40 Best Mother-Daughter Songs - Mother-Daughter Tracks
If your mom has been your rock since literal Day 1, then you know she deserves the world. Sure, you two may butt heads every now and then, but at the end of it all, there's no bond stronger than the one you have with her. Let's be real: such important relationships can be hard to put into words, but luckily, there are plenty of moving mother-daughter songs that convey all the feels perfectly for you.
You and your mom probably already have some special songs you jam out to when you're together, but if you need a fresh playlist (to go along with your Mother's Day gifts, ofc), we've got you covered. From '90s jams to newer releases to songs about loving your mom to songs about becoming a mom, there's something for every mother-daughter relationship here. WARNING: If you're a daughter, you may feel compelled to call your mom immediately, Lady Bird style, after listening to some of these tunes. Like movies about daughters and their mothers, the emotions are big (all the ~feels~ incoming) with these songs—so dive in and maybe get the tissues ready.
"Where You Lead" by Carole King
Obvs, the Gilmore Girls theme song is the #1 mother-daughter song, AND it's performed by Carole King and her own daughter. Cue all the feels.
"Protector" by Beyoncé featuring Rumi Carter
This sweet song off of Bey's Cowboy Carter features her youngest daughter, Rumi Carter, and is all about a mother's love and natural instinct to protect her kids. I'm not crying, YOU ARE.
"Call Your Mom" by Noah Kahan
Make sure you grab some tissues before you press play on this one.
"Mother" by Kacey Musgraves
When you miss your mama a little extra, this short-but-powerful song from Kacey's 2018 album has your back.
"My Song" by H.E.R.
Although this song isn't about the artist's mother, with lyrics like "Everything that you've taught me / I thank you every day for," it's not hard to imagine it being about your own mother or daughter figure.
"Promises" by Jhené Aiko
With her daughter's voice feature on the track, it's no surprise that this beautiful ballad reigns as Jhené Aiko's favorite song of her career.
"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper
POV: You're having the best mommy-daughter day ever, and this feel-good bop is the backtrack to it all. Yes, please.
"Hey Mama" by Kanye
Written for his mom, Kanye debuted this song on Oprah with his mother watching in the audience (aww). Even more sweet, she loved it so much that she made it her ringtone at the time.
"Turn To You" by Justin Bieber
I don't care if it's 2024—the Bieber fever is still v real. Written in honor of his own mother, this is a sweet ballad to play for your mom.
"You're My Best Friend" by Queen
All together now: "YOU"RE MY BEST FRIEND!" When you need a lighthearted but also sweet and moving sentiment, look no further than this classic.
"I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack
This Grammy-winning song is all about finding your way through hard times and always being hopeful for what's on the horizon. With the opening line, "I hope you never lose your sense of wonder," it's the perfect song to dedicate to a daughter for extra encouragement.
"Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder
This upbeat track celebrates the birth of Stevie Wonder's daughter and is so relatable for moms out there with daughters.
"My Girl" by The Temptations
An absolute c-l-a-s-s-i-c. Dare you to listen without cracking a smile and dancing around the room with your mom.
"By Your Side" by Sade
Besides the fact that Sade is literally "MOTHER," this song puts the significance of your bond into a perfectly-crafted song.
"Dear Mama" by Tupac
Yep, even the toughest people can be sensitive mama's boys, too. And this song is proof of that.
"Superwoman" by Alicia Keys
Because moms are the real superheroes. This song serves as a beautiful homage to the woman that raised you.
"Mama's Song" by Carrie Underwood
If you can't put your feelings for mom into words, let the American Idol champ do it for ya.
"Count on Me" by Bruno Mars
Before he was part of Silk Sonic, Bruno Mars dropped this wholesome track all about being there for the person you love most. Looking at you, mom!
"Wildflowers" by Tom Petty
Need a song to dedicate to your daughter? Tom Petty has you covered with this one.
"I'll Be There" by Mac Miller
The late rapper's song is dedicated to his mother and well worth a listen.
"Mother's Daughter" by Miley Cyrus
Although it's not the typical mother-daughter song, this track is all about embracing that fire you got from your mama.
"Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler
DID YOU EVER KNOOOOOOW THAT YOU'RE MY HEEEEEROOOOOOO, Mom?
"Mama, I'm A Big Girl Now" from Hairspray
For when you and your mom need to unwind with show tunes and laugh about all the fights you had when you were a teen.
"Mama Said" by The Shirelles
*Step touches* It's giving Nancy Meyer mom movie vibes, which means you can't go wrong.
"Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac
"Children get older, and I'mmmmm getting older, toooo" *sobs uncontrollably.*
"Slipping Through My Fingers" by ABBA
Honestly, any ABBA song that's in Mamma Mia should count. This one about a parent watching their child grow up and time pass by? Tear.
"In My Daughters' Eyes" by Martina McBride
You knew there was gonna be a lot of country on this list, right?
"Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion
Honestly, '90s me was too busy vibing at the roller rink to ever realize that this song could be about mothers and daughters. My bad! (Technically, it was inspired by the songwriter's dad but...if you don't tell, I won't either, because it still works perfectly.)
"The Best Day (Taylor's Version)" by Taylor Swift
Try not to get all choked up over this song Taylor wrote about a perfect day spent with her mom.
"Mama He's Crazy" by The Judds
Why stop at one daughter when you can have two?!
"Mama Will Provide" from Once On This Island
The "mama" in this song is more like Mother Earth, but she's protecting her daughter and it's a bop...so add it to your playlist!
"I Got You" by Ciara
So freakin' cute!
"Sweetest Devotion" by Adele
Belt it out, you know you want to. This ode Adele wrote for her son is so, so sweet and sums up a mother's love beautifully.
"Mama" by The Spice Girls
This song hits different for all the millennial moms out there.
"Mother Like Mine" by The Band Perry
The siblings you know from "If I Die Young" wrote this song about their mom and it's deep.
"Playboy Mommy" by Tori Amos
Head's up: this particular song is about a miscarriage — which is totally normal, but may be triggering if it pops up on shuffle, so just be mindful of that. Amos actually recorded another song, "Promise," with her daughter Natashya Hawley, too.
"Everything Changes" by Sara Bareilles
Waitress should be right up there with Terms of Endearment when it comes to our top film picks, IMHO.
"Little Green" by Joni Mitchell
BRB, CRYING!! Leave it to Joni Mitchell to give us all the big feels in the most beautiful way with this song she wrote for the daughter she had to give up for adoption when she was a struggling singer.
"Capri" by Colbie Caillat
Caillat herself doesn't have kids, but this song beautifully describes pregnancy and a mother's love.
"Blue" by Beyoncé
Of course, we have to end with the Queen. This Beyonce song was written for her eldest daughter, Blue, and you can't listen without smiling.
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