The music played during your wedding reception is critical; it sets the mood of the event and gets the crowd on their feet.
But one of the most important song moments of the night is the mother-son wedding dance.
When this happens, everyone will stop what they’re doing to hear what heartfelt, touching song you’ve chosen for your mom.
These 40 songs are all specially selected to represent the bond between mother and son, and one might just be perfect for your relationship.
“(They Long to Be) Close to You” – Carpenters
Lyrics you’ll love: “On the day that you were born, the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true.”
The Carpenters have quite a few well-known hit songs, but their 70s classic “(They Long to Be) Close to You’ is an iconic song perfect for a close-knit mother-son duo.
“93 Million Miles” – Jason Mraz
Lyrics you’ll love: “Oh my beautiful mother, she told me, “Son in life you’re gonna go far if you do it right you’ll love where you are.”
“93 Million Miles” is a sweet Jason Mraz song that reminds you of home, sprinkled with a mother’s advice to her beloved son.
“A Mother’s Prayer” – K. Michelle
Lyrics you’ll love: “I found a purpose when I brought you home, and even though I’m not there to tuck you in every day, I’m not far away.”
“A Mother’s Prayer” is a heartfelt mother-son wedding dance song that we’re sure will get the whole crowd hugging their moms.
“A Song For Mama” – Boyz II Men
Lyrics you’ll love: “Mama, mama, you’re the queen of my heart. Your love is like tears from the stars.”
Boyz II Men really went all out to display the deep love and connection that a boy has for his mother with “A Song For Mama.”
“Across the Universe” – Rufus Wainwright
Lyrics you’ll love: “Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns and calls me on and on across the universe.”
This Beatles cover of “Across the Universe” will take mom back to a simpler time for a nostalgic, warm feeling on the dance floor.
“Beautiful Boy” – John Lennon
Lyrics you’ll love: “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
John Lennon wrote this song for his son, so it’s only fitting that “Beautiful Boy” be played for a mother-son dance.
“Blessed” – Elton John
Lyrics you’ll love: “I’ll pick a star from the sky, pull your name from a hat.”
It’s hard to go wrong when you choose a song by one of the top-selling artists of all time, and Elton John’s “Blessed” is ideal for communicating a mother’s love for her child.
“Child of Mine” – Carole King
Lyrics you’ll love: “And I don’t want to hold you back, I just want to watch you grow.”
Carole King’s “Child of Mine” is a lovely mother-son wedding dance song, perfect for showcasing that unique bond.
“Do I Make You Proud” – Taylor Hicks
Lyrics you’ll love: “My heart is full of endless gratitude, you were the one to guide me through.”
No other song expresses the gratitude a son has for his mom like this hit from Taylor Hicks.
“Feels Like Home” – Bonnie Raitt
Lyrics you’ll love: “Feels like I’m on my way back where I come from.”
There’s something about a mother that just feels like home, making this song from the musical Faust a great choice for your wedding.
“Forever Young” – Rod Stewart
Lyrics you’ll love: “And may you never love in vain, and in my heart, you will remain forever young.”
This 1980s classic showers its listeners with good wishes and good advice. “Forever Young” will reinforce the bond between mother and son and how she will always see him as the young child he once was.
“How Long Will I Love You” – Elli Goulding
Lyrics you’ll love: “How long will I be with you? As long as the sea is bound to wash upon the sand.”
Elli Goulding’s “How Long Will I Love You” truly embodies the never-ending love that a mother has for her son. It gives any mother the chance to convey this message.
“I’ll Always Love My Mama” – The Intruders
Lyrics you’ll love: “A mother’s love is so special, it’s something that you can’t describe.”
Looking for a little soul at your wedding? “I’ll Always Love My Mama” is a fun, upbeat 70s song all about mama. It’s a great alternative to slow, sometimes cheesy mother-son ballads.
“In My Life” – The Beatles
Lyrics you’ll love: “I know I’ll often stop and think about them, in my life I love you more.”
The Beatles have a long career full of hits and famous songs, but this 1965 song is a sweet tribute to the ones we love most.
“Lean on Me” – Bill Withers
Lyrics you’ll love: “Lean on me when you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend. I’ll help you carry on.”
“Lean On Me” is a classic song that can certainly convey the message that your mom is always there for you – no matter what.
“Letter to My Mother” – Edwin McCain
Lyrics you’ll love: “I wanted to tell her how grateful I am for giving me life, I’ve done the best that I can.”
This heart-wrenching Edwin McCain song is the perfect song in cases of step-mothers and adoptive mothers. These lyrics will truly touch you.
“Like My Mother Does” – Lauren Alaina
Lyrics you’ll love: “When I look at her I think I want to be just like that.”
Lauren Alaina is a powerful, modern country voice, and her song “Like My Mother Does” pays a beautiful tribute to moms.
“Loves Me Like a Rock” – Paul Simon
Lyrics you’ll love: “She gets down on her knees and hug me as she loves me like a rock.”
Looking for something a bit more upbeat? Paul Simon’s “Loves Me Like a Rock” is a classic song about a mom’s unending love.
“Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)” – Billy Joel
Lyrics you’ll love: “Wherever you may go, no matter where you are, I never will be very far away.”
Lullabies are often associated with mothers, and Billy Joel’s “Lullabye” takes that concept and transforms it into a lovely mother-son dance song.
“Mama Hold My Hand” – Aloe Blacc
Lyrics you’ll love: “Mama, hold my hand. I don’t think I can cross this road by myself.”
“Mama Hold My Hand” is a stunning tale of a boy’s growth – and how he’ll always need his mama.
“Mama Said” – Luke Graham
Lyrics you’ll love: “I know which place I’m from, I know my home.”
“Mama Said” is another up-tempo song for those not wanting a slow, tear-jerker (although there’s absolutely nothing wrong with going that route). This song lets us know that everything will be okay with mom – even during the toughest times.
“Mom” – Meghan Trainor
Lyrics you’ll love: “Her love’s ’til the end, she’s my best friend. Ain’t nobody got a mom like mine.”
Meghan Trainor’s “Mom” is a bop that will get all the moms and sons on the dance floor. It’s a fun hit for fun moms.
“Mother Like Mine” – The Band Perry
Lyrics you’ll love: “And our care would all be freer if the world had a mother like mine.”
The Band Perry sings a slow country tune detailing all the great things about a mother, making it a wonderful wedding choice.
“Mother” – Sugarland
Lyrics you’ll love: “When you’re in love, she’s got a ring to give to you she hopes you give away.”
If you’re looking for a song that has all the words you wish you could find to say to your beloved mama, then “Mother” by Sugarland is one of the best out there.
“My Wish” – Rascal Flatts
Lyrics you’ll love: “I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.”
Rascal Flatts does a beautiful job communicating all the hopes and dreams that a mother has for her child with “My Wish.”
“River” – Leon Bridges
Lyrics you’ll love: “In my darkness, I remember mama’s words reoccur to me.”
“River” is a stunning ballad about faith and the transformation of a man – all of which starts with his mother.
“That’s What Mamas Do” – Jason Matthews
Lyrics you’ll love: “They raise you, ground you, build their whole world around.”
It doesn’t get much simpler than this: “That’s What Mamas Do.” Jason Matthews makes the concept simple, sending a clear message to any mama at your wedding.
“The Baby” – Blake Shelton
Lyrics you’ll love: “She said I don’t care if you’re 80, you’ll always be my baby.”
Blake Shelton delivers an instant country classic with one simple message: no matter how old you get, you will always be your mom’s baby.
“The First Lady In My Life” – Paul Todd
Lyrics you’ll love: “Hey mom, the first lady in my life was you.”
Paul Todd’s “The First Lady in My Life” is the perfect reminder that although her son has found true love, she’ll always be number one. It’s a classic slow song for a momentous occasion.
“The Man I Want to Be” – Chris Young
Lyrics you’ll love: “I wanna be a good man, a’ do like I should’ man.”
Although this song is a message to God, it’s sure to make any mama instantly proud of her not-so-little baby boy.
“The Wish” – Bruce Springsteen
Lyrics you’ll love: “This one’s for you, ma.”
“The Wish” is a simple and melodic song about the life of a boy and his mom. It’s a heartfelt song perfect for a mom-son dance.
“The Wonder of You” – Elvis Presley
Lyrics you’ll love: “And when you smile, the world is brighter.”
If your mom’s an Elvis fan, you have to dance to “The Wonder of You,” which credits all love, strength, and hope to your mom.
“When You Need Me” – Bruce Springsteen
Lyrics you’ll love: “I’ll be there to guide you when trouble walks beside you.”
“When You Need Me” is the perfect song that lets a mom tell her son that even though he’s found his true love, she’s still there for him – no matter what.
“Wildflowers” – Tom Petty
Lyrics you’ll love: “I have seen no other who compares to you.”
A mother-son dance is all about a mother letting go and letting her son start his new, happy life. That’s what this song says, too.
“You Are My Sunshine” – Morgane Stapleton, Chris Stapleton, Southern Family
Lyrics you’ll love: “You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you.”
“You Are My Sunshine” is such a classic song for mothers to sing to their children. This version by the Stapletons puts a cool, country twist on it for a memorable dance.
“You Raise Me Up” – Josh Groban
Lyrics you’ll love: “I am strong when I am on your shoulders, you raise me up to me than I can be.”
It doesn’t get much more heartfelt than “You Raise Me Up.” This emotional song may be exactly what your mom needs to hear to know you’re ready to spread your wings.
let you go.
“You’re Gonna Be” – Reba McEntire
Lyrics you’ll love: “Life has no guarantees, but always loved by me you’re gonna be.”
Reba McEntire is a mama herself, so it makes sense that she could write a killer song from a mother’s perspective. “You’re Gonna Be” will help your mom convey exactly how she feels to you.
“You’ve Got a Friend in Me” – Randy Newman
Lyrics you’ll love: “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you. We stick together and we see it through.”
Most of us know this song from the classic Disney movie Toy Story, but its simple message and fun tune can make the perfect mother-son moment at your wedding – especially if your family loves Disney.
“Landslide” – Fleetwood Mac
Lyrics you’ll love: “Well, I’ve been afraid of changing, cause I’ve built my life around you.”
“Landslide” is a deep, reflective song that takes a look back through life. Sometimes this journey is best taken alongside your mother, who’s been with you through it all. Your wedding might just be where she’s reflecting back on her life and her children, who are getting older, too.
