55 Top Mother-Son Dance Songs For A Memorable Performance

Mother And Son Dancing, Highlighting Dance Songs

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Mothers hold a special and irreplaceable place in their child’s life. When her son gets married, a mother is overwhelmed with feelings. Mother and son dance songs on the wedding day make for some everlasting memories. For most sons, their wedding is incomplete without a perfect dance with their mothers.

On their big day, children dancing with their parents while expressing joy, appreciation, and gratitude is one of the most magical wedding moments.

While dancing with parents, an appropriate song is like icing on the cake. The choice of music often reflects the special bond shared between the mother and her child. This post shares a collection of beautiful mother-son dance songs that can make your wedding a memorable event for you, your mother, and the guests.

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55 Wonderful Mother-Son Dance Songs

The mother-son dance at a wedding is more than just a ceremonial event; it is a celebration of the beautiful bond between a mother and her son. It represents the deep love and appreciation they have for each other. The moment deserves to be immortalized through the perfect song, so here, we have compiled some of the best mother-son dance songs for your choosing. Read on.

Songs For Mother-Son Dance

Mother and son dance songs on the wedding day make for some everlasting memories.

These songs are an emotional way to express your feelings.

1. “Child of Mine” by Carole King

Without this soulful rendition by Carole King, perfect for a slow-dance, the mother-son dance list would be incomplete. The piano ballad captures the essence of gratitude and the wonderful feeling of being a parent.

2. “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw

It is an absolute tear-jerker and emotional song by Tim McGraw that talks about the best life lessons that a mother teaches her son. Also, a mother is always behind her son, encouraging and supporting him in all circumstances.

3. “Thank You Mom” by Good Charlotte

Although Good Charlotte is known for the rock hits, this song touches a new chord. The soulfully mellow song with the most straightforward lyrics has a compelling and thoughtful profound message behind them.

4. “Coming Home” by Leon Bridges

The song is a tribute to a mother, the first woman in her son’s life. Although a popular first dance song for couples, the lyrics “I’m coming home / To your tender sweet loving / You’re my one and only woman” tells us that a mother always holds a special place in her son’s heart.

5. “Letter to My Mother” by Edwin McCain

The indie-rock song has deep meaning and energy. A special mother-son dance on a special day would create a long-lasting memory.

6. “I Got You” by Ciara

Through this song, Ciara tells her son Future about a mother’s promise to always be with her child. The lyrics “Hush little baby don’t you cry / Momma’s gonna love you all your life / And if you ever need a friend / Momma’s right there ’til the very end” can make anyone emotional.

7. “Mother Like Mine” by The Band Perry

The song by The Band Perry is a heartwarming mother-son dance song with touching lyrics and soothing music. It reminds us about how beautiful and strong a mother is, leaving us teary-eyed.

8. “The Wish” by Bruce Springsteen

The song talks about the purest form of love shared between a mother and son. Though with several ups and downs, they were happy in their little world with their family. It also tells us about the story when Bruce’s mother bought him his first ever guitar.

9. “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper

The iconic hit pop song from the 80s sums up a mother’s love and sacrifices. The touching lyrics reflect the unconditional strength she gives her child, “If you’re lost you can look, and you will find me time after time If you fall, I will catch you, I’ll be waiting time after time.”

Mother-Son Wedding Dance Songs

During the wedding, the mother-son dance songs give the groom and his mother a special moment to share the spotlight.

10. “93 Million Miles” by Jason Mraz

The highly emotional song talks about maintaining a strong bond between a mother and son through its heart-touching lyrics. The song talks about unspoken emotions between a mother and son.

11. “I’ll Be There” by Mac Miller ft. Phonte

The R&B song with the lyrics “I wanna tell you momma sunshine or rain, I’ll be there for the good times or bad, I’ll be there sunshine or rain, I’ll be there for the good times or bad, I’ll be there” tells us about the mother’s love that she always has for her son. It also talks about the things she has done selflessly for her child throughout her life.

12. “God Made You Beautiful” by Beyoncé

The song carries a spiritual tune with a modern twist. Through this song, Beyoncé uses her powerful yet soulful vocals to express her love for her children. The song is from a mother to her son and makes it to this list for the meaning it carries.

13. “Turn to You” by Justin Bieber

The meaningful song is an ideal choice for those who were raised by their single and strong mothers. Justin, who is close to his mother, shows the importance she holds in his life and what she means to him.

14. “The One Thing” by Shakira

The One Thing by Shakira is a contemporary song with beautiful, heart-touching, and meaningful lyrics. If you wish to pay tribute to your mother, the song will reflect your emotions perfectly. Through this song, she expresses the love and compassion a mother feels for her son.

15. “Look What You’ve Done” by Drake

Drake honors his mother through this rap song and tells us how much he loves her and how she helped him be a star. This song can be outstanding dedication to any mother who has stood behind her child, supporting them through thick and thin and encouraging them to follow their dreams.

16. “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart

Rod Stewart’s song was inspired by Bob Dylan’s song that has the same title. Rod wrote this song about his two children. It sails through the sentiments that a mother can relate to and is one of the best songs for a mother-son dance. It gives a message about being strong, kind, and humble.

17. “Sweetest Devotion” by Adele

Through this song, Adele, as a parent, expresses her devotion and adoration towards her child. The song, through its powerful lyrics and music,highlights the strong relationship shared by a mother and son.

18. “You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins

The original track from the Walt Disney movie Tarzan talks about a mother’s selfless and unconditional love towards her children. It is a good choice for a mother-son dance.

19. “Everything” by Matthew John

Matthew John penned this song as a Mother’s Day gift in 2018, and since then, it has been a popular song in the mother-son song list. It expresses the emotions that a son feels about his mother as he thanks her for being his anchor throughout.

Country Dance Songs For Mother And Son

As one of the best genres that touches your heartstrings, country and jazz music is best for describing and expressing your love. The songs in this section make an ideal choice for a special mother-son dance.

20. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses

The rock and roll song is a bit different from the traditional ones, and perfectly echos a pure and sweet relationship between a mother and child. With beautiful lyrics and music, this song can make a perfect mother-son wedding dance.

21. “Like My Mother Does” by Lauren Alaina

It is a perfect countrysong that touchingly highlights the relationship between a mother and son. The child imitates the mother and touches your heart as it happens in almost every household.

22. “The Only Hand You’ll Need to Hold” by Dolly Parton

Despite being released more than 45 years ago, this timeless, classic song is one of the most well-known songs in the country music genre. The soulful rendition captures the love, care, and devotion shared between parents and their children.

23. “The Sweetest Gift” by Trisha Yearwood

The song shares a beautiful message about a mother’s unconditional love and support for her child despite all the misdeeds done by the child. It highlights the roller coaster of emotions that they both go through during their trying times.

24. “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts

Released in 2006 and written by Jeffery Steele and Steve Robson, the song has been a popular choice for mother-son dance songs. Through the lyrics, “My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to your dreams stay big, your worries stay small you never need to carry more than you can hold,” a mother wishes a son a great future filled with love, success, and accomplishment. She hopes that he doesn’t have to worry about anything.

25. “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” by Glen Campbell & Steve Wariner

The 1987 record is from Glen Campbell’s 43rd studio album, Still Within the Sound of My Voice. The song is a tribute to all the mothers of every stage and age. These lyrics, “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world” state that no matter what happens, under any circumstances, a mother will always be a mother, and her love is one of the purest forms.

26. “ I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack

Mark D. Sanders and Tia Sillers penned the Grammy award-winning song. Through the lyrics, “Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens, promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance and when you get the chance to sit it out or dance I hope you dance, I hope you dance,” Lee Ann says that every mother encourages her son to fulfill their dreams without giving up and wishes they have the courage to stand tall during testing times.

27. “I’m the Only Hell (Mama Ever Raised)” by Johnny Paycheck

The lighthearted song is one of the preferred songs for a mother-son dance. It talks about a son who showed his mother hell during his growing-up years. The song for mothers is an ideal choice for sons who don’t want their moment to be an emotional one, and yet want to convey their emotions through it.

28. “Mother” by Sugarland

From the album Bigger, the song focuses on the importance and the unconditional love provided by a mother. The lyrics reflect on having a loving mother who unconditionally supports her children through thick and thin.

Unique Mother-Son Dance Songs

For a genuinely emotional moment like a wedding dance, you will need memorable, unique, and thoughtful music that best describes the bond that a son shares with his mother.

29. “I Say A Little Prayer” by Aretha Franklin

Through this song, a mother tells her child that he will always be in her thoughts and heart forever. The lovely lyrics share a prayer that a mother will always have her son in her heart.

30. “Simple Man” by Shinedown

The lyrics tell us to be humble and down to earth and to find the courage and keep moving ahead in your life. This emotional song truly makes it to the list of mother-son dance.

31. “My Mother” by William Clarke Green

The song is from a son’s point of view. He expresses his gratitude to his mother, whom he calls his better half. He says how his mother showed him the right path whenever he wandered away.

32. “Seems Like Yesterday” by Melissa Smith

In this song, a woman speaks about the feelings that she cherished by becoming a mother. She calls her son a priceless gift and tells how she loves the feeling of holding her baby for the first time in her arms. Now, at the threshold of getting married, she wishes all the good things for her child.

33. “Mama Said” by Lukas Graham

The song describes a simple boy whose mother always supported him and tried to bring him up as humbly as possible in this harsh world.

34. “You Are My Sunshine” by Johnny Cash

The highly emotional song can be taken as a dance number for a mother-son dance. The singer says that he loves his sunshine so much and pleads her not to go away.

35. “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen

In this song, the singer talks about his best friend, who is there with him throughout his life. It can be a good choice for a mother-son dance if your mother is your best friend.

36. “Hand Prints On The Wall” by Kenny Rogers

This is a father-daughter dance song and although the lyrics in this song talk about a father-daughter relationship, the feelings and emotions can be related to a mother and child. The lyrics tell us about the beautiful memories that the parents have while bringing up their children.

37. “Do I Make You Proud” by Taylor Hicks

Through this song, a child pays tribute to his parents and expresses his gratitude and gratefulness as they were always there with him. He says everybody needs to be loved and cherished.

Sentimental Mother-Son Songs

These sentimental, heartwarming mother-son songs aptly describe the emotions shared and cherished by them.

38. “Mom” by Meghan Trainor ft. Kelli Trainor

As an upbeat version of a mother-son wedding dance song, this tune is perfect to dedicate to your mother and have fun while dancing with the most important person in your life.

39. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban

If you are looking for a simple yet powerful and emotional number to share a dance with your mother on your special day, this song makes a good choice. The son talks about a mother’s strength and dedication while raising him to be a strong man.

40. “The First Lady In My Life” by Paul Todd

Through this beautiful song, a son pays tribute to the first lady in his life, his mother. The singer says that his mother is his inspiration, anchor, and his best friend.

41. “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

One of Lynyrd’s most popular songs, it frequently features at weddings as a mother-son dance song. It comes with a message that we should accept and enjoy all the simple things that life brings our way.

42. “Take Your Mama” by Scissor Sisters

This fun song to groove on your special day with your mother talks about growing to be a good boy and making mamma proud.

43. “Loves Me Like A Rock” by Paul Simon

The lyrics of this song celebrate a beautiful relationship shared between a mother and son. Pay tribute to your mom by dancing to this beautiful song on a special day.

44. “Close Your Eyes” by Michael Bublé

The singer talks about an angel who has been with him through all the times, guiding and loving him. It is a beautiful song for a mother and son to dance to.

45. “Mother” by Danzig

A mother and son duo would love to dance to this rock music. Though the son seems to be confused about leaving his parents, we can see a person who always wants to be with his parents.

46. “Only One” Kanye West

One of the most sentimental songs featuring Paul McCartney refers to Kanye West’s mother, Donda West. “I talked to God about you, he said he sent you an angel, and look at all that he gave you, you asked for one, and you got two, you know I never left you ’Cause every road that leads to heaven’s right inside you, so I can say.” These emotional lyrics will bring tears to anyone’s eyes.

Mother-Son Oldies Dance Songs

Listed here are a few soulfully rendered oldies that can bring tears to your eyes while remembering the best memories.

47. “My Mother’s Eyes” by Frankie Valli

If you are a fan of old songs, this song should be on your list. Despite being recorded more than 50 years ago, the timeless lyrics of this song express the love and appreciation for a parent.

48. “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” by James Taylor

Among many heartfelt songs by James Taylor, this classic, upbeat mother-son dance song is considered one of the favorites. The beautiful lyrics “How sweet it is to be loved by you, I needed the shelter of someone’s arms, and there you were I needed someone to understand my ups and downs and there you were” will bring out the emotional side.

49. “Have I Told You Lately” by Van Morrison

The classic song by Van Morrison makes a great song for a mother-son dance. The heart-touching lyrics aptly express the son’s feelings about his divine mother.

50. “Days Like This” by The Shirelles

Any oldies fan would love to dance to this song to make the mother-son dance more memorable. The heartwarming lyrics, “Oh my mama told me / There’ll be days like this,” makes this moment more special and emotional.

51. “All My Tomorrows” by Frank Sinatra

Although this song’s lyrics are from a mother’s perceptive, it perfectly fits a mother-son dance. It is suitable for people who love to sway along with the beats of classic, golden oldies.

52. “God Only Knows” By The Beach Boys

The enchanting song from the ’60s features a beautiful musical melody and a heartwarming message of all-consuming love that a mother feels for her child. The lyrics tell us how difficult it is to express the love between two people with appropriate words.

53. “A Song For Mama” by Boyz II Men

It is considered one of the most promising songs for a mother-son dance and featured in the 1997 movie Soul Food. This song is a loving and genuine ode by a man to the first woman in a man’s life.

54. “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder

The lyrics of this mother-son dance song perfectly describe a mother-son relationship. It is one of the popular numbers of all time.

55. “The Perfect Fan” by the Backstreet Boys

This unexpected and heartwarming track from Backstreet boys is sung from the perspective of a son who realizes that his mother had a positive influence on his life and molded him to become a better person.


Check out our top 10 list of the best mother/son wedding dance songs! From classic hits to modern favorites, we’ve got the perfect song for your special moment. Get the songs going for a memorable wedding dance.

Illustration: Top Mother-Son Dance Songs For A Memorable Performance

mother son dance songs_illustration

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a father-daughter dance song for a mother-son dance?

It is not recommended to use a father-daughter dance song for a mother-son dance as the lyrics and message of the song may not be relevant for the mother-son dance.

2. How can I choose the best mother-son dance song for my wedding?

Choosing the best mother-son dance song for your wedding can be personal and emotional. Consider sentimental songs that resonate with your connection with your mother. You can even choose songs that have a special meaning to you both. Also, consider the song’s tempo to fit your dancing style and comfort levels.

3. Who picks the mother-groom dance song?

Traditionally, the groom chooses the mother-son dance song as it’s a special moment between him and his mother. But it can also be a joint decision between a mother and her son.

4. What is the mother-son dance at a wedding?

The mother-son dance is a popular tradition that’s followed during wedding celebrations. It is a special moment between the mother and the groom where they dance together and share a few steps to a chosen song. It is considered a tribute and a way to honor the relationship between the two and symbolizes their love and appreciation for each other.

5. Does the groom dance with his mother first?

The bride and the groom’s dance is the first dance traditionally. The father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance follow it.

The bonding between a mother and her son cannot be described in words, but they indeed could be expressed with the help of songs. These mother-son dance songs bring out the purity and love that resides in the relationship and also talks about how important a role a mother plays in her son’s life. You could dedicate any of these songs to your mother and ask her to dance with you on them. She would surely love the gesture and also enjoy the bonding time with you.

Infographic: Best Mother-Son Songs To Dance It Out

Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, or any special occasion, a mother and son dance could be a beautiful moment to capture the heartiest feelings of both the mother and the son. So, if you’re looking for a perfect song for a memorable performance, the infographic below includes songs with groovy tunes to sentimental lyrics you can choose.

groovy and lyrical mother son dance songs (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • Mothers hold a priceless position in their sons’ lives, and the best way to celebrate this bond is through a mother-son dance.
  • The perfect dance song can elevate the beautiful moment of a mother-son dance during the son’s wedding.
  • These songs convey the precious bond between the two and the love, respect, and admiration they hold for each other.
  • ‘Thank You Mom’, ‘I Got You’, ‘A Song For Mama,’ and ‘The One Thing’ are some of the best mother-son dance songs for a wedding.

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Ronald Hoang
Ronald HoangDiploma in Counselling, Relationship & Family Counselor
Ronald Hoang is a Sydney-based clinical counselor and psychotherapist with around ten years of experience. He holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Macquarie University and a postgraduate degree in counseling from the Australian College of Applied Professions.

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Sravani Rebbapragada
Sravani RebbapragadaMSc (Biotechnology)
Sravani holds a post-graduate degree in Biotechnology from SRM University, Chennai. Being an avid reader, she keeps herself up to date with research. Her interest lies in teaching new things to children in creative ways. For MomJunction, she covers literature and information/ facts articles for kids.

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Akshay is an associate editor and former journalist with more than four years of experience. A post graduate in Mass Communication and Journalism, he has strong professional and academic background in the field of content writing and editing.

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