hey Mama,” he recalls their early struggles together and raps to her, “It don’t gotta be mother’s day, or your birthday, for me to just call and say / Hey mama, I want to scream so loud for you / ‘Cause I’m so proud of you, let me tell you what I’m about to do / You know I love you so, I’ll never let you go / I wrote this song just so you know no matter where you go I’m a love you.”
Merle Haggard, “Mama Tried”
Let’s face it: No matter how wonderful a mother is, sometimes her kid just doesn’t turn out the best. In “Mama Tried,” Merle Haggardassures Mama that it’s not her fault she’s got a bit of a wayward son.
Ray Charles, “Mother”
Ray Charles’ voice shines in this ode to a mother who’s passed but lives on forever in his heart.
Martina McBride, “In My Daughter’s Eyes”
Martina McBride reveals in “In My Daughter’s Eyes” that your mom isn’t just your hero—you’re also hers.
Earth, Wind & Fire, “Mom”
Known for their dance hits, Earth, Wind & Fireslow it down a bit in this midtempo tune that maintains a bit of their signature funk even in the lyrics: “In my life / I’ve always dug her.”
Christina Aguilera, “Oh Mother”
Christina Aguileradelivers a powerful tribute to her mother in “Oh Mother,” which details her mom’s struggle with domestic violence and raising Xtina alone.
Lita Ford, “Mother”
Rock goddess Lita Fordwrote “Mother” for her then-estranged sons while she dealt with parental alienation, reminding them that despite the circumstances, she’ll always be there for them.
Lauren Alaina, “Like My Mother Does”
American Idolalum Lauren Alainacovered this song by Jesse Lee on the show, and it helped her eventually become runnerup. Her mom even appears in the video—cute!
Mac Miller, “I’ll Be There”
Mac Miller wrote a sweet song thanking his mom for raising him and keeping him sane during his rise to fame in “I’ll Be There”: “In the quest to be a man / You start to learn you need your family / It wasn’t for them, I’d be way closer to insanity / It ain’t about the vanity / Think about what’s important / The reason I was 6 years old rocking some Jordans / The reason I had food / My own damn room / A TV and a living room to watch my cartoons / I just hope she know I love her / The world’s best mother.”
Madonna, “Promise to Try”
Madonna wrote the heartbreaking “Promise to Try” about losing her mother at a young age.
Jamie O’Neal, “Somebody’s Hero”
Australian country star Jamie O’Neal wrote “Somebody’s Hero” about moms who may not wear capes, but still save us all every day.
Bette Midler, “The Wind Beneath My Wings”
Bette Midler won a Grammy for this cover for Beaches, a mother-daughter classic.
The Intruders, “I’ll Always Love My Mama”
“I’ll Always Love My Mama” was inspired by co-writer Kenny Gamble’s mother, Ruby, who died in 2012.
Carly Simon, “Mother’s Intuition”
How sweet! Carly Simonwrote “Mother’s Intuition” for Piglet’s Big Movie, for a scene in which kangaroo Kanga demonstrates how universal a mother’s love can be—even across species.
Shenandoah, “Mama Knows”
You know how, for better or worse, you can never get away with lying to your mama? This 1988 track absolutely nails that experience.
Fantasia, “Baby Mama”
Fantasia Barrino released this anthem for baby mamas who get it done despite the drama.
Good Charlotte, “Thank You Mom”
Good Charlotte twins Joeland Benji Madden were raised in poverty by a single mom and wrote this sweet song from their debut in her honor.
George Jones, “Flowers for Mama”
George Joneswrote the heartbreaking “Flowers for Mama” in honor of his late mother.
Queen Naija, “Mama’s Hand”
Queen Naija wrote the moving “Mama’s Hand” for her son. He appears in the video, as does her own mom.
The Wilkinsons, “26 Cents”
This sweet tune should serve as a reminder to call your mom. You know, when you’re done crying.
Il Divo, “Mama”
The moving “Mama” was the first original song ever released by Il Divo.
Taylor Swift, “The Best Day”
Taylor Swiftwrote this sweet ditty about her beloved mom, Andrea. Another adorable Swift pick from the opposite perspective? “Never Grow Up.”
Sheryl Crow, “Stay at Home Mother”
Single mom Sheryl Crowsings of the struggles that are all too real in “Stay at Home Mother.”
Justin Bieber, “Turn to You”
Justin Bieberwas raised predominantly by his mom, Pattie Mallette, who had him when she was a teen. He never forgot how hard she had it and lets her know in this adorable tribute from Believe.
Ben Harper, “If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again”
Ben Harperis introspective on this tune, in which he reminisces about his mom’s piousness.
Ciara, “I Got You”
Ciarawrote and performed this song about her devotion to her first son, Future. The sweet video includes footage of her telling her parents she was expecting!
Mr. T, “Treat Your Mother Right”
We pity the fool who doesn’t follow Mr. T’s advice this Mother’s Day and beyond. Not sure how to celebrate Mother’s Day this year? We’ve got more than 30 ways to celebrate Mother’s Day virtually.
