25 songs that make for the perfect Mother's Day playlist

Babyface wrote the ultimate Mother’s Day song when he penned “A Song For Mama,” performed by R&B group Boyz II Men. The track details how mothers protect and care for their children, and those children are showing their undeniable love and appreciation. As the group sings in the first verse, “You taught me everything / And everything you’ve given me / I’ll always keep it inside / You’re the driving force in my life.”

Alicia Keys’ 2008 single “Superwoman” could be dedicated to any special woman. She sings about hoping for a better tomorrow and staying strong amid any chaos. The song is all about one having optimism and faith in themselves to push through anything, as she sings on the second verse, “This is for the mothers fighting for better days to come.”

Backstreet Boys’ 1999 track “The Perfect Fan” is a sweet ode for mothers who always show unwavering support for their children. In the song, the band sings how much they want to show appreciation for the moms who are their children's ultimate fans. 

In 1995, the late 2Pac released his third studio album Me Against the World, led by the single “Dear Mama.” 2Pac uses the song as a dedication to his mother, Afeni Shakur to rap about his love and appreciation for her. If one listens to the radio on Mother’s Day, this track is always queued up. 

Pop singer Christine Aguilera has often spoken about her mother being influential in her life. On her 2007 single “Oh Mother,” fans get a better idea of Aguilera’s home life and the treatment of her father towards her mother. Aguilera stresses the strength of her mother for leaving an abusive relationship and ensuring to protect her kids. 

One song that’s always played on Mother’s Day is The Intruders’ hit single “I’ll Always Love My Mama.” On the track, the group reminisces on how much their mothers sacrificed for them as they grew up. In addition to calling their mother their “favorite girl” and “one-of-a-kind,” they also give little anecdotes of moments with her. 

On Martina McBride’s single “In My Daughter’s Eyes,” she details the perspective of how a mother is seen from their children’s point of view. Martina stresses how a daughter sees a mother as a hero, but the mother also sees a lot of who she aspires to be in her daughter. Even when a mother is no longer living in the physical world, she’ll still be able to live on through her daughter. 

Since Kanye West entered the industry, fans knew how much he appreciated his mother. On his sophomore album Late Registration, he told the world how much his mother means to him on his track “Hey Mama.” On the track, he details moments in his childhood, the advice she gave him about getting a good education, and how much he knew he would get famous to eventually support her. 

In 2010, country singer Carrie Underwood released her single “Mama’s Song.” On the track, Underwood sings from a daughter’s perspective, reflecting on what her mother taught her growing up, which is relevant as she begins raising a child of her own. The mindset is evident in the first verse as she sings, “Mama, you taught me to do the right things / So, now you have to let your baby fly.” 

In 1974, soul group The Spinners released their fifth album New and Improved. The album’s third single “Sadie” is dedicated to young mothers who did the best they could raising their children. It’s from the perspective of reminiscing about the past with their mother and showing their appreciation for her even though she's no longer living. 

Country singer Jamie O’Neal shows her dedication to the mothers in the world with her track “Somebody’s Hero.” She mentions everything from mothers caring for children when they’re hurt, reading bedtime stories, and seeing their children grow up. While it details the mother being a hero, it also comes full circle as a daughter being the mother’s hero as she takes care of her as she gets older. 

On Lauryn Hill’s debut solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, the singer tells the story of having her first child on “To Zion.” She teamed up with Carlos Santana to bring his guitar instrumentation to the track, and his musicianship along with her vocals made for a perfect pairing. On the track, Lauryn is well aware how much being a parent is a gift and she’s fully embracing the new life that she brought to the world. 

In 2019, rising singer-songwriter Raveena released her debut album Lucid. One of the album’s standouts is “Mama,” in which the singer wonders what kind of person her mother was before her life changed as a wife and mother. 

In 1972, soulful band Earth, Wind & Fire released their single “Mom.” The smooth, soft, and whimsical track finds the bandmates reflecting on a mother’s unconditional love and the appreciation they have for her. 

Jhene Aiko’s 2017 track “Sing To Me” is a sweet collaboration alongside her daughter Namiko Love. They sing about the love they have for each other and give fans a cute inside look into their mother-daughter relationship. 

In 1982, British R&B singer Junior came onto the scene with his debut single “Mama Used To Say.” On the track, he tells the story of a young boy who anticipated being an adult, however his mother would advise him to enjoy the youth of his life. Junior sings on the hook, “Mama used to say / Take your time young man / Mama used to say / Don’t you rush to get old.” 

R&B singer Ashanti worked with songwriter-producer extraordinaire Babyface on her 2008 track “Mother.” The song is a poetic dedication to her mother as she reflects on how she was raised and guided as a child. She shows her gratitude and appreciation throughout the entire track. In the second verse, she sings, “Without you by my side, I never could survive / I wouldn’t be the woman standing here before your eyes.” 

“Mama Knew Love” is the opening track on Anthony Hamilton’s sophomore album Comin’ from Where I’m From. On the track, Hamilton reflects just how hard his mother worked to build a life. Things in life may have gotten chaotic or frustrating at times, but his mother always gave and showed love. 

On Kacey Musgraves's 2018 album Golden Hour, one of the deep cuts is the short and somber track “Mother.” The track finds Musgraves singing about how much she misses her mother, but they live too far away from each other for regular visits. 

When Chris Brown released the expanded version of his sophomore album Exclusive, one of the additional tracks is “Mama.” On the song, he reflects on moments growing up with his mother such as watching her cook in the kitchen, and taking notice of the little things she would do.

Pop sensation Justin Bieber released his single “Turn To You” on Mother’s Day in 2012. He reflects on his mother’s hard work and strength in raising the family. He emphasizes his appreciation and wants to reiterate how much he's there to support her now. 

In 2020, rapper Aminé released his sophomore album Limbo. On his track “Mama,” he reflects on being appreciative of his mother, especially by the time he moved out and eventually had a successful career. He mentions he wanted to make a song that she could play when he isn’t around, with hopes that it would put a smile on her face. 

On the deluxe edition of Meghan Trainor’s sophomore album Thank You, one of the songs she added is “Mom.” Trainor stresses how her mom is her best friend who always shows unconditional love. She even adds in a recorded phone call with her mother telling her how much she appreciates her. 

In 2017, Big Sean released a dedication to his mother on “Inspire Me.” Sean reflects on how much his mom played a part in his growth and ambition. He knows that his mother did her best in taking care of the family, and he’s forever thankful so now he’s making sure he takes care of her.  

In 1997, pop group Spice Girls released their fourth single “Mama.” The girls use the track to reflect on their behavior as children and realizing how their mothers always look out for them and will have their best interest at heart. They didn’t understand her ways or reasons when they were younger, but they realize it now.