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65 Best Mother’s Day Songs to Show Your Love and Appreciation

Whether they're into R&B or country, this playlist has a song for your mother and the mother figures in your life.

happy senior woman and her daughter listening to music together
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This Mother’s Day, we’re thinking about creative ways to say “thank you”—because there’s no such thing as too much when it comes to mothers and mother figures.

Whether you’re hosting a Mother’s Day brunch or simply having a relaxing evening with your mom at home, the right playlist can make all the difference when celebrating them. We’ve compiled a list of the best Mother’s Day songs to ensure you have the right options to make the holiday special.

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.

1

"Blue" by Beyoncé

Beyoncé's dedication to her first child, Blue Ivy Carter, is a lovely encapsulation of the unique bond between a mother and her child. Baby Blue Ivy's voice at the end of this song is just the adorable icing on the cake.

2

"Mother's Daughter" by Miley Cyrus

In this song, Miley Cyrus credits her mother for passing down her strength and confidence. The music video even features Cyrus' mother while she sings “My mama always told me that I’d make it/ That I’d make it, so I made it.”

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3

"Julia" by The Beatles

John Lennon wrote "Julia" about his mother, who passed away in 1958. While sad, this song is a great opportunity to share a moment of vulnerability and appreciation.

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4

"Momma" by Yo Gotti

In "Momma," Yo Gotti sings about the struggles his mother endured to raise him and his siblings.

5

"Keep Ya Head Up" by 2Pac

"Keep Ya Head Up" is one of those '90s classics everyone remembers. This iconic song uplifts and demands respect for women and mothers.

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6

"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.

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7

"Let It Be" by the Beatles

Sometimes the greatest masterpieces are inspired by dreams. Paul McCartney says the lyrics to this 1968 hit came to him during a deep slumber, in which 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.

8

"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 her attractiveness and bets her assuredness on the one responsible for giving her life.

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9

"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.

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10

"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.

11

"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.

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12

"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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13

"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.

14

"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."

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15

"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."

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16

"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.

17

"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.

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18

"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."

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19

"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."

20

"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."

Headshot of Cameron Jenkins
Cameron Jenkins
Staff Writer

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.

Headshot of Rosamelia Sánchez Lara
Rosamelia Sánchez Lara
Temporary Writer

Rosamelia is a writer at Good Housekeeping, covering everything related to Gen Z, lifestyle, and online trends. She’s a graduate of NYU's Magazine and Digital Storytelling program. In her free time, you can find her reading and reviewing books on her bookstagram: amelias_biblioteca.

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