A lovely family song

“Thank you always”: English-language songs to give on Mother’s Day

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

Introducing timeless Western songs brimming with love and gratitude for Mom—perfect for Mother’s Day!

For many of us, it can feel a bit embarrassing to say “thank you” to our moms face to face, even though they’re always there for us.

These are all classics that fans of Western music will love, and they’re also great as driving BGM when you take your mom to places she wants to go.

The selection spans a variety of songs that imagine moms in all sorts of situations, so check the reviews and find the Mother’s Day song that suits you best!

“Thank you, always” — Western songs I want to give on Mother’s Day (21–30)

She’s Somebody’s HeroJamie O’ Neal

She’s Somebody’s Hero Jamie O’Neal

She's Somebody's HeroJamie O' Neal

Australian singer Jamie O’Neal has a song that’s perfect for Mother’s Day: “She’s Somebody’s Hero.” At first, you might not be sure what the song is about, but gradually the story comes into focus.

It’s about a mother doing everything she can to raise her daughter.

And it tells us that such a mother is a one-of-a-kind hero to her child.

Combined with the distinctive rhythm of country music, it really hits home.

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Cleanin’ Out My ClosetEminem

Eminem – Cleanin’ Out My Closet (Official Music Video)

Cleanin' Out My ClosetEminem

Eminem, who reigns as the king of white rappers.

In this song titled “Cleaning Out My Closet,” he sings about his twisted mix of love and hatred for his mother.

Unlike Japanese “thank-you” songs that tend to focus only on the good, it contains dark lyrics like “I’ll make a joke out of you.” While saying he doesn’t mean to make her cry or hurt her, the lyrics “cleaning out my closet” both declare his resolve as a rapper and depict the moment he leaves home.

It’s a dense track befitting a king.

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“Thank you, as always” — Western songs I want to give on Mother’s Day (31–40)

Hey MammaKanye West

Hey Mamma-Kanye West

Hey MammaKanye West

After losing his mother in 2007, he released this song on the album Late Registration.

It starts with memories of moving to Chicago, touches on how he didn’t follow the path his mother wanted, and yet sets his love for the mother who still supported him to a catchy, pop-friendly tune.

Because it’s a song dedicated to his late mother, the lyrics evoke both poignancy and nostalgia, alongside candid feelings of pride in her.

While it’s a rap song, it carries a different kind of intelligence and warmth than gangsta rap.

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Look What You’ve DoneDrake

Drake – Look What You’ve Done (Take Care)

Look What You've DoneDrake

A song from Canadian hip-hop artist Drake’s 2011 album “Take Care.” It expresses his gratitude to his mother for helping him become the man he is today.

The album won a Grammy Award.

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The Perfect FanBackstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys – The Perfect Fan (Official Audio)

The Perfect FanBackstreet Boys

A five-member vocal group, the Backstreet Boys.

The song they created with a theme of gratitude to their mothers is The Perfect Fan.

The title means “the greatest fan.” The lyrics express thanks for how their mother was always there, cheering them on no matter the time or situation, and convey a message that from now on they will repay that kindness.

The track ends with spoken lines expressing love, giving it a very warm feel.

The beautiful harmonies are also a highlight.

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MamaSpice Girls

Spice Girls – Mama (Official Music Video)

MamaSpice Girls

The Spice Girls, known as the most successful female idol group with over 85 million records sold worldwide.

Among the tracks on their 1996 debut album “Spice” was “Mama.” In the song, they express how, having grown from the days when they resented and clashed with their mothers, their teenage years now feel almost like a lie.

If you’re currently fighting with your mom, why not listen to this song and try making up?

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Dear Mama2Pac

2Pac – Dear Mama

Dear Mama2Pac

Gangsta rapper 2Pac from the United States.

While he’s often associated with the menacing image of Death Row Records, on this track he raps his love for his mother over a relaxed groove that samples Joe Sample’s “In All My Wildest Dreams.” Even amid a harsh life, he praises the strength of his single mother who raised him, declaring that no one could ever take her place.

It’s a mellow song that reached No.

3 on the R&B chart, a classic you can listen to comfortably morning, noon, or night.

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