Whether you’re celebrating a mom, a stepmom, a chosen mom, or someone who was your whole world growing up — these songs are your soundtrack for Mother’s Day. Some will make you cry. Some will make you dance. All of them say, “Thanks, Mom.”
1. Boyz II Men – “A Song for Mama”
The harmonies, the lyrics, the strings — this is the mother of all Mother’s Day songs. If “You’re the queen of my heart” doesn’t make her cry, play it again.
2. Taylor Swift – “The Best Day”
Taylor wrote this as a love letter to her mom, and it’s full of childhood memories and teenage gratitude. You can hear the home videos in her voice.
3. Spice Girls – “Mama”
From teen rebellion to full-circle appreciation, this one hits every stage of growing up. Bonus points if you and your mom still know the harmony.
4. Carrie Underwood – “Mama’s Song”
A country ballad for the moment you grow up and move on — but not without thanking the woman who raised you. Tissue box required.
5. Tupac – “Dear Mama”
One of the rawest, realest tributes in hip-hop history. Tupac’s love for his mother — flaws and all — shows just how deep that bond runs.
6. Beyoncé – “Ring Off”
A powerful anthem about watching your mom reclaim her strength. It’s not a lullaby — it’s a crown.
7. The Shirelles – “Mama Said”
Sometimes Mama did say there’d be days like this. This early girl-group hit is both wise and groovy — just like her.
8. Mac Miller – “I’ll Be There”
Mac’s tender shoutout to his mom is tucked into this soulful rap. A sweet reminder that grown sons still need their moms.
9. Dolly Parton – “Coat of Many Colors”
Dolly’s masterpiece about her mama’s love stitched into a handmade coat. Poverty never sounded so rich with heart.
10. The Intruders – “I’ll Always Love My Mama”
A soul classic that turns every Mother’s Day into a dance party. Funky, fun, and full of affection.
11. Lukas Graham – “Mama Said”
This modern twist on a childhood pep talk will hit home for anyone who was told to stay kind, dream big, and brush their teeth.
12. Céline Dion – “Because You Loved Me”
Not technically about a mom, but come on — who else believed in you when no one else did? Céline is the Mother’s Day playlist.
13. Kacey Musgraves – “Mother”
A piano-and-voice gut punch written mid-tour homesickness. Short, stunning, and deeply relatable.
14. Brandi Carlile – “The Mother”
An unflinching look at the mess and magic of motherhood. It’s not just sweet — it’s true.
15. Meghan Trainor – “Mom”
A poppy, playful bop that includes an actual phone call with Meghan’s mom. It’s like a sonic Mother’s Day brunch.
16. The Temptations – “Oh Mother of Mine”
A soulful early Temptations cut that wears its heart on its sleeve. For the old-school moms who know every Motown record.
17. Trace Adkins – “Then They Do”
Country storytelling at its best: kids grow up, and moms miss the noise. Bittersweet, beautiful, and real.
18. Christina Aguilera – “Oh Mother”
A powerful song of gratitude for a mother’s strength in difficult times. Christina sings it like a tribute and a promise.
19. Josh Groban – “You Raise Me Up”
Yes, it’s dramatic. Yes, it’s emotional. Yes, it will 100% make your mom cry in the best way.
20. The Backstreet Boys – “The Perfect Fan”
Written by Brian Littrell for his mom, this one is all boy-band heart with a chorus built for hugs.