The mother-son dance is a special moment during a wedding reception, as it allows the groom to show his appreciation and love for his mother.
It is a unique opportunity for the mother and son to share a special dance, and it can be a very emotional moment for both of them.
Choosing the right song for this dance can be a challenging task; from emotional ballads to upbeat and fun tunes, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for a classic song or something more contemporary, this list of 35 best mother-son dance songs will inspire your first dance as mother and son.
1. “Somewhere Out There” by Linda Ronstadt And James Ingram
James Ingram and Linda Ronstadt gave a polished performance of “Somewhere Out There” for the movie “An American Tail.”
The song’s lyrics, which reference a potential great distance between two people who are deeply in love with one another, were released in 1986.
This song, which is frequently played for the mother-son dance at weddings, took home two Grammy Awards at the 30th Grammy Awards: best song for a motion picture and song of the year.
2. “Letter to My Mother” by Edwin McCain
Edwin McCain addressed “Letter to My Mother” exclusively to his biological mother.
He was adopted as a child and was born in South Carolina in 1970.
The song’s lyrics, which express his affection for his mother, are perfect for a mother-son dance at a wedding or other occasion.
3. “Through The Years” by Kenny Rogers
Country singer Kenny Rogers had tremendous success with “Through the Years” in 1981.
The song’s lyrics discuss how a relationship evolves with time, considering all of life’s ups and downs.
When this song is danced at a wedding, many people acknowledge how sincerely it is written.
4. “Always On My Mind” by Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson was one of several musicians who later covered “Always on My Mind” after it was written and released in 1972.
His rendition, which was released in 1983, spent almost two weeks at the top of the music charts when it was released publicly.
5. “Color My World” by Chicago
Chicago, a hugely popular rock and jazz band, released a love-themed rock song called Color My World.
The song, which was never released as a single and never reached the charts, is a gorgeous, emotional tribute to love and has a unique flute solo and only one verse.
When dancing to this song, the bond between a mother and son is evident.
6. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
The Norwegian and Irish rock group Secret Garden wrote the song “You Raise Me Up” in 2002.
Although more than 100 singers have covered this beautiful song, Josh Groban is most known for performing it during Super Bowl 38 and Oprah Winfrey’s 50th birthday celebration.
7. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
Lee Ann Womack’s 2000 single “I Hope You Dance” received the Grammy for Best Country Single.
The song, which has a mid-tempo country and pop ballad, contains lyrics that allude to the hope that one feels while thinking about children and their future and therefore is perfect for a mother-son dance song.
8. “Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart
The heartfelt and adoring version of a 1989 Van Morrison song by Rod Stewart, “Have I Told You Lately,” was released in 1991.
Because of its sensitivity and capacity to express the love that exists between a parent and child, this is frequently rated among the top ten mother-son dance songs.
9. “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
Bob Thiele (known as “George Douglas”) and George David Weiss are the writers of the song “What a Wonderful World.”
Louis Armstrong initially recorded it, and it was released publicly as a single in 1967.
Due to Larry Newton, president of ABC Records, disliking the song and refusing to promote it, it did poorly in the United States while topping the pop charts in the United Kingdom.
When this recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, it was a testament to the song’s continuing popularity.
The lyrics discuss the possibilities that each life presents.
10. “Do I Make You Proud” by Taylor Hicks
“Do I Make You Proud” is a soul-pop song by American Idol season five winner Taylor Hicks.
The song was first performed by Hicks on the fifth season finale of American Idol when all three judges praised him for his performance.
The message of this soul-pop song conveys the pride that every mother experiences after witnessing her child overcome challenges to accomplish a long-term goal.
11. “93 Million Miles” by Jason Mraz
The 2011 Jason Mraz song 93 Million Miles refers to how close the Earth is to the Sun.
No matter where you are in the world or on the planet, there is something about it that you can call “home.”
The song’s lyrics offer encouragement and optimism.
Mothers and sons frequently dance first to this sentimental tune at weddings.
12. “I’ll Remember” by Madonna
“I’ll Remember” is a somber song that Madonna, who was popular at the time, released in the 1980s.
The single from this song, which was also featured (and released publicly) in the movie With Honors, stresses the unavoidable emotions of loss and love.
It was a favorite mother-son dance song at weddings and was nominated for several awards.
13. “Sweetest Devotion” by Adele
Adele, a British singer-songwriter, wrote and released the song “Sweetest Devotion” about her son, who taught her that there was more to life than just herself.
The feelings that most moms experience on the day their son gets married are properly reflected in Adele’s ode to her son Angelo.
14. “Moondance” by Van Morrison
Van Morrison, a singer, and songwriter from Northern Ireland released “Moondance” as his third studio album.
Warner Bros. Records released it in January 1970.
It is a jazzy folk song produced in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York, not far from the site of the renowned Woodstock event.
It would be the perfect mother-son dance song at a wedding due to its lovely melody and instrumentation (which includes solos by the piano and sax).
15. “Oh Very Young” by Cat Stevens
Cat Stevens wrote and recorded the rock ballad “Oh Very Young” in 1974.
His lyrics expertly capture the legacy that each generation leaves behind.
The lyrics, which profoundly affect both mother and son, are a powerful illustration of how transitory life is.
16. “I Say A Little Prayer” by Aretha Franklin
The famed duo Bacharach and David wrote the song “I Say A Little Prayer.”
Aretha Franklin was the second artist to record this classic song, and it ended up being her last top-ten hit in a row on the Top 100.
The Top 500 Best Songs of All Time list by Rolling Stone Magazine once included this message of love and hope as number 117.
17. “Rainbow Connection” by Barbra Streisand
Written in 1978 for the “Muppet Movie,” “Rainbow Connection” is an incredibly upbeat and cheerful song.
In 2020, the Library of Congress recognized it for its cultural and historical value.
The message in the lyrics is one that most moms teach their children: the power of one’s thoughts and ambitions.
18. “Mom” by Meghan Trainor ft. Kelli Trainor
In 2015, Meghan Trainor recorded Mom and even gave her mother a voice credit by incorporating a recorded phone call between the two.
This is a wonderful choice for mother-son dance songs at weddings since it speaks about the love that a parent and child share.
19. “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson Five
The opening track from The Jackson 5’s Third Album is titled “I’ll Be There.”
Berry Gordy, Hal Davis, Bob West, and Willie Hutch wrote the song.
A touching love ballad called “I’ll Be There” helped The Jackson Five become recognized as a reputable music group.
When this 1970 song, which many boys prefer to dance with their moms to on their wedding day, was released, Michael Jackson was just eleven years old.
20. “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” by John Lennon
This is one of the best songs for a mother-son wedding dance.
John Lennon wrote and sang the song “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” in 1980.
Sean, John Lennon’s only child with Yoko Ono, was the subject of the song.
It begins with John reassuring his son following what is most likely a nightmare and progresses to John passionately proclaiming his love for his son and the joy Sean brought him.
21. “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
A rock song titled “Simple Man” featured on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s debut album in 1973.
From a lyrical standpoint, the song’s message is about a mother teaching her child important life lessons.
The mother’s advice to be an honest man who values understanding and compassion is referenced in the title.
22. “He Gets That From Me” by Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire, a country music singer, released the song “He Gets That From Me” in 2004.
Every parent taking the path in the dance and the memories are likely to shed a tear as it tells the narrative of a mother’s deep love for her son and all the things that make them smile.
23. “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys released “God Only Knows” in the middle of the 1960s.
Tony Asher and Brian Wilson wrote the music.
It is debatable whether or not this song is their best work overall because it features sophisticated vocals.
The song’s lyrics express how only God could imagine a relationship without the subject of the song.
24. “Mother and Child Reunion” by Paul Simon
Paul Simon wrote the single reggae-style song titled “Mother and Child Reunion,” which was released in 1972.
The song debuted at the top of the charts in numerous nations and has since become a universally recognized standard for mother-son dance songs at weddings across all cultures.
25. “Mother Like Mine” by The Band Perry
This popular mother-son dance song was written by a country and pop trio (consisting of siblings), and it is simply an ode to one’s mother.
The song’s lyrics discuss how nice it would be if all mothers raised their children in the same manner as yours.
26. “Just The Way You Are” by Billy Joel
“Just the Way You Are,” written by Bill Joel in 1977, was a top-charting single in the United States and the United Kingdom and the winner of Record and Song of the Year in 1979.
With its catchy lyrics, it discusses how grateful one can be just by accepting someone for who they are.
27. “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles
One of the best-known masterpieces by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, “All You Need Is Love,” is frequently used as the mother-son dance song at weddings.
The popular song was released in 1967, at the height of the Summer of Love, to serve as a reminder to people everywhere of the importance of love.
28. “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” by Stevie Wonder
One of the Grammy Award-winning songs released in 1972 is “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” by Stevie Wonder, which reached number one on the charts.
When a mother and son dance this touching ballad at a wedding, it is certain to bring many people to tears.
29. “You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins
“You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins is one of the best mother-son dance songs.
British rock drummer Phil Collins wrote this emotional song titled “You’ll Be in My Heart.”
It was originally intended for his daughter Lily and appeared in a Disney movie.
The song’s lyrics convey the idea that love is an unbreakable bond because it is so strong.
30. “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers
Bill Withers’ 1972 single “Lean On Me” peaked at number one on numerous music charts.
The song’s lyrics reassure listeners that there is always someone to turn to for support when times are tough.
These song choices make a mother and son’s bond evident while they dance.
31. “Blessed” by Elton John
In 1995, “Blessed” was officially released and peaked at the top of the charts in numerous countries.
This song, which was written by Elton John, is about the genuine love and devotion a parent can have for their child and the things they are willing to do for them.
Most people at a wedding will cry watching this mother-son dance.
32. “The Circle Game” by Joni Mitchell
One of singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell’s most frequently covered songs is “The Circle Game”, which she wrote in 1966.
The opportunities one can expect as one grows older and enters maturity are discussed in the song’s lyrics.
She uses Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young’s background vocals in her version.
33. “Because You Loved Me” by Céline Dion
“Because You Loved Me” is among the most famous mother-son wedding songs.
Céline Dion recorded a love song in 1996 called “Because You Loved Me.”
Diane Warren wrote this song, which was nominated for several music awards.
The lyrics express thanks for the support and upbringing one received as a child.
34. “The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me” by Gladys Knight & The Pips
Jim Weatherly wrote the well-known mother-son dance song, “The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me,” and many other artists have covered it.
The version recorded by Gladys Knight and the Pips in 1974 quickly rose to the top of the charts.
This is one of the best songs for the mother-son dance at weddings, and the lyrics express how important someone is in your life.
35. “If I Could” by Regina Belle
The song “If I Could” was released in 1993 on the third studio album by singer Regina Belle.
It is the perfect mother-son dance song because it emphasizes a mother’s intrinsic desire to care for and love her child, as well as the idea that parents can only help their children get so far in life before they must figure out how to handle the remainder on their own.
Mother Son Dance Songs – Final Thoughts
Wedding songs are a key part of any wedding reception.
The mother-son dance is a special moment between a mother and her son.
While there are many great songs to choose from, the 35 songs listed in this article are some of the best mother-son wedding songs to dance to.
So, take a look and see if any of these songs are perfect for your wedding reception.
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