songs about siblings
Entertainment & Playlists

35 Best Songs About Siblings of All Time

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Written By Will Fenton
Entertainment & Playlists

35 Best Songs About Siblings of All Time

Forget the endless squabbling. The bond between siblings is unbreakable. 

It is one based on unconditional love and deep affection for one another, even if it gets complicated from time to time. 

Siblings can be best friends one minute and the worst enemies at the next moment. 

Sometimes, they are sad, angry, petty, and funny, all in a few hours. 

But what genuinely tests their bond are the tough times. For many, every memory built with siblings lasts forever. 

It gives a nostalgic feeling, taking you back to the good old days when nothing mattered more than being there for one another. 

Whether playing together, fighting, or staying in solidarity, there’s always a perfect song to demonstrate sisterhood/brotherhood. 

Below is a list of the 35 best songs about siblings to help relish the moment.  

While most songs on our list portray the brother-sister bond perfectly, others are based on a rather somber mood, describing the loss of a sibling. 

Keep reading to find the perfect tune to express your true feelings to your little buddy or older sister. 

1. “Hey Brother” by Avicii     

Some songs about siblings perfectly embody the concept that blood is thicker than water. 

And Avicii’s 2013 dance song certainly belongs in that category. 

It is one of the most iconic sibling songs, describing brotherhood and the concept of always being there for one another. 

In the song, the narrator is merely assuring his sibling that he will always be there for him, no matter what life throws at them. 

2. “Little Brother” by Ella Vos

Love, compassion, and understanding are what most songs about siblings are all about. 

Growing up in a family, you will have the usual fights, quarrels, and rivalries. 

But everything changes as you grow. 

This is one of the best songs for little brother about putting the differences aside and treating your brother like the special person he is. 

The song outlines Ella’s exceptional songwriting skills, with a deeper meaning to him than anybody else. 

3. “My Sister Says The Saddest Things” by Grimes

‘My Sister Says The Saddest Things’ was Grimes’ 12th song from her second album, Halfaxa. 

It is an upbeat tune describing the lives of two women who could be real sisters or best friends. 

The song makes an impression of the sisterly bond, the love, and the many secrets they keep. 

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4. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler

Wind Beneath My Wings’ is Bette Midler’s special tribute to that one person she genuinely adores. 

The narrator refers to the addressee as her hero, probably referencing the kind of influence she’s had on the singer’s life and career. 

Indeed, the lyrical interpretation could mean that Bette wouldn’t probably have made it thus far without the addressee’s support. 

The manner of her composition isn’t the best thing about this song. 

But rather, the emotional narration as she offers the highest level of praise anyone could ever give. 

5. “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge 

This song is a universal anthem to express unity.

It is generally sung to represent the entire group as the four-member band it is. 

But the lyrics have been used in different contexts in recent years to spread a message of unity. 

It is the perfect track whenever you want to express sisterly solidarity using good sibling songs.

6. “SIBLING RIVALRY” by PUP

What is a family without sibling rivalries?

The song’s lyrics are self-explanatory, describing two siblings constantly at each other’s throats. 

The song describes Stefan Babcock’s relationship with his sister during the annual camping trips that always end in chaos. 

But don’t get it twisted.

The chaotic trips don’t mean there’s any love lost between the pair. 

7. “Little Sister” by Elvis Presley 

This is a rock n’ roll song by one of the most iconic figures in the music industry.  

When Elvis Presley gets cheated on by his lover, he decides to go after his ex-lover’s younger sister. 

He sings, ‘Little sister, don’t you do what your big sister done,’ probably fearing that the little sister might also run away from him and move in with another man.

8. “Brother” by Kodaline 

‘Brother’ is an emotional song expressing solidarity, strength, and sorrow. 

It tells the tale of two brothers, when the older one suddenly dies, leaving a huge void in the younger brother’s life. 

While they will never see each other again, the solidarity is as good as eternal, giving the little brother the strength to keep pushing. 

The fan favorite song by the Irish rock band is emotional, reminding everyone to cherish every moment spent with their loved ones. 

9. “Boss Of Me” by They Might Be Giants

Anybody looking for the best songs about big brothers should jam to this inspirational tune by They Might Be Giants.

It is about having an older sibling who bullies and bosses you around, with the hope that they are preparing you for the tough life ahead.

10. “Little Sister” by Jewel 

Seeing a sibling indulging in self-destructive behavior is heartbreaking. 

And that’s the theme in Jewel’s ‘Little Sister.’ 

The song describes the painful moment the narrator realizes that her little sister is struggling with drug addiction. 

She’s tried to help, but all in vain, as she describes the painful consequences of drug addiction

11. “Blood Brothers” by Bruce Springsteen 

Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Blood Brothers’ is about growing together and creating a strong bond over time. 

While there’s no actual mention of siblings, it epitomizes brotherhood/sisterhood and fits the family context. 

It could be friendship, brotherhood, or any relationship where two people grow together to develop a strong bond over time. 

12. “What’s Happening Brother” by Marvin Gaye

This song describes a war veteran coming back from Vietnam.

He’s returning a slightly different man, greatly disconnected from the American culture. 

The narration was centered on Marvin Gaye’s brother, Frankie, coming back after serving in the Vietnam War for three years. 

13. “Oh, Sister” by Bob Dylan 

Bob Dylan’s ‘Oh, Sister’ reflects love and peace and the kind attitude everybody needs while walking the journey of life. 

It is a special song that fits just about any context, including a brother-sister bond. 

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14. “Brothers and Sisters” by Coldplay 

Some have described Coldplay’s ‘Brothers And Sisters’ song as almost spiritual, and it’s easy to see why. 

For rock and rollers, the guitar line is therapeutic. 

And lyrically, the song is about focusing on the things that truly matter in life instead of wasting your energy on the insignificant elements. 

While different people will have different interpretations, it perfectly symbolizes a strong bond between people. 

15. “Dance Little Sister” by Rolling Stones

Over the years, rock and rollers have developed a keen interest in songs for siblings. 

And ‘Dance Little Sister’ is one song that fits just about any context. 

16. “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars 

We all have that one friend we can count on in any situation, just like Bruno Mars puts it in this song.

This track is about two individuals who share a strong bond. 

It could be family or siblings who are always there for one another, no matter the situation. 

Precisely speaking, Mars is highlighting what true friendship is centered on; loyalty and love. 

You will love the chill vibe in the song, and the reassuring lyrics that describe what having someone’s back is all about. 

17. “When We Grow Up” by Diana Ross

This song talks about the ambitions of a sibling duo, willing to make it together in the journey of life. 

But most importantly, they just want to maintain their strong bond forever. 

18. “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” by The Hollies 

This song perfectly lives up to the ‘blood is thicker than water’ adage.

It is about how one would do literally anything for their sibling. 

A sibling’s burden is always yours, and this song is a mere affirmation that you will always be there for your sibling no matter what. 

19. “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers

This song is an assertion that you will always be there for your sibling, no matter what life throws at them.

Let them know that you will always be their pillar of strength if push comes to shove. 

20. “Blood Brothers” by Luke Bryan 

Country songs echo the themes of love and heartbreaks. 

But a few excellent compositions are just as great to dedicate to your sibling. 

Luke Bryan’s ‘Blood Brothers’ is a rather emotional song following the loss of his two brothers.  

It is more about holding your loved ones dearly while you still can because nobody knows the hour or the time. 

21. “You’ve Got A Friend” by James Taylor

The first friends in our lives are our siblings. 

And if you can’t play the role of a parent to your siblings, at least be their friend. 

Be the shining light in their lives by giving them a shoulder to lean on when they need it. 

22. “Who You’d Be Today” by Kenny Chesney 

There are a few more painful things in life than losing a sibling. 

And in one of the best country songs for siblings, Kenny Chesney paints a dark picture, narrating his grief after losing a loved one. 

Like the lyrics allude, Chesney sings about losing someone so close to him and visualizing how the deceased’s life would have turned out had he been alive by then. 

If you’ve recently found yourself dwelling on a dark memory, presumably, the loss of a sibling, this is the perfect tune to steady your nerves. 

23. “Sister Oh Sister” by Rosanne Cash

This song is about two crazy sisters reminiscing the good old days growing up. 

They remember all the funny things many siblings do, like stealing a car and sneaking into a bar. 

 But above all, they remember being there for one another in good and bad times

24. “Alfie” by Lily Allen 

It’s hard to listen to this song and assume that Lily Allen wasn’t fed up with her brother when she compiled the lyrics. 

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The whole track has her sharing her frustrations at her younger brother, rebuking his apathetic life. 

Only if she had known that her stoner and jobless little brother would go on to get an Emmy nomination for his stellar performance in Game of Thrones.

But perhaps Lily deserves some credit for that, doesn’t she? 

25. “My Sister” by Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire’s ‘My Sister’ is another beautiful song with a theme of growing up together. 

The narrator remembers their close bond growing up, always fighting but still there for one another. 

It is one of the best songs about sibling love, embodying the ups and downs siblings go through from childhood to adulthood. 

26. “Drink A Beer” by Luke Bryan 

How do you react to the terrible news of losing a loved one? 

Luke Bryan sums up his feelings at that exact moment in this song. 

While Luke never wrote this song, it is one of the best pieces you will ever come across about siblings.

He released it as a tribute to his two siblings, who sadly passed away, forcing him to include a darker theme in the song.

27. “Older Sister” by Carly Simon

“She rides in the front seat/she’s my older sister/she knows her power over me.” 

Those are the first three lines in Carly Simon’s 1974 pop song.

Carly has so much admiration for her older sister that she dedicates an entire song to her. 

And just like her, this song would be a perfect dedication to an older sister who means so much to you. 

28. “I Drive Your Truck” by Lee Brice

As Lee Brice narrates in his strong lyrical performance, the thought of losing a loved one hurts. 

In the song, Brice is coming to terms with losing his older brother in a war.

He’s cried, prayed, and cursed. 

And is now reliving the memories by driving his brother’s truck. 

29. “Come Dancing” by The Kinks

‘Come Dancing’ is a nostalgic song about the good old days. 

Its bittersweet lyrics were inspired by a tragic incident involving Ray Davies’s sister, who died of a heart attack at only 31. 

Don’t let the upbeat lyrics fool you, the song is based on a painful background, and Ray only wanted to memorialize his loving sister when he wrote it. 

30. “Footprints” by Molly Kate Kestner

Molly Kate honors her little brother in this song, giving us a glimpse of their relationship and how optimistic they are for the future. 

In the song, Molly hopes her little buddy can follow in her footsteps and make everyone proud by doing everything she hasn’t achieved in her career. 

That’s what a perfect brother-sister bond is all about. 

31. “My Brother’s A Basehead” by De La Soul 

In this song, the narrator is heartbroken, watching his brother sink into drug addiction. 

The young man looks set to advance from weed to crack cocaine, and the elder brother can’t hide his frustration. 

While the up-tempo and lightheaded lyrics are absorbing, the painful story shows the disastrous effect of drug and substance abuse and how it affects the other siblings. 

32. “Martha” by Rufus Wainwright 

Songs about siblings describe love and affection, but that’s not always the case in real life. 

In Rufus Wainwright’s ‘Martha,’ the singer is merely imploring his sister to ignore their differences and build a strong bond. 

We won’t lie that this isn’t always the case in many families, with many failing to value their siblings until they are gone. 

33. “Sister” by Prince

‘Sister’ is an odd family song that only Prince could dare perform. 

It describes an incestuous sexual abuse involving a 16-year-old boy and his older sister, twice his age. 

You will probably want to put it low on the list when mentioning the best sister songs because it’s nothing closer to what you could probably think.

The powerful message in this song again confirms Prince as an informed artist, creating awareness about sexual abuse from as early as the 1970s. 

34. “Over You” by Miranda Lambert

‘Over You’ is one of the sad songs about losing a sibling. 

It was inspired by Richie Shelton, Blake’s older brother, who died in a fatal car accident in the early 90s. 

Quite simply, this song sums up the terrible emotions of losing someone you love and perfectly fits the family context, especially when expressing dark moments. 

35. “Brother Mine” by Suzzane Vega

Wrapping up our list is one of the best brother-sister songs by Suzzane Vega. 

It captures the sister-brother bond perfectly, describing Vega’s frustration at her little brother, but she can’t stop loving him.  

Perhaps another case of blood being thicker than water? 

Songs About Siblings – Final Thoughts 

What are families without sibling rivalries?

But the rivalries never paint the real picture of the close ties in many families, built around love, compassion, and understanding. 

If you run out of words to describe how much you love your sibling, you will probably want to find some relatable lyrics.

And the 35 songs on our list cover just about any mood, from sadness to joy, pain, and regret. 

Sometimes, you only need the right lyrics to express your feelings when words can’t help anymore.  

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Songs About Family

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Will Fenton

Introduced to good music at a young age through my father. The first record I remember being played was "Buffalo Soldier" by Bob Marley, I must've been six years old. By the time I was seven, I was taking drum lessons once a week. The challenge but the euphoric feeling of learning a new song was addicting, and I suppose as they say the rest was history. Favorite album of all time? Tattoo You by The Rolling Stones Best gig you've ever been to? Neil Young at Desert Trip in 2016 Media mentions: Evening Standard Daily Mail

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