1"You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" by Stevie Wonder
If your mom is the sunshine of your life, then you can't go wrong with this classic Stevie Wonder tune. Its soothing melody sets the ideal tone as background music for your Mother's Day celebrations.
2"Sweetest Devotion" by Adele
"Just remember, that come whatever, I'll be yours all along," sings Adele in this adorable tribute to her son that she released in 2015. It's a tear-jerker! Send this to your mama so you can share in the sentiment.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3"In My Life" by The Beatles
This song is dedicated to those remembering mothers and grandmothers who are no longer with us. Honor their legacy with the heartfelt lyrics of this touching ballad by The Beatles.
4"You'll Be In My Heart" by Phil Collins
Fun fact: This song was featured in the movie Tarzan during the sweet scene where Tarzan's adoptive mom goes out of her way to comfort him and help him feel at home—because that’s exactly what moms do!
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5"PROTECTOR" by Beyoncé, Rumi Carter
Beyoncé featured her daughter Rumi Carter on her latest country album, and it's just about the darnedest thing you'll ever hear. Listen to this track by the mother-daughter duo when you want to hear some loving lyrics and beautiful harmonies.
6"Oh, Mother of Mine" by The Temptations
If there's one big takeaway from this catchy hit by The Temptations, it's the importance of always listening to your mother. She says what she says for a reason, after all.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7"Mother and Child Reunion" by Paul Simon
For those who live far from their mommas, this one will hit close to home. Even if you’re celebrating from a distance, you can share this song with your mom to let her know you’re eagerly anticipating your sweet reunion.
8"Oh Mother" by Christina Aguilera
No matter what challenges you and your mom may face, it's reassuring to know you’ll always have each other. This sentimental Christina Aguilera song perfectly captures that bond.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9"Growin’ Up Raising You" by Gabby Barrett
Written from a mother’s perspective to her newborn child, this song is the perfect choice for Mother’s Day. It will resonate deeply with your mom, taking her back to your early years and filling the moment with a heartwarming dose of nostalgia.
10"The Mother" by Brandi Carlile
"You're nothing short of magical and beautiful to me, I'll never hit the big time without you." Okay, those lyrics about a mother's love for her child are enough to bring anyone to tears. While the music video highlights various scenarios, Brandi Carlile’s message is unmistakably a tribute to moms everywhere.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11"Always Love You" by Tori Kelly
Tori Kelly wanted to channel the overwhelming love she felt by her mother growing up. She promises to love and treat her kids the way her mom did to her. (Ugh, isn't that the cutest thing you've ever heard?!)
12"Coat Of Many Colors" by Dolly Parton
If we're being honest, we can't help but add Dolly Parton to all our playlists! Her song, "Coat of many colors," is all about how she became the person she is today—all because of her mama.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13"The Wish" by Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen's tribute to his mother, Adele Springsteen, is a bit emotional. He often credits her for sparking his love for music (and we thank her for that!), as well as shaping him into the man he is today. Adele passed away in February 2024, but this song (as well as her legacy) will live on! Listen to this one anytime you need a reminder of why moms are so great.
14"Your Mother Should Know" by The Beatles
Fun fact: Paul McCartney had to clarify the lyrics to this one, in which he said "I was basically trying to say your mother might know more than you think she does. Give her credit."
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15"Mom" by Garth Brooks
Even Garth Brooks can get a little sentimental! He dedicates this song to all mothers and newborns. There's nothing like a mother's love, and he wants everyone to know that!
16"Mother Knows Best" by Donna Murphy
We're not saying Rapunzel's mom was a good person, we're just saying that this song from her character is one of the most iconic from the movie Tangled! Come on... you can't tell us you don't belt out these lyrics.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17"Mother" by Ashanti
Any, and we mean *any* mother-daughter duo will absolutely love this R&B hit. (Mother's Day karaoke, anyone?) Ashanti sings about how thankful she is to have had a caring mother growing up. Healing broken hearts and building confidence isn't an easy job... but it's what mothers are so good at!
18"Mother Popcorn" by James Brown
A song about mothers, but make it a dance-hit! No, seriously, you're going to want to bust out some moves the minute this one comes on. Don't say that we didn't warn you!
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19"I'll Always Love My Mama" by The Intruders
Kicking this list off with an upbeat tune that both you and your mama can get behind! Play this one in the background of your Mother's Day festivities.
20"In My Daughter's Eyes" by Martine McBride
Sung in the mom's perspective, this sweet ballad is for the moms who constantly think about their daughter's experience.

Kelly O’Sullivan is the senior editor for The Pioneer Woman and manages the website’s social channels, in addition to overseeing content strategy and news.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below