These Mother-Son Dance Songs Will Have You Crying Happy Tears
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The traditional father-daughter dance is a beloved part of many traditional weddings—why not seize the opportunity to celebrate Mom, too? A mother-son dance moment is just as meaningful, and it's the perfect chance to let her know just how important she is to you.
With an endless amount of love songs out there, however, it can be hard finding the right tune that captures exactly what you're trying to say. Should you go with a fun, upbeat track that'll have your wedding party singing along? Or a slower, sentimental ballad that will leave everyone reaching for the tissues? It really depends on your mother's personality and your unique relationship, so the good news is that there really is no wrong answer.
We've rounded up a bit of everything, so there's bound to be something on this list that'll make your mother-son moment extra special. From Bruce Springsteen to Stevie Wonder to Taylor Swift, there's a song on here for every music taste, across genres from country to hip hop. Read on for the best mother-of-the-groom songs to play when you're honoring the OG lady in your life on the dance floor.
“A Mother's Love” by B.B. King
When it comes to describing exactly what unconditional love is like, B.B. King comes through with this beautiful track.
“I’ll Always Love My Mama” by The Intruders
With some pretty straightforward lyrics about how moms are the best, it’s hard not to fall in love with this soul music classic about The Intruders’s “favorite girl.”
“You & The 6” by Drake
From relationship talk that ends with Drake exasperated with his mom’s skepticism toward the women in his life, to his eventual apology for not calling enough, Drake lays out a touching, unraveling confession.
“Mama Said” by The Shirelles
“Mama Said” is a sonic version of all the pocket-sized sayings that parents have passed down from generation to generation.
“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
“Landslide” is a woozy tale of life and love, as Stevie Nicks directs her haunting energy toward looking back on it all. Despite its seemingly gloomy sound, it's a reflective track perfect to play as you look back on life with mom.
“Sadie” by The Spinners
Perhaps best known today as the sample in 2Pac's "Dear Mama" ode, “Sadie” is a somewhat lesser-known cut about the strength in being a young mother.
"Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
The best things in life—like love—should be simple, a mother teaches her son in this powerful rock hit.
“The Hand That Rocks The Cradle” by Glen Campbell feat. Steve Wariner
In what may be one of the few songs for mom performed by a duet, Glen Campbell and Steve Wariner really send this country classic home with lyrics like, ”There oughta be a hall of fame for mama.”
“Your Song” by Elton John
Written as a simple and soft love letter, Elton John lays out his love and even gently asks permission to do so: “I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words / how beautiful life is when you’re in this world.”
“You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor
Moms do it all for us, and “You’ve Got a Friend” is the perfect way to let her know that the support and love is mutual, no matter how old either one of you gets.
“It Had To Be You” by Ray Charles
Nothing is as smooth as a Ray Charles song. “It Had To Be You” sounds as bright and soaring as the love he’s emoting, and it’s a generational crowd pleaser sure to make everyone at the function happy.
“I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher
Obviously this one wasn’t written with Mom in mind, as Sonny and Cher made this iconic hippie love song for one another, but the sentiment of an everlasting “I’ve got you” remains the same.
“You’re My Best Friend” by Queen
In “You’re My Best Friend,” Freddie Mercury happily celebrates the warmth of a true companion in an often cruel world.
"Lean on Me" by Bill Withers
You can't go wrong with a classic. This sweet tune is slow enough to keep up with and will leave you and your mom teary-eyed in the best way.
"The Wish" by Bruce Springsteen
If your mom is a fan of The Boss, she'll love dancing to this meaningful track. From childhood to getting married, the lyrics cover just about everything.
"Thank You Mom" by Good Charlotte
The title says it all here. This is the perfect choice to show your mom gratitude for all the times she gave you unconditional love.
"The Best Day (Taylor's Version)" by Taylor Swift
Swift wrote this personal song specifically for her mom, and there's no reason why you can't use it either. The tale of growing up with a great mother will resonate especially hard on your wedding day.
"What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
This extremely popular wedding day song about happiness and love will bring out all the good vibes for you and your mom.
"He Gets That From Me" by Reba McEntire
If you inherited a ton of great traits from your mother, you're lucky—and this cute song will remind you of that.
"I'll Be There" by The Jackson Five
No matter how busy life gets after your wedding, Mom will always be there.
"Mother Like Mine" by The Band Perry
Nobody has a mother like you, and this adorable tribute is the perfect way to let her know.
"Then They Do" by Trace Adkins
This emotional song is all about parents watching their children grow up. Warning: Have some tissues nearby just in case.
"Have I Told You Lately" by Rod Stewart
Have you told your mother lately that you love her? This song is the perfect way to do so.
"Close Your Eyes" by Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé seems to have a song for every festive occasion—for example, this famous track in which he lists all the reasons why he loves someone.
"You Are the Sunshine of My Life" by Stevie Wonder
If your mom is the type of lady to light up every room she enters, this sunny song is a great option.
"The Wonder of You" by Elvis Presley
Sometimes, it might feel as though your mom is the only one who understands you. Even the King of Rock 'n' Roll knows the feeling.
"Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)" by John Lennon
No matter how old you get, you'll always be your mom's beautiful boy. Plus, John Lennon's lyrics about growing up are as good as it gets.
"93 Million Miles" by Jason Mraz
With lyrics like "Just know that wherever you go/You can always come home," this tune serves a reminder that if you ever need Mom, you know where to find her.
"Sweetest Devotion" by Adele
Adele's voice is angelic, and you and your mom will both find this song about finding love extra-emotional on your wedding day.
"My Mother's Eyes" by Frankie Valli
This is a super sentimental pick (with lyrics like "God’s gift sent from above/A real unselfish love/I found in my mother’s eyes”). Go with this song, and you'll appreciate every little moment of your dance with Mom.
"Sweet Love of Mine" by Joy Williams
Does it get any more loving than the lyrics “I gave you your name; you gave me back my life/You’re the heart of me, oh, sweet love of mine”?
"My Wish" by Rascal Flatts
Your mom's wedding wish for you? Most likely a lifetime of happiness, love, and all your dreams coming true. And that's exactly what this wonderful song is all about.
"Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper
Not only will this classic have everyone singing along, its message about always being there for someone will ring especially true.
"Do I Make You Proud" by Taylor Hicks
On your big day, we guarantee your mother is feeling proud—which makes this song a perfect option.
"The First Lady in My Life" by Paul Todd
This incredibly-relevant song is about a son taking the time to thank his mom for raising him right before his wedding...sound familiar?
"I Got You" by Ciara
She'll especially love singing "Momma's gonna love you all your life" to you while you share your special dance.
"All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles
This one is a great choice if you're aiming for an upbeat singalong moment—it's fun, and people at your reception will likely know the words.
"A Song For Mama" by Boyz II Men
Be sure to sing "Mama, you're the queen of my heart" to her extra loud—she deserves all of the love.
"Mama's Song" by Carrie Underwood
After listening to the lyrics, "As you watch me walk down to my future/ I hope tears of joy are in your eyes," prepare for actual tears of joy.
"How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" by James Taylor
This cover of a Motown classic is another upbeat choice that'll have you swaying with happiness. What's sweeter than a mother's love?
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