If you ask me, Mother’s Day should be every day. However, it’s one of the most costly pagan weekends to date. According to the National Retail Federation, Mother’s Day spending averaged $325 per person. Top gift purchases were jewelry, flowers, cards and outings, of course, because we as women deserve a day like this every day.
Despite all the shopping, some people actually love homemade gifts on this special weekend. Spending between $5 to $90 on items for DIY. Many moms love the idea of saving on costly gifts, a kid-free weekend, or a nice home-cooked meal. If you share a hobby, it could also be cool to explore it together. Make a homemade book, slide show, or even a social media reel to shower her with love.
For Louisiana News Anchor Sydney Simone, her mother’s love of music is shared. Growing up as both music lovers playing everything from gospel, R&B, Hip-Hop, Rap, Pop and Rock. “That had a huge influence on my love and appreciation for music, new and old. That’s always why I believe I have a great understanding of the artists and the music they’ve produced. Not to mention we both came up singing in the choir. I also played a lot of instruments,” she says.
Music is a therapeutic love language spoken throughout the world and can shape how relationships are built. Many artists have dedicated songs to their momma. Some of the most popular chosen tunes are Boyz II Men’s “Mama” and 2 Pac’s “Dear Mama”.
To keep the celebration going, here are 22 songs you can add to a Mother’s Day playlist or use for your reel that captures love, gratitude, and soul connection between a mother and child, or between motherhood and music.
1. ‘I Remember Mama’ by Shirley Ceaser
A gospel song that reflects sacrifices, prayers, and unconditional love. Reminding listeners to appreciate and honor their mothers while they are still here, before it becomes a memory.
Best Lyric Choice:
“I remember Mama and the love that she gave
Kneeling by her bed side, I can still hear Mama say
“The people are depending on you, Shirley
Don’t you let them down” (Yeah)
[Refrain]
I remember Mama in a happy way”
2. ‘Wish You Were Here’ by Jamie Foxx
An R&B song where Jamie expresses deep wishes for his mother. The song carries a heartfelt tone about love, regret and missing someone who once meant everything.
Best Lyric Choice:
“I miss our talks
One thing you used to say (used to say)
When things got hard (Hard on me)
Get down on your knees and pray
And then those walks (then those walks)
Its just the simple things
We still do all of this
But only in my dreams, I wish
[Chorus]
I wish u were here
To see the things I’ve done
I wish u were here
You’d be so proud of your son
I wish u were here
To celebrate with me
I wish u were here”
3. ‘Hero’ by Mariah Carey
An R&B musical balance that’s about finding strength within yourself during hard times. It encourages listeners to believe that, even in struggle or loneliness, they can be their own hero and keep going.
Best Lyric Choice:
“And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you’ll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you”
4. ‘I Got You’ by Ciara
An R&B tender song about unconditional love and reassurance, where she promises to always support and stand by her baby boy. It highlights loyalty, protection and being a constant source of comfort through life’s ups and downs.
Best Lyric Choice:
“Hush little baby don’t you cry
Momma’s gonna love you all your life
And if you ever need a friend
Momma’s right there till the very end
And if you’re feeling down or weak
Momma’s gonna give you all the strength you need
There’s nothing in this world that I wouldn’t do”
5. ‘My Wish’ by Rascal Flatts
A heartfelt country song that expresses a hope from a parent’s perspective for someone’s happiness and success in life. It wishes them strength, love and the courage to follow their dreams while staying true to themselves.
Best Lyric Choice:
“My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you’re out there gettin’ where you’re gettin’ to
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish (My wish for you)
This is my wish (My wish for you)
Hope you know somebody loves you (My wish for you)
May all your dreams come true (My wish for you)”
6. ‘A Mother’s Prayer’ by K.Michelle
An emotional R&B song where she reflects on a mother’s hopes, fears and prayers for her child’s safety and future. It captures the deep love and spiritual protection a mother asks for as she guides her child through life.
Best Lyric Choice:
“Last night, I prayed on a falling star that you’ll never have a broken heart
Though the world is cold, please remember who you are
And I pray that you’ll never have a rainy day, and no matter what the people say
In your darkest hours, I’ll help guide your way”
7. ‘You and The 6’ by Drake
A reflective track in which he speaks directly to his mother, expressing gratitude for her sacrifices and their close bond. He also reflects on his rise to success and how her support shaped who he is today.
Best Lyric Choice:
“You got the sweetest heart but I’m not here to give out compliments, or boost nobody confidence, mama
I got no friends in this, mama
I don’t pretend with this, mama
I’on joke with this, mama
I pull the knife out my back and cut they throat with it, mama
I’m Game of Thrones with it, mama
I’m Home Alone with it, mama
I’m t-
I really hate using this tone with you, mama
I really hate getting aggressive on this phone with you, mama
I really hate wasting your time to check a clone or two, mama
It’s just they cloning me, mama
Them niggas wannabes, mama
It’s like, I’m the one they wanna be, mama
I just- I- I can’t be out here being vulnerable, mama
I mean I kill ’em every time they do a song with me, mama
I sing a hook they sing along with me, mama
What more they want from me, mama?
Yeah, this is a crazy life
But you and the six raised me right
“Don’t ever take advice, ” that was great advice
You and the six raised me right, that sh—t saved my life”
8. ‘Sweetest Thing’ by Lauryn Hill
A soulful love song that celebrates the joy and emotional sweetness of being in a healthy, uplifting relationship. It captures the feeling of deep affection and how love can bring peace, comfort, and happiness into everyday life.
Best Lyric Choice:
“See like a queen, a queen upon her throne
It was the sweet, sweet, sweetest thing I’ve known
It was the sweet, sweet, sweetest thing I’ve known”
9. ‘On My Mama’ by Victoria Monet
An upbeat R&B song about confidence, self-love, and feeling proud of your glow-up and success. It blends playful energy with a promise of authenticity, living boldly and unapologetically.
Best Lyric Choice:
“I put that on my own mama, on my hood
I look fly, I look good
You can’t touch my bag, wish you could
I look fly, I look too good
Put that on my own mama, on my hood
I look fly, I look good
You can’t touch my bag, wish you could
I look fly, I look too good
[Post-Chorus: Chalie Boy]
On my mama (Mama), on my hood (Hood)
I look fly (Yeah), I look good (Good)
Touch my swag (Swag), wish you could (Could)
I look fly (Yeah), I look good (Good, good, good)”
10. ‘Mom’ by Earth Wind and Fire
A heartfelt tribute that honors a mother’s love, guidance and lasting influence. The song reflects gratitude and remembrance, celebrating how a mother’s presence continues to live on in the heart even after she’s gone.
Best Lyric Choice:
“Mom
She gave me words of love
She gave me peace and love
She gave me thoughts of love
Well, well, well, yeah
Mom
She gave me pains of joy
I love her more and more”
11. ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ by Bette Midler
“Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler is a heartfelt ballad about quietly appreciating someone who has supported and uplifted you from behind the scenes. It expresses deep gratitude for a selfless person who helped another shine and succeed without seeking recognition.
Best Lyric Choice:
“Oh, the wind beneath my wings.
You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings.
Fly, fly, fly away. You let me fly so high.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.”
12. ‘Take Care of Momma’ by Sir Charles Jones
A heartfelt blues tribute that reminds listeners of the sacrifices a mother makes and the importance of honoring her while she’s still here. The song encourages giving back love, respect and care to the woman who gave you everything, emphasizing that time with her is precious.
Best Lyric Choice:
“Take Care Of Momma (Can you take care)
Please Lord (Please Please Please)
Take care of Momma(Take Care of Mama)
Oh Lord(Oh lord yea yeah)
Take Care Of Momma (Please Take Care Of Momma Lordie)
Please Lord(I know everything gonna be alright)Take Care Of Momma
(I Can depend on you Lordie)
Take Care Of Momma(Take care, take care)”
13. ‘Dance’ by Nas
Deeply emotional hip hop tribute where Nas reflects on the loss of his mother and expresses the pain of not fully appreciating their time together. Through heartfelt lyrics, he wishes for one more dance with her, highlighting love, regret and the lasting impact of a mother’s presence.
Best Lyric Choice: [Intro]
“One more time, one more time
Uh, one more time
Uh, one more time
[Verse 1]
I dream of the day I can go back to when I was born
Layin’ in your arms, wishin’ you was here today, Mom
Wish you’d appear, just for a second from Heaven, my tears would be gone”
14. ‘Mother’ by Ashanti
An R&B dedication where Ashanti expresses deep gratitude and love for her mother’s guidance, strength, and unconditional support. The song reflects appreciation for the sacrifices mothers make and celebrates the emotional bond that shapes who we become.
Best Lyric Choice:
“Without you by my side, I never could surviveI wouldn’t be the woman standing here before your eyes
You taught me strength and you gave me guidance
Whenever faith was lost, you were there to find it
And all because a mother’s love is unconditional
With all my heart and all my soul, I wanna let you know
Said I thank you (I thank you)
And I love you (I love you)
And I would never ever place no one above you”
15. ‘A Mother’s Love’ by MAJOR
A soulful tribute that honors a mother’s unconditional love, strength and the way she guides her children through life’s challenges. The song highlights how a mother’s love is constant, healing, and foundational, shaping who we become even as we grow older.
Best Lyric Choice:
“From beginning to the end
And in the in-between
You stay consistent for me
Can’t nothing beat my mother’s love
Can’t nothing shake what she’s made of
She’s made like Heavens up above
Can’t nothing beat my mother’s love”
16. ‘For You I Will’ by Monica
A heart-filled R&B song where she expresses deep commitment, promising unwavering love and support for someone who means everything to her. The song centers on devotion and emotional reassurance, showing a willingness to do whatever it takes to stand by the person she loves.
Best Lyric Choice:
“I’ll be there to protect you
See you through
I’ll be there and there is nothing I won’t do
I will cross the ocean for you
I will go and bring you the moon
I will be your hero, your strength
Anything you need
I will be the sun in your sky
I will light your way for all time
I promise you
For you I will (Yes)”
17. ‘Superwoman by Alicia Keys
An empowering R&B song that celebrates the strength, resilience, and emotional endurance of women who keep going despite pressure and pain. It honors “superwomen” who juggle life’s demands while still finding the power to rise, survive and thrive.
Best Lyric Choice:
“Cause I am a Superwoman
Yes, I am (Yes, she is)
Still when I’m a mess
I still put on a vest
With an “S” on my chest
Oh yes, I’m a Superwoman”
18. ‘Sing to Me’ by Jhene Aiko
A gentle, spiritual track in which she seeks peace, guidance, and emotional healing during moments of inner struggle as a mother. It reflects her desire to feel comforted and connected to something greater while navigating vulnerability and self-reflection.
Best Lyric Choice:
“Sing to me sing to me
I love you
Nami, sing to me, sing to me
I love you
Nami, sing to me, sing to me
I love you
Nami, sing to me, sing to me
Mommy, sing to me, sing to me
I love you
Mommy, sing to me, sing to me
I love you
Mommy, sing to me, sing to me
I love you
Mommy, sing to me, sing to me”
19. ‘Independent Women Part I’ by Destiny’s Child
An empowering anthem that celebrates women who are self-sufficient, confident, and in control of their own lives and finances. The song highlights independence and resilience, emphasizing that success and stability can be achieved without relying on anyone else.
Best Lyric Choice:
“The shoes on my feet (I bought ’em)
The clothes I’m wearing (I bought ’em)
The rock I’m rocking (I bought it)
‘Cause I depend on me if I want it
The watch I’m wearing (I bought it)
The house I live in (I bought it)
The car I’m driving (I bought it, I depend on me)
I depend on me”
20. Meanwhile Back at Mama’s by Tim McGraw
A country song that reflects on slowing down from a busy life and finding peace in simpler, family-centered moments. It highlights the comfort of home, especially the warmth and grounding presence of “Mama’s” house, where love and memories feel steady and true.
Best Lyric Choice:
“Meanwhile back at Mama’s
The porch lights on, come on in if you wanna
Suppers on the stove, and beer’s in the fridge
Red sun sinking out low on the ridge
Games on the tube and daddy smoked cigarettes
Whiskey keeps his whistle wet
Funny the things you thought you’d never miss
In a world gone crazy as this”
21. ‘Turn to You’ by Justin Bieber
A heartfelt tribute to Justin’s mother, expressing gratitude for her strength, sacrifices and unwavering support as she raised him. The song reflects appreciation for single motherhood and the deep bond between a parent and child built through struggle and love.
Best Lyric Choice:
[Verse 1]
“So when you’re lost and you’re tired
When you’re broken in two
Let my love take you higher
‘Cause I, I still turn to you
I still turn to you, I still turn to you
[Verse 2]
It was ’94
The year that everything started to change
From before
You had to be a woman, you were forced to change your ways, to change your ways
Then you found the Lord
You gave your life to Him, and you could not ignore the love he had for you
And I wanted more of your heart”
22. ‘Protector’ by Beyoncé
A tender, emotional track that reflects a mother’s instinct to love, shield, and guide her child through life. It highlights themes of unconditional protection, generational love, and the deep bond between parent and child.
Best Lyric Choice:
“Born to be your protector, ‘tor, mm
Even though I know someday you’re gonna shine on your own
I will be your projector, mhm
And even though I know someday you’re gonna shine on your own
I will be your projector, projector, projector”
Featured image credit: @Goldie on Pinterest
