Unbreakable bond: 20 songs about family

In 2003, John Mayer released his sophomore album, Heavier Things. It garnered three singles, such as the acoustic guitar-driven “Daughters.” On the track, Mayer is encouraging parents, particularly fathers, to raise their daughters with love and care they need. “Daughters” went on to win Song of the Year at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards. 

Will Smith details his life as a new dad on his 1998 single “Just the Two of Us.” While it samples Bill Withers’ and Grover Washington Jr.’s song of the same title, Smith uses the track to emphasize his love for fatherhood and vows to be the best dad he can be. 

In 2007, Christina Aguilera released one of her most personal songs with “Oh Mother.” On the track, she reflects on her mother being in an abusive relationship with her father, but she tells it from a child’s point of view. She details how strong her mother was for leaving the relationship and doing what she could to protect her kids. 

Luther Vandross’ 2003 single “Dance With My Father” is about a child dealing with the death of a parent. Vandross lost his father when he was nine years old, and on the track, he details how much he wishes he could spend time with him again. 

Adele dedicated “My Little Love” to her son after the divorce from her husband. On the track, Adele is heard having conversations with her child about her emotions and how she’s trying to keep her life together for him. She realizes there will always be lessons to learn as a parent. 

Family time is often the best time, and soul group The O’Jays reiterate that feeling on their 1975 hit “Family Reunion.” On the track, they detail congregating with their extended family members, reminiscing on good times, and embracing one another. 

The Chainsmokers teamed up with DJ and producer Kygo for their 2019 single “Family.” The track details how friends can become so close and supportive that they start to feel like a family. They realize their friends are always there for them and are more like brothers and sisters. 

On Kanye West’s 2005 song “Family Business,” the rapper details family life that many listeners can relate to. He reflects on catching up with family members while also storytelling about their livelihood, such as cousins in the prison system, his grandmother’s cooking, and relatives proud of his newfound success. 

In 1971, funk band Sly & The Family Stone released their hit single “Family Affair.” On the track, Sly details family dynamics such as siblings who take different routes as adults. “Family Affair” became a No. 1 hit across the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. 

The light-hearted “Family Is Family” is a track from Kacey Musgraves’ sophomore album Pageant Material. Musgraves sings about family dynamics such as holiday gatherings, loaning money, and supporting one another in the song. 

Chic band members Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards composed the Sister Sledge hit “We Are Family.” The sister group details their undeniable sibling bond and love on the track. The hit song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

On Mickey Guyton’s 2019 song “Sister,” the singer shares how supportive she is of her sibling. The song could also be about a friend she considers a sister, and she wants them to know they can always count on her. 

On Pink’s 2002 single “Family Portrait,” she tells the story of her inner child about her parents going through a divorce. She details witnessing her family argue, fight, and cry, while hoping they could work through their issues. The “portrait” message is about looking happy on the outside, like in pictures, even though they’re dealing with so much pain and turmoil in the house.

In 2016, Drake released his fourth studio album, Views. Although it wasn’t released as a single, “Keep The Family Close” finds Drake realizing that sometimes friends have betrayed him. Therefore, he should’ve always relied on his family to be there for him. 

For people who like making Mother’s Day playlists, Boyz II Men’s hit song “A Song For Mama” should always be included. The song is a sweet ode to mothers who are always caring, nurturing, informative, and supportive of their children. No wonder the song was added to the soundtrack of the 1997 film Soul Food to help showcase how mothers are the family matriarchs. 

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz have a blended family, which wasn’t always easy for them. On the track “Blended Family,” Keys details how some family dynamics and drama can affect children, but she reiterates that families can always work things out. 

On Kane Brown’s 2018 song “For My Daughter,” the singer wants to ensure he is the best dad to his little one. He reflects on growing up without his father and wants to break that cycle with his children. On the track, he sings, “Someone to let you fall down and teach you how to get back up / Teach you how to be sweet like momma and how to be tough.” 

Nas teamed up with producer No I.D. on his 2012 single “Daughters.” On the track, Nas details trying to raise his daughter as a single father and witnessing her different growth phases. He sometimes questions his parenting skills but hopes she learns the lessons he teaches her. 

On 2Pac’s 1995 single “Dear Mama,” he reflects on the relationship and love he has for his mother. Although his family went through many highs and lows, he wants to show his mother that he appreciates her for her work, support, and strength. 

On Beyoncé’s 2016 track “Daddy Lessons,” the singer details a daughter’s relationship with her father. She highlights how fathers can teach their daughters to be strong, supportive, protective, and reliable.