For many of us, our mothers are one of the most important people in our lives. And yet, when it comes time to tell them how much we love and appreciate them, it’s easy to get tongue-tied. Not so much for these artists, who have found a way to capture the way we all feel about our moms in their songs. These Mother’s Day songs make the perfect playlist for that special brunch or get-together. Crib these lyrics for Mother’s Day Instagram captions, write them in Mother’s Day cards or just play the songs for her grand entrance. Not only will she be impressed by their eloquence, she’ll feel proud that she raised someone who had such good musical taste. Not specific enough? We also have suggestions for mother-daughter songs, so you can send them from one gal to another. (And if we didn’t include your favorite, let us know in the comments!)
Apart from music, how else can you make your mother feel special? Check out Good Housekeeping‘s Mother’s Day ideas, which includes how to make Mother’s Day brunch, the best movies to watch with your mom and even Mother’s Day poems that you can read to her. Remember: She deserves it!
1
“Superwoman” by Alicia Keys
2
“My Mother and I” by Lucy Dacus
All kids compare themselves to their mothers, and this Boygenius member has penned a sweet songs about figuring out the ways you and your mother are similar.
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3
“Mama’s Kitchen” by CeCe Winans
4
“Mother and Child Reunion” by Paul Simon
Dedicate this one to your mother if you’re missing her from across a distance. Your reunion will hopefully come soon.
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5
“Mama Said” by The Shirelles
Mom is wise, as this classic girl-group can attest. And any child worthy of a mother’s love knows to boogie down to this song when it comes on.
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6
“Stacy’s Mom” by Fountains of Wayne
7
“I Prefer Your Love” by St. Vincent
Lots of songs are written about romantic love, but this one is about how nourishing the love of a mother is. St. Vincent wrote it as her mother was recovering from an illness, and it’s heartbreaking when she sings, “All the good in me is because of you.”
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8
“Dear Mama” by 2Pac
This is a song for everyone who believes “ain’t a woman alive that could take my mama’s place.”
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9
“Ring Off” by Beyoncé
To say that mothers are brave and inspiring is an understatement, and Queen Bey beautifully embodies this sentiment in life and in song.
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10
“Mother” by Kacey Musgraves
This Grammy award winner proves that a sentimental song dedicated to mothers doesn’t have to be long when you know exactly what to say.
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11
“Oh, Mother of Mine” by the Temptations
This song warns of the dangers of not listening to your mother. But, with Temptations harmonies, the lesson goes down smoothly.
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12
“What Mama Say (Life Is Good)” by Jason Mraz
Jason Mraz gets everyone on their feet with this upbeat hit reminding us all to listen to our mamas. He even includes words we’ve all heard before:”Who do you think you are, you better behave, I gave you life, child I can take it away!”
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13
“Mama Knew Love” by Anthony Hamilton
Anthony Hamilton paints such a vivid picture of what a mother’s love looks like, including falling asleep in work clothes. (We’ve all been there.)
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14
“Turn to You” by Justin Bieber
This sweet song tells the story of Justin’s mom who was a young, single parent doing everything in her power to succeed. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed.
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15
“Si Veo a Tu Mamá” by Bad Bunny
Moms are more of a shout-out than a star of this song, about asking after your ex when you see their mom on the street. But, with this beat, which borrows from “The Girl from Ipanema,” your mom won’t be able to resist dancing.
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16
“Mama“ by Spice Girls
It happens every single day: Children grow up and realize their mothers have always wanted the best for them.
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17
“Mom“ by Meghan Trainor featuring Kelli Trainor
Warning: You will definitely pick up the phone and call your mom after listening to this song.
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18
“Thank You Mom“ by Good Charlotte
Even rockstars love their moms and the Madden brothers aren’t afraid to let the world know how much they appreciate theirs.
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19
“A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men
This R&B single may be more than two decades old, but it continues to be relevant because we still can’t go a day without our mamas.
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20
“The Perfect Fan” by The Backstreet Boys
In their prime, the boy band had millions of fans, but always remembered one special person in particular, “I want to thank you for what you’ve done in hopes I can give back to you, be the perfect son.”
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21
“Oh Mother“ by Christina Aguilera
It goes without saying that mothers endure a lot, and Christina lets her mom know that, in the end, they’ll always have each other.
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22
“Mother Like Mine” by The Band Perry
Made up of three siblings, it’s no surprise this country band sings an ode to their “lady of the house,” whose love could prevent all wars.
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23
“The Baby“ by Blake Shelton
Whether you’re the baby of the family or not, everyone can relate to these lyrics: “She said I don’t care if your 80, you’ll always be my baby.”
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24
“Mother” by Sugarland
This country duo perfectly reminds us that we’ll only ever have one mother: “She’s your mother, you love her. There won’t be another place like her again that you call home.”
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25
“Don’t Forget to Remember Me” by Carrie Underwood
Life leads us all in different directions, but it’s always important to remember our moms.
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26
“Mom“ by Garth Brooks
This heartwarming song is told from the perspective of a baby who speaks to God about leaving Heaven to meet, “a loving angel, tender, tough and strong,” who will be his mom.
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27
“The Wish“ by Bruce Springsteen
Accompanied by a piano, The Boss lovingly reminisces about his mother, singing, “We’ll find us a little rock ‘n roll bar and baby we’ll go out and dance.”
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28
“Your Mother Should Know“ by The Beatles
Although the lyrics of this 1967 hit seem pretty simple, Paul McCartney clarified its meaning. “I was basically trying to say your mother might know more than you think she does. Give her credit.” And he’s not wrong.
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29
“Angels” by Randy Travis
The country singer says it like it is: “Are you telling me that you’ve never seen an angel? Never felt the presence of one standing by? … Man, are you blind? Just look in your mother’s eyes.”
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30
“Mother” by Ashanti
In this song, Ashanti sings about how mothers and daughters share a special relationship where the love only grows deeper with time.
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31
“Like My Mother Does” by Lauren Alaina
There’s no bigger compliment than being compared to our beautiful, loving, strong mothers.
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32
“Mama Liked the Roses” by Elvis Presley
The King of rock ‘n’ roll remembers his mother through her favorite flower, keeping the blooms around at all times after she passed.
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33
“The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” by Glen Campbell and Steve Wariner
Released in 1987, this song still rings true for all mothers who hear the lyrics, “There ought to be a hall of fame for mamas.”
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34
“The Mother“ by Brandi Carlile
In this song, Carlile gets candid about becoming a mother singing, “The first things that she took from me were selfishness and sleep.” But, in the end, she knows that it’s all part of the adventure.
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35
“(God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time on You“ by *NSYNC
Often thought of as a love song for a sweetheart, the music video tells a different story — one about the relationship between a mother and son.
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