It's Mom's special day, and that means its on you to pull out all the stops to make her feel like the queen she is. That means picking out a meaningful Mother's Day gift, planning a Mother's Day brunch (or taking her to her favorite restaurant), and even buying her a bouquet of flowers. But don't stop there! Earn "favorite child" status by making your mom a sentimental playlist of Mother's Day songs.
There's no better way to pay tribute to her love than with a curated soundtrack, whether she likes country music or more upbeat tunes. You'll find everything on this list from Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton to Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift. Plus, it's a sweet way to show your love even if you don't live close by. Trust us, she'll have these Mother's Day songs on repeat all year-round. You might want to send a box of tissues too!
"Takes After You" by ERNEST
Country singer ERNEST released a new heartfelt song just in time for Mother's Day. It's a tribute to his wife, Delaney Royer, and their son, Ryman, but the lyrics hold true for any parent: "Oh if he don't take after Jesus, I hope he takes after you."
"The Mother" by Brandi Carlile
The moving 2018 song begins, "Welcome to the end of being alone inside your mind/
Tethered to another and you're worried all the time." The lyrics are relatable to all mothers, no matter what stage of their life.
"Without You" by Luke Combs
Luke sings about all of the people who have supported him, including his mother who worked two jobs so he could realize his dream.
"He Gets it From Me" by Reba McEntire
In this sweet song from her 2003 album Room to Breathe, Reba sings about all of the traits she shares with her son, from his freckles to his favorite cereal.
"You Can't Lose Me" by Faith Hill
In Faith Hill's upbeat song from her 1995 album It Matters to Me, she encourages her daughter and reminds her that, no matter what happens, she'll always have her love and support.
"Perfect Fan" by Backstreet Boys
The popular boy band recorded this emotional song as a tribute to their moms who have supported them through the years.
"Turn to You" by Justin Bieber
Bieber sings this powerful tribute to his mom and the sacrifices she made for him in this 2012 song. He sings, "I admire you for the strength you instilled in me."
"Got It From My Mama" by Honey County
Honey County recorded this ode to mothers everywhere and it obviously resonated with many because it quickly went viral on TikTok. Just like the lyrics say, "Everything good in me, I got it from my mama."
“Mama Said” by The Shirelles
Everyone will sing along when you play this 1961 hit.
"Superwoman" by Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys lends her powerful vocals to this ode to strong women. She sings, "For all the mothers fighting, for better days to come." Play this for any woman who needs a reminder of her strength.
"Like My Mother Does" by Lauren Alaina
Lauren Alaina sings about her biggest compliment: hearing people say she's just like her mom. The lyrics say, "She's a rock/She is grace/She's an angel/She's my heart and soul/She does it all."
"Mom" by Garth Brooks
You'll want to have the tissues ready before you press "play" on this one! In this heartfelt song, Garth Brooks tells the story of God explaining what a mom is to an unborn child. He sings, "So, hush now little baby, don't you cry/'Cause there's someone down there waiting whose only goal in life/Is making sure you're always gonna be alright/A loving angel tender, tough and strong/Come on child it's time, to meet your mom."
"I Called Mama" by Tim McGraw
If you need a reminder to call your mom, this is the song for you!
“You’re Gonna Be” by Reba McEntire
Whether it’s singing about motherhood or playing a mom on TV, Reba knows how to tell family stories. “You’re Gonna Be” is addressed to a newborn baby, “6 pounds and 9 ounces, lookin' up at me,” and about a mother’s unconditional love at first sight.
“You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder
An ode to the people who brighten our day, this Stevie Wonder hit is almost impossible to listen to without smiling. Hit play and enjoy reminiscing on all the warmth our mothers have to give.
“I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack and Sons of the Desert
Sung powerfully by Lee Ann Womack, this inspirational tune is appropriate for so many occasions. On Mother’s Day, it reminds us of all the wishes mothers have for their children, and how they inspire us to be the best versions of ourselves.
“I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5
No one is there for you quite like Mom, who has been by your side from the very beginning. That makes this classic song by The Jackson 5 so meaningful for the holiday.
“Mother Like Mine” by The Band Perry
With sentimental lyrics like “She's the sky that holds the clouds / She's the lady of the house,” this song by The Band Perry is right up there with the best Mother’s Day cards.
“Teenage Daughters” by Martina McBride
Motherhood isn’t always glamorous, and “Teenage Daughters” gets into the complications that occur as kids grow up. It’s a familiar pattern that McBride sings about, missing the days when “We used to be the ones breakin' the rules!”
“Somebody's Hero” by Jamie O'Neal
All moms are superheroes, and deserve to hear the uplifting message in this Jamie O’Neal song. It’s a reminder that even when things feel tough, their kids still think the world of them.
“Mom” by Meghan Trainor
For a bubbly pop track, Meghan Trainor’s “Mom” is the perfect addition to your holiday playlist. In a fun twist, it even features Meghan’s mother, Kelli.
“In My Daughter's Eyes” by Martina McBride
Another Martina McBride song sure to make you reach for the tissues, “In My Daughter’s Eyes” is a sweet number about how empowering it is to do right by your kids.
“Mama’s Song” by Carrie Underwood
Moms with grown-up children will appreciate “Mama’s Song,” with lyrics that tell the story of a daughter comforting her parents as she prepares to get married.
“Hey Mama” by Kanye West
Kanye West’s address to his mother is genuine and heartfelt. On top of that, his rap is catchy and rhythmic, which makes for easy listening.
“Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
The rare vocal talent of Celine Dion is always a crowd pleaser, and this song will be especially well-received on Mother’s Day.
“The Best Day” by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s song is about all the small moments that make regular days with Mom so spectacular. Tractor rides, painting, and window shopping are just some of the memories she sings about.
“Mother” by Kacey Musgraves
Those who live far away from their mothers, or can’t be with them during the holiday, will be soothed by this Kacey Musgraves song about the ache of missing a parent.
“Where You Lead” by Carole King
For Gilmore Girls fans, “Where You Lead” will instantly remind you of mother-daughter duo Lorelai and Rory and their Stars Hollow adventures. Even if you haven’t watched the show, this dreamy Carole King song hits all the right notes about following mother figures.
“Mamma Mia” by ABBA
When it’s time to hit the dance floor, ABBA will do the trick to get everyone moving and grooving. “Mamma Mia” is the obvious choice for a day about Mom, but we wouldn’t fault you for taking a detour to listen to “Dancing Queen” or “Super Trouper” while you’re at it. (Or, you might add watching Mamma Mia, one of our favorite Mother's Day movies, to the day's festivities.)
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston's rendition of Dolly Parton's “I Will Always Love You” is a marvel any day of the year, but on Mother’s Day it carries a deeper message about the everlasting tenderness between parents and their children.
“Mother” by Sugarland
It doesn’t get much more on the nose than “Mother” by Sugarland. This upbeat country song is all about celebrating mothers and their incredible strength and generosity.
“The Baby” by Blake Shelton
If you’re the youngest of your siblings, you’ll likely relate to this Blake Shelton song. When Blake grows up, gets a job, and announces that he's an adult, his mom says “I don't care if you're 80, you'll always be my baby.”
“Make You Feel My Love” by Adele
Adele is universally loved for her singular voice and emotional lyrics, which makes her the perfect addition to a playlist for the whole family.
“Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton
Though Dolly Parton has no kids herself, she happily refers to herself as the mother of all children. In that spirit, she’s a maternal icon very much worthy of your Mother’s Day listening. "Coat of Many Colors," a heartstring-tugging song she wrote about her own mother, with parallels to the biblical story of Joseph's colorful coat, is an excellent starting point.
“That’s How Strong My Love Is” by Otis Redding
Listening to the smooth stylings of Otis Redding is so comforting, it’s almost like getting a warm hug from Mom. Appreciation for this 1965 classic will bring multiple generations together.
“You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins
Famously written for the movie Tarzan, “You’ll Be In My Heart” won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2000, and remains a timeless hit today.
"Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Middler
“Wind Beneath My Wings” makes the ideal singalong. Lines like “Did you ever know that you're my hero / And everything I would like to be?” will have the whole family belting out.
“Lullaby” by The Chicks
Close out your playlist with the gentle “Lullaby” from The Chicks. Just like Mom, it works wonders for making you feel calm and happy.
