Thinking of my mother. Classic Western songs about mothers.
As the saying “a mother’s strength” suggests, mothers are truly remarkable.
It’s no different for musicians, of course, and there are countless songs around the world that take mothers as their theme.
In this article, we’ll feature classic Western songs about mothers, spanning genres and eras.
You’ll find songs filled with love for beloved mothers, as well as tracks that explore the sometimes complex parent-child relationship—offering many different forms of “songs for mothers.”
We also touch on the lyrical content in our reviews, so if you want to understand the meaning behind the songs, this is a must-read!
Thinking of my mother. Western music masterpieces about mothers (1–10)
Rockabye (feat. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie)Clean Bandit
This hugely popular 2016 hit by Clean Bandit, the UK electronic group beloved in Japan, features guest appearances by Sean Paul and Anne-Marie.
Created as a tribute to single mothers, it’s a masterpiece that depicts the deep love and boundless strength of a mother for her child.
The title phrase comes from a British lullaby, but Anne-Marie’s stunning vocals elevate it into a cutting-edge electro-pop track.
Be sure to check out the music video as well, which dramatizes the song’s world with powerful visuals!
Two of UsLouis Tomlinson
Louis Tomlinson, well known as a member of One Direction.
“Two of Us” is a song he wrote for his mother, who passed away in 2016.
Reading the lyrics, you can feel in every line how much Louis cherished and loved her.
The song expresses the profound grief of losing his mother, as well as a strong resolve to live on for the both of them.
It reminds us anew just how irreplaceable the time spent with one’s mother truly is.
I’ll Be ThereMac Miller
A mellow classic by an American rapper who passed away in 2018 at the young age of 26.
The song is included on his fifth mixtape, Best Day Ever, released in 2011.
Guided by lyrical piano tones, the track calmly delivers lyrics recounting memories of Mac Miller and his mother.
It’s a masterpiece that clearly conveys his feelings—that despite experiencing both good and bad times, his mother is precious to him—and it once again underscores the extraordinary talent of Mac Miller, who created this song in his teens.
In My Daughter’s EyesMartina McBride
This song, included on American country music singer Martina McBride’s 2003 album “Martina,” is a moving country ballad that portrays the deep bond between a mother and daughter.
The lyrics weave in the beauty of the world as seen through a daughter’s eyes and her respect for her mother, conveying the strength of their relationship.
Known for hits like “Independence Day,” McBride delivers a powerful vocal performance that expresses love for a mother with striking directness.
It’s a classic I recommend not only to parents with daughters, but to anyone who wants to express gratitude to their mother.
MotherAshanti
Ashanti has been active in the American R&B scene for over 20 years.
“Mother,” featured on her 2008 album The Declaration, is an emotional song about her relationship with her mother and the sacrifices her mother made.
Ashanti sings with heartfelt gratitude for the crucial role her mother has played in her life and her unconditional love.
Her vocals convey the depth of their bond, as she speaks of how her mother’s strength and love shaped who she is.
It’s a classic ballad that would surely delight when paired with a Mother’s Day gift.
I Prefer Your LoveSt. Vincent
“I Prefer Your Love” is a love-filled song to her mother by American musician St.
Vincent, a.
k.
a.
Annie Clark, included on her 2014 album St.
Vincent.
Deeply personal for Clark, it was written about her mother’s temporary illness and carries the message that love for a specific person can sometimes give us the strength to face the world’s hardships.
Set to a sound that exquisitely fuses alternative and electronic rock elements, the song portrays maternal love, forgiveness, and a longing for guidance.
It’s a recommended track for parents and children to listen to together, especially on Mother’s Day.
MotherSugarland
Sugarland is a country music duo based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Formed in 2002 by Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, they have gained popularity with songs that reflect various aspects of human relationships.
“Mother,” included on their 2018 album Bigger, is a moving number themed around the impact of a mother’s unconditional love and support on her children.
The lyrics depict a mother welcoming her children’s friends, rubbing their backs through the night, and wiping away their tears, conveying the greatness of mothers and the universal value that “love is love.” It’s a recommended song for anyone who wants to express gratitude to their mother.