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Thinking of my mother. Classic Western songs about mothers.

Thinking of my mother. Classic Western songs about mothers.
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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

Clean Bandit – Rockabye (feat. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie) [Official Video]
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 – Two of Us (Official Video)
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

Mac Miller – I’ll Be There (feat. Phonte) (Official Audio)
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.

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.

Mom (feat. Kelli Trainor)Meghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor – Mom feat. Kelli Trainor (Homemade Video)
Mom (feat. Kelli Trainor)Meghan Trainor

Singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor, known for her charming retro-pop sound.

She created this track, “Mom,” featuring her real-life mother, Kelli Trainor.

It’s included on her 2016 album Thank You and was also used in the film Mother’s Day the same year.

The way she innocently sings that her mom is the best in the world, paired with the actual mother-daughter vocals, is truly heartwarming.

With a rhythm that makes you happy just by listening and lyrics that express a daughter’s unwavering love for her mother, this song shines.

Even words of gratitude that might feel embarrassing to say normally might come out naturally when paired with this track.

How about gifting it on Mother’s Day or your mom’s birthday as a way to say “thank you” for everything?

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.