Mother’s Day Songs in Western Music: Rankings [2025]

MommaBob Seger78rank/position

Momma

Bob Seger is an artist who thrived from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s with his warm vocals and catchy rock sound.

His song “Momma” expresses his feelings for his mother.

The lyrics, which convey gratitude to a mother who never lied and always kept her promises, are striking, and musically the rock elements become stronger from the big chorus in the latter half.

It’s a work that teaches us about what it means to be a parent, so if you have children, be sure to check out the Japanese translation.

Ring OffBeyoncé79rank/position

Beyoncé – “Ring Off” (Official Audio)

I’d like to recommend “Ring Off” as a cool, uplifting track.

Beyoncé wrote this song for her mother, who had gone through a divorce.

Set to a reggae-inspired sound, the lyrics convey messages like “Your life will head in a better direction from here” and “I’m always on your side.” If you’re in a similar situation, give it a try.

Also, be sure to pay attention to the spoken-word section that comes in partway through.

ThankfulJonny Lang ft. Michael McDonald80rank/position

Thankful – Jonny Lang (feat Michael McDonald)

Born from a collaboration featuring Johnny Lang and Michael McDonald, “Thankful” is a Western pop song that turns gratitude into sound.

Included on the 2006 album “Turn Around,” this track’s soulful, powerful vocals are pleasing to the ear and deeply resonate with listeners.

It’s a recommended song when you want to convey feelings of gratitude—something not always easy to express in daily life—through music.

The gentle guitar tones and embracing melody may deepen your feelings for family and friends.

It’s a song worth listening to not only on special occasions, but also when appreciating the small joys of everyday life.

A Mother’s LoveAretha Franklin81rank/position

Aretha Franklin – A Mother’s Love

Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” is an American songstress who showcased a wide musical range—including R&B, gospel, and jazz—through numerous classic albums released from the 1960s to the 1970s.

Her song “A Mother’s Love,” sung with deep affection for her mother, appears on both the 1966 album Soul Sister and the 1969 album Soft and Beautiful.

Marked by a melody and lyrics that evoke a spiritual sensibility, the song powerfully expresses the greatness of mothers and heartfelt gratitude, making it a masterpiece that fully displays her phenomenal vocal prowess.

It’s perfect not only as a Mother’s Day gift, but also for listening together while reminiscing about memories with your mom.

Mama SaidThe Shirelles82rank/position

Mama Said

Here’s a song by The Shirelles, who, along with groups like The Supremes, were a quintessential American girl-group with rich harmonies.

The lyrics go something like, “Just as Mama once said, the day has finally come—I’ve fallen in love.” They began their career in 1957, and in recognition of their long-standing contributions to music, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

I Prefer Your LoveSt. Vincent83rank/position

I Prefer Your Love

St.

Vincent is a musician from the United States, known for her complex arrangements and wide-ranging use of instruments.

She has won the Grammy Award three times, and her inventive guitar playing is highly acclaimed.

“I Prefer Your Love” is a moving track from her 2014 album St.

Vincent.

The lyrics, expressing love and respect for her mother, reflect St.

Vincent’s personal experiences and emotions.

Its sound, blending electronic and art rock elements, gains depth through producer John Congleton’s craftsmanship.

It’s a perfect song for Mother’s Day to convey everyday gratitude.

Sweet MotherSkepta84rank/position

Skepta – Sweet Mother

Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr.

, better known as Skepta, was born in Tottenham, UK, in 1982 and is known as one of Britain’s leading artists, spanning grime, British rap, and club/dance styles.

On “Sweet Mother,” a track from his 2007 album Greatest Hits, he delivers a heartfelt message of love and gratitude to his mother.

The emotionally resonant lyrics overflow with appreciation for the hardships and sacrifices she endured for him, conveying Skepta’s belief that he is incomplete without his mother.

For those who find it hard to express everyday gratitude, this song offers a way to show love to your mother.