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!
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Thinking of Mother: Classic Western Songs About Mothers (11–20)
MomGarth Brooks
Garth Brooks is an American country music singer and songwriter who enjoys immense popularity, especially in the United States.
“Mom,” included on his album Man Against Machine released in November 2014, is a moving song that celebrates the strong bond between mother and son and a mother’s unconditional love.
Written by Don Sampson and Wynn Varble, the song honors the power of a mother’s love and protection from the perspective of a small baby speaking with God.
Conveying the importance of family ties, this song is a perfect choice for special occasions such as weddings and graduations.
You Can’t Lose MeFaith Hill
Country music superstar Faith Hill.
Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Faith Hill grew up surrounded by music and moved to Nashville at 19 to pursue a singing career.
The single “You Can’t Lose Me,” from her second album It Matters to Me released in 1996, is a moving song filled with love for a mother.
Set to an up-tempo, positive melody, it powerfully sings of a mother’s unwavering love that carries one through the various seasons of life.
It’s a perfect classic both as a Mother’s Day gift song and as a way to express everyday gratitude to your mom.
You Raise Me UpJosh Groban
Are you familiar with the song “You Raise Me Up,” released by popular American singer Josh Groban? Since its release in 2003, the song has become one of his signature numbers.
Originally composed by the Norwegian-Irish duo Secret Garden, it became widely known through Groban’s cover.
While it’s known as a song expressing love for a mother, its lyrics also embody faith, hope, and the strength to face adversity.
His voice speaks to our hearts, giving us the courage to keep looking forward and never give up, no matter the circumstances.
It’s a masterpiece with a universal message—one you’ll find yourself wanting to listen to at many moments in life.
The Perfect FanBackstreet Boys
A soft rock piano medley that sings of love and gratitude to a mother.
It is included on the American vocal group Backstreet Boys’ million-selling 1999 album Millennium.
The song was created with participation from member Brian Littrell.
Tell MamaEtta James
Etta James is a legendary blues and R&B singer born in 1938.
Tell Mama, released in 1967, is one of her signature songs and is also included on the album of the same name.
The track portrays a woman who, having experienced betrayal and heartache, rediscovers her self-worth, showcasing James’s extraordinary vocal prowess to the fullest.
It expresses a universal longing to seek support and understanding—almost as if from one’s mother—and resonates deeply with listeners.
I think it’s a song that makes you feel the strength to overcome life’s hardships.
Mama Knew LoveAnthony Hamilton
Anthony Hamilton is an American singer-songwriter and record producer who works across genres like R&B, neo-soul, and adult contemporary R&B.
His song “Mama Knew Love” is a classic featured on his acclaimed 2003 album Comin’ from Where I’m From.
It’s a deeply moving piece that powerfully conveys a mother’s love, and Hamilton’s soul-stirring vocals turn it into an unforgettable ode to motherhood.
The song vividly portrays a mother who gives everything for her children and supports her family, making it something many people can relate to.
It’s also a great pick for Mother’s Day—perfect for sharing with your mom as a heartfelt expression of gratitude that might be hard to say out loud.
Thinking of Mother: Western Music Classics About Mothers (21–30)
MamaThe Dream
The-Dream is an American R&B singer-songwriter and producer.
A Grammy Award winner, he showcased his talent as early as his debut album Love/Hate, released in 2007.
The track “Mama” from that album was inspired by the “soft heart toward women” that the death of his mother instilled in him.
Centered on the words a mother passes to her son along life’s journey, the song conveys that life is never straightforward, yet we should keep moving forward by trusting our hearts.
It is an extremely personal piece for The-Dream.
Evoking the profound value of living with the support of a mother’s love, this work is sure to resonate not only with pop fans but with many listeners.