[2026] Western songs expressing gratitude to parents: classic tracks dedicated to fathers and mothers

Catch Me in the AirNEW!Rina Sawayama

Rina Sawayama – Catch Me In The Air (Official Visualiser)

Rina Sawayama is a London-based singer-songwriter who has earned worldwide acclaim.

Known for her genre-defying musicality, she wrote this piece to express gratitude to her mother, drawing on her own experience growing up in a single-mother household.

It portrays a deep bond of mutual care—where not only parents raise their children, but children also support their parents—evoked with an image of catching each other in midair.

Released as a single in June 2022, it is included on the album “Hold the Girl.” Its message of trust and love, carried by a driving sound, is perfect for those moments when you want to say “thank you” to someone important.

Why not send the gratitude that feels too shy to say out loud, together with this song?

The Best DayNEW!Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift – The Best Day

Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has earned overwhelming support around the world.

With storytelling-rich lyrics rooted in her country origins and accessible melodies, she has produced numerous hits.

Among her songs, this work is a heartwarming ballad that portrays deep love and gratitude for her mother.

While reflecting on specific childhood memories, it conveys her feelings for the mother who was always on her side.

The song was included on the album Fearless, released in November 2008, and there’s a lovely story that she secretly created it during her 2008 tour and gave it to her mother as a Christmas present.

A re-recorded version was also released in April 2021.

It’s a classic you’ll want to listen to with someone special on Mother’s Day or family anniversaries.

Things Dads DoNEW!Thomas Rhett

Thomas Rhett – Things Dads Do (Lyric Video)

Thomas Rhett is a singer-songwriter active on the American country scene.

He grew up in a musical family where his father is also a famous singer.

The heartwarming song Things Dads Do, which he co-wrote with his father, Rhett Akins, was released in June 2021.

It humorously portrays the classic “dad behaviors” he couldn’t understand as a child, while singing about the depth of love you come to recognize once you become a parent yourself.

His gratitude to the father who always protected the family is expressed in down-to-earth words.

If it feels too embarrassing to say “thank you” in everyday life, why not use this song to share those feelings?

The Perfect FanNEW!Backstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys – The Perfect Fan (Official Audio)

The Backstreet Boys are a vocal group with worldwide popularity.

Released in May 1999, their classic album Millennium has achieved an astonishing sales figure of over 24 million copies worldwide, and The Perfect Fan is one of its tracks.

It’s a heartwarming ballad that likens a mother to “the perfect fan,” expressing gratitude for her love and devotion over the years.

Written by member Brian Littrell while on tour, the song’s gentle piano and soaring chorus really touch the heart.

It’s a song that speaks the words of “thank you” that are often hard to say out loud, making it a great musical gift for Mother’s Day.

Look What You’ve DoneNEW!Drake

Look What You’ve Done

Drake, a global star born in Toronto, Canada.

Standing at the pinnacle of hip-hop, his 2011 album Take Care features Look What You’ve Done, a masterpiece that expresses deep love and gratitude toward his family behind his success.

In this piano-driven track, he speaks to his mother and grandmother in down-to-earth, unvarnished words.

At a July 2023 show, he invited his mother on stage and dedicated the song to her by his side—a moment that drew a lot of attention.

This work is filled with unwavering love for family that hasn’t changed despite his success.

When you want to say “thank you” but feel shy about it, try listening while thinking of someone important to you.

Those Boots (Deddy’s Song)NEW!Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson – Those Boots (Deddy’s Song) [Official Audio]

Singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson, who champions her unique “Bell Bottom Country” style and drew attention for her role in the hit drama Yellowstone, delivers a heartwarming number on this track from her October 2022 album Bell Bottom Country.

Using the boots her father loved as a motif, it carefully portrays everyday memories with her family and her deep affection for her dad.

She has said the song took on new meaning when her own father fell seriously ill, underscoring how important it is in her life.

It carries a gentle warmth that expresses the gratitude we’re often too shy to say out loud—perfect for Father’s Day, or for a quiet night spent thinking of the family you cherish.

I’ll Be There (feat. Phonte)NEW!Mac Miller

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

The Pittsburgh-born rapper Mac Miller’s classic “I’ll Be There (feat.

Phonte)” is a straightforward ode to his love for his mother.

Included on the mixtape Best Day Ever released in March 2011 and later issued in a remastered version in 2016, it remains a fan favorite.

Over a soulful sample, he delivers warm verses about childhood memories and the greatness of a mother that you come to recognize as you grow up.

Phonte’s guest vocals add a gentle touch, evoking the deep bond of family that stands by you no matter what.

If it’s hard to say “thank you” out loud, why not let this song speak for you? It’s a heartwarming number perfect for Mother’s Day or any special occasion when you want to express your gratitude—one to enjoy together with your mom.