The mother-son dance stands out as a deeply touching moment within the wedding reception. No matter the melody chosen, witnessing a groom and his mother share a dance to a song brimming with shared meaning is profoundly moving. It’s a cherished tradition that many couples embrace on their wedding day, a beautiful way for the groom to honor his mother or a significant maternal figure on this pivotal day. Mothers often anticipate this moment for years, making it a precious memory and a chance for her to shine during the celebration. Given its emotional weight, selecting the right mother-of-the-groom dance song is vital—it should not only respect the occasion but also resonate with their unique relationship.
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Finding that ideal mother-son dance song, however, can be a challenge. A great starting point is to consider artists, music genres, or memories that hold significance for both mother and son as you begin your musical exploration. Perhaps she introduced you to the timeless tunes of The Beatles, or maybe you both share a love for country music’s storytelling. Think about shared experiences too – did she take you to your first concert when you were young? Even lullabies from your childhood can be transformed into a uniquely touching mother-son dance song. Bands can often recreate these sweet melodies live, adding a deeply personal touch to the moment.
Regarding the timing of the mother-son dance, it usually follows the father-daughter dance, which in turn comes after the newlyweds’ first dance. This sequence of family dances often serves as a transition within the reception, perhaps moving from cocktail hour to the main reception or from dinner to the dance floor opening. While traditionally a slower tempo song is chosen for the mother-son dance, don’t feel confined to a waltz. Uptempo mother-son dances can be incredibly fun and engaging for guests, and we’ve included several options on our curated list!
Now that you have a solid understanding of the essentials, it’s decision time—and we’re here to assist. We’ve compiled a collection of 100 mother-son dance songs perfect for your wedding. Spanning from timeless classics and heartfelt country tracks to contemporary hits, these songs bridge generations through the power of music, creating a lasting connection between mother and son.
100 Mother-Son Dance Wedding Songs to Cherish
To help you find the perfect soundtrack for this special moment, we’ve curated 100 song suggestions, categorized for easier browsing. Whether you’re looking for classic tunes, country ballads, or modern hits, you’re sure to find inspiration here.
Classic Mother-Son Dance Songs
These timeless songs evoke warmth and nostalgia, perfect for a traditional and heartfelt mother-son dance.
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“O-o-h Child,” by Five Stairsteps
Lyrics of Love: “Ooh child/Things are gonna get easier/Ooh child/Things’ll get brighter”
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“Through the Years,” by Kenny Rogers
Lyrics of Love: “I can’t remember when you weren’t there/When I didn’t care for anyone but you/I swear, we’ve been through everything there is/Can’t imagine anything we’ve missed/Can’t imagine anything the two of us can’t do”
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“How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You),” by James Taylor
Lyrics of Love: “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”
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“Bridge Over Troubled Water,” by Simon & Garfunkel
Lyrics of Love: “When you’re weary, feeling small/When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all, all/I’m on your side, oh, when times get rough”
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“God Only Knows,” by The Beach Boys
Lyrics of Love: “I may not always love you/But long as there are stars above you/You never need to doubt it/I’ll make you so sure about it”
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“I Say A Little Prayer,” by Aretha Franklin
Lyrics of Love: “I run for the bus, dear/While riding I think of us, dear/I say a little prayer for you”
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“Because You Loved Me,” by Celine Dion
Lyrics of Love: “You were my strength when I was weak/You were my voice when I couldn’t speak/You were my eyes when I couldn’t see”
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“Lean On Me,” by Bill Withers
Lyrics of Love: “Lean on me/When you’re not strong/And I’ll be your friend/I’ll help you carry on”
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“Days Like This,” by Van Morrison
Lyrics of Love: “When everything falls into place like the flick of a switch/Well my mama told me there’ll be days like this”
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“You’ll Be In My Heart,” by Phil Collins
Lyrics of Love: “For one so small/You seem so strong/My arms will hold you/Keep you safe and warm/This bond between us/Can’t be broken/I will be here/Don’t you cry”
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“Beautiful Boy,” by John Lennon
Lyrics of Love: “Out on the ocean sailing away/I can hardly wait/To see you to come of age/But I guess we’ll both/Just have to be patient/‘Cause it’s a long way to go”
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“I’ll Stand By You,” by The Pretenders
Lyrics of Love: “I’ll stand by you/I’ll stand by you, won’t let nobody hurt you/I’ll stand by you/Baby, even to your darkest hour, and I’ll never desert you”
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“(They Long To Be) Close To You,” by The Carpenters
Lyrics of Love: “On the day that you were born the angels got together/And decided to create a dream come true/So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue”
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“My Mother’s Eyes,” by Frankie Valli
Lyrics of Love: “I’ll walk the straight and narrow/To reach my goal/God’s gift sent from above/A real unselfish love/I found in my mother’s eyes”
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“Your Song,” by Elton John
Lyrics of Love: “And you, you’ll be blessed/You’ll have the best/I promise you that/I’ll pick a star from the sky”
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“In My Life,” by The Beatles
Lyrics of Love: “All these places had their moments/With lovers and friends, I still can recall/Some are dead, and some are living/In my life, I’ve loved them all”
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“Stand By Me,” by Ben E. King
Lyrics of Love: “When the night has come/And the land is dark/And the moon is the only light we’ll see/No I won’t be afraid/Oh, I won’t be afraid/Just as long as you stand, stand by me”
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“What a Wonderful World,” by Louis Armstrong
Lyrics of Love: “I hear babies cry/I watch them grow/They’ll learn much more/Than I’ll never know/And I think to myself/What a wonderful world”
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“Time After Time,” by Cyndi Lauper
Lyrics of Love: “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”
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“I’ll Be There,” by the Jackson Five
Lyrics of Love: “I’ll reach out my hand to you/I’ll have faith in all you do/Just call my name and I’ll be there (I’ll be there)”
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“Unforgettable,” by Nat King Cole
Lyrics of Love: “Unforgettable/That’s what you are/Unforgettable/Tho’ near or far”
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“Wind Beneath My Wings,” by Bette Midler
Lyrics of Love: “Did you ever know that you’re my hero/And everything I would like to be/I can fly higher than an eagle/For you are the wind beneath my wings”
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“Simple Man,” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lyrics of Love: “You’ll find a woman and you’ll find love/And don’t forget, son, there is someone up above”
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“Sweet Child O’ Mine,” by Guns N’ Roses
Lyrics of Love: “She’s got a smile that it seems to me/Reminds me of childhood memories/Where everything was as fresh as the bright blue sky”
Country Mother-Son Dance Songs
For those who appreciate country music, these songs offer heartfelt lyrics and melodies that beautifully express the mother-son bond.
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“The House That Built Me,” by Miranda Lambert
Lyrics of Love: From sleepless nights and rocking chairs/Your smiling face was always there/From little trucks and building blocks/You held my hand while I learned to walk/You were my best friend, my inspiration/The one I looked up to/Hey Mom…the first lady in my life was you”
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“I Hope You Dance,” by Lee Ann Womack
Lyrics of Love: “I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean/Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens/Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance/And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance/Dance… I hope you dance”
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“Thought You Should Know,” by Morgan Wallen
Lyrics of Love: “I thought you should know/That all those prayers you thought you wasted on me/Must’ve finally made their way on through/I thought you should know/I got me a new girl down in Jefferson City, and/She lets me fish whenever I want to”
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“Mother Like Mine,” by The Band Perry
Lyrics of Love: “She’s our father’s one great love/She’s the one he wanted most/She’s the light in the window of the house I grew up in”
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“Letter to My Mother,” by Edwin McCain
Lyrics of Love: “Mama, how do I write the words to you/You were the only one who loved me true”
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“The Wish,” by Bruce Springsteen
Lyrics of Love: “And if it’s a funny old world, mama, where a little boy’s wishes come true/Well I got a few in my pocket and a special one just for you”
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“93 Million Miles,” by Jason Mraz
Lyrics of Love: “Son in life you’re gonna go far/If you do it right/You’ll love where you are/Just know that wherever you go/You can always come home”
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“Thank You Mom,” by Good Charlotte
Lyrics of Love: “I’m sitting here, I’m thinking back/To a time when I was young, my memory is clear as day/I’m listening to the dishes clink/You were downstairs, you would sing songs of praise”
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“Mother,” by Sugarland
Lyrics of Love: “She’s your mother, you love her/There won’t be another/Place like her again that you call home/She stands here to help you/there’s nothing she won’t do”
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“The Best Day,” by Taylor Swift
Lyrics of Love: “I’m five years old/It’s getting cold/I’ve got my big coat on/I hear your laugh/And look up smiling at you/I run and run”
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“The Baby,” by Blake Shelton
Lyrics of Love: “I guess she was tired by the time I came along/She’d laugh until she cried, I could do no wrong/She would always save me because I was her baby”
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“The Man I Want to Be,” by Chris Young
Lyrics of Love: “I wanna be a good man/A ‘do like I should’ man/I wanna be the kind of man the mirror likes to see/I wanna be a strong man”
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“My Wish,” by Rascal Flatts
Lyrics of Love: “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”
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“Humble and Kind,” by Tim McGraw
Lyrics of Love: “Go to church ’cause your mamma says to/Visit grandpa every chance that you can/It won’t be wasted time/Always stay humble and kind”
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“Do I Make You Proud,” by Taylor Hicks
Lyrics of Love: “My heart is full/Of endless gratitude/You were the one/The one to guide me through”
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“Handprints On The Wall,” by Kenny Rogers
Lyrics of Love: “Days go by so quickly/Summer turns to fall/Seems like only yesterday/That you began to crawl/So don’t be afraid to take that step/I’ll catch you when you fall”
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“That’s What Mamas Do,” by Jason Matthews
Lyrics of Love: “And when she bows her head to pray/You can bet she’s saying one for you/That’s what mamas do/They raise you/Ground you build their whole world around you”
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“He Gets That From Me,” by Reba McEntire
Lyrics of Love: “His curly hair and his knobby knees/The way the sun brings those freckles out/Talkin’ talk never miss a beat/Yeah he gets that from me/He gets that from me”
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“Then They Do,” by Trace Adkins
Lyrics of Love: “I look over at their pictures/Sittin’ in their frames/I see them as babies/I guess that’ll never change/You pray all their lives/That someday they will find happiness”
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“God’s Been Good to Me,” by Keith Urban
Lyrics of Love: “And everything I have, and everything I see/Is just another reminder that God’s been good to me”
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“Like My Mother Does,” by Lauren Alaina
Lyrics of Love: “When I love I give it all I’ve got/Like my mother does/When I’m scared, I bow my head and pray/Like my mother does”
Modern & Contemporary Mother-Son Dance Songs
For a more modern feel, these songs from recent years offer fresh perspectives on the mother-son relationship, while still being deeply meaningful.
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“No Matter What,” by Callum Scott
Lyrics of Love: “She said, ‘I love you no matter what/I just want you to be happy and always be who you are’/She wrapped her arms around me/Said, ‘Don’t try to be what you’re not/’Cause I love you no matter what'”
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“You Are the Best Thing,” by Ray LaMontagne
Lyrics of Love: Oh, because/You are the best thing/(You’re the best thing)/You are the best thing/(You’re the best thing, baby)/You are the best thing/(You’re the best thing, ooh)/Ever happened to me”
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“Home” by Phillip Phillips
Lyrics of Love: “Hold on to me as we go/As we roll down this unfamiliar road/And although this wave (wave) is stringing us along/Just know you’re not alone/’Cause I’m gonna make this place your home”
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“Mama Hold My Hand,” by Aloe Blacc
Lyrics of Love: “Momma, hold my hand/I don’t think I can cross this road by myself”
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“Home,” by Jack Johnson
Lyrics of Love: “So I, try, to understand, what I can’t hold in my hand, and where ever we are/Home is there too”
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“Sweet Pea,” by Amos Lee
Lyrics of Love: “Hey, sweet pea/Apple of my eye/Don’t know when, and I don’t know why/But you’re the only reason I keep on coming home”
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“Wildflowers,” by Tom Petty
Lyrics of Love: “You belong among the wildflowers/You belong in a boat out at sea/You belong with your love on your arm/You belong somewhere you feel free”
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“Sweetest Devotion,” by Adele
Lyrics of Love: “The sweetest devotion/Hitting me like an explosion/All of my life, I’ve been frozen/The sweetest devotion I’ve ever known”
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“Take Your Mama,” by Scissor Sisters
Lyrics of Love: “When you grow up, livin’ like a good boy oughta/And your mama, takes a shine to her best son/Something different, all the girls they seem to like you/Cause you’re handsome, like to talk and a whole lot of fun”
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“Teach Your Children,” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Lyrics of Love: “The one they picks, the one you’ll know by/Don’t you ever ask them why, if they told you, you will cry/So just look at them and sigh/And know they love you”
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“I Look To You,” by Whitney Houston
Lyrics of Love: “I look to you/I look to you/After all my strength is gone/In you I can be strong”
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“A Song for Mama,” by Boyz II Men
Lyrics of Love: “Mama, Mama you know I love you/You know I love you/Mama, Mama you’re the queen of my heart”
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“Hero,” by Mariah Carey
Lyrics of Love: “And then a hero comes along/With the strength to carry on/And you cast your fears aside/And you know you can survive”
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“Mother,” by Overcoats
Lyrics of Love: “Mama, don’t you love him so?/Just wanna light the way wherever he goes/And kiss his forehead when he needs to know/He’ll have a home with you/You won’t be alone”
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“Sweet Love of Mine,” by Joy Williams
Lyrics of Love: “Oh, my darling, sweet love of mine/I’ll hold you all through the night/I gave you your name; you gave me back my life/You’re the heart of me, oh, sweet love of mine”
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“Hey, Ma,” by Bon Iver
Lyrics of Love: “Tall time to call your Ma/Hey Ma, hey Ma/Tall vote, you know you mope it up/Well, you wanted it your whole life/You’re back and forth with light”
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“Old Pine,” by Ben Howard
Lyrics of Love: “We stood/Steady as the stars in the woods/So happy-hearted/And the warmth rang true inside these bones”
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“Step,” by Vampire Weekend
Lyrics of Love: “Wisdom’s a gift, but you’d trade it for youth/Age is an honor, it’s still not the truth/We saw the stars when they hid from the world”
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“Home,” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes
Lyrics of Love: “Oh, home, let me come home/Home is wherever I’m with you/Oh, home, let me come home/Home is wherever I’m with you”
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“Only One,” by Kanye West feat. Paul McCartney
Lyrics of Love: “And when you cry, I will cry/ And when you smile, I will smile/And next time when I look in your eyes/We’ll have wings and we’ll fly”
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“Montezuma,” by Fleet Foxes
Lyrics of Love: “Oh, how could I dream of/Such a selfless and true love/Could I wash my hands of/Just looking out for me”
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“My Mother’s Eye,” by Etta Jones
Lyrics of Love: “One bright and guiding light/That taught me wrong from right/I found in my mother’s eyes”
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“Mama Said,” by The Shirelles
Lyrics of Love: “Mama said there’ll be days like this/There’ll be days like this, my mama said”
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“Mama Said,” by Lukas Graham
Lyrics of Love: “When mama said that it was okay/Mama said that it was quite alright/Our kind of people had a bed for the night/And it was okay”
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“River,” by Leon Bridges
Lyrics of Love: “In my darkness I remember/Momma’s words reoccur to me/Surrender to the good Lord/And he’ll wipe your slate clean”
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“Hey Mama,” by Kanye West
Lyrics of Love: “You know I love you so, I’ll never let you go/I wrote this song just so you know no matter where you go Imma love you”
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“A Mother’s Prayer,” by K. Michelle
Lyrics of Love: “Last night I prayed on a fallen star/That you never have a broken heart/Though the world is cold, just remember who you are/And I pray that you never have a rainy day”
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“Protector,” by Beyoncé and Rumi Carter
Lyrics of Love: “And I will lead you down that road if you lose your way/Born to be your protector, mm/Even though I know someday you’re gonna shine on your own/I will be your projector, mm, mhm”
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“Close Your Eyes” by Michael Bublé
Lyrics of Love: “Close your eyes/Let me tell you all the reasons why/Think you’re one of a kind/Here’s to you/The one that always pulls us through”
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“Nobody’s Love,” by Maroon 5
Lyrics of Love: “You can make a grown man cry/If you ever said, ‘Goodbye’/Never let you go, oh, why?”
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“You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” by Stevie Wonder
Lyrics of Love: “You are the sunshine of my life/That’s why I’ll always stay around/You are the apple of my eye/Forever you’ll stay in my heart”
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“The Rainbow Connection,” by The Muppets
Lyrics of Love: “What’s so amazing that keeps us stargazing/And what do we think we might see?/Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection/The lovers, the dreamers, and me”
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“The Wonder of You,” by Elvis Presley
Lyrics of Love: “Oh oh oh/When no one else can understand me/When everything I do is wrong/You give me hope and consolation”
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“The One Thing,” by Shakira
Lyrics of Love: “Every time I see your smile/Every time I hear your laugh/Baby, you bring a new sunshine over my way”
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“Remedy,” by Adele
Lyrics of Love: “No river is too wide or too deep for me to swim to you/Come whatever/I’ll be the shelter that won’t let the rain come through”
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“Dear Mom & Dad,” by Us the Duo
Lyrics of Love: “Gonna get you back one day and show you what you did for me/No, you won’t ever see it comin’/I never got what you were doing for me at the time/But now I see it, now I get it”
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“I Just Called to Say I Love You,” by Stevie Wonder
Lyrics of Love: “I just called to say I love you/I just called to say how much I care, I do/I just called to say I love you/And I mean it from the bottom of my heart”
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“I’ll Be There,” by Mac Miller (feat. Phonte)
Lyrics of Love: “Hey, see, I was six years old with a dream/When my moms told me I can do anything/Said she’d be there forever, no matter what’s the weather”
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“Return to Pooh Corner,” Kenny Loggins
Lyrics of Love: “After all’s said and done I was watching my son/Sleeping there with my bear by his side/So I tucked him in, I kissed him and as I was going/I swear that the old bear whispered “Boy welcome home”‘
Uptempo Mother-Son Dance Songs
Break from tradition and get the party started with these fun and upbeat tracks that celebrate joy and connection.
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“Forever Young,” by Rod Stewart
Lyrics of Love: “May good fortune be with you, may your guiding light be strong/Build a stairway to heaven with a prince or a vagabond”
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“Small Bump,” by Ed Sheeran
Lyrics of Love: “You are my one, and only/You can wrap your fingers round my thumb and hold me tight”
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“Landslide,” by Fleetwood Mac
Lyrics of Love: “Oh, mirror in the sky/What is love?/Can the child within my heart rise above?”
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“Home,” by Jack Johnson
Lyrics of Love: “So I, try, to understand, what I can’t hold in my hand, and where ever we are/Home is there too”
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“Days Like This,” by Van Morrison
Lyrics of Love: “When everything falls into place like the flick of a switch/Well my mama told me there’ll be days like this”
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“Sweet Pea,” by Amos Lee
Lyrics of Love: “Hey, sweet pea/Apple of my eye/Don’t know when, and I don’t know why/But you’re the only reason I keep on coming home”
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“Wildflowers,” by Tom Petty
Lyrics of Love: “You belong among the wildflowers/You belong in a boat out at sea/You belong with your love on your arm/You belong somewhere you feel free”
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“Take Your Mama,” by Scissor Sisters
Lyrics of Love: “When you grow up, livin’ like a good boy oughta/And your mama, takes a shine to her best son/Something different, all the girls they seem to like you/Cause you’re handsome, like to talk and a whole lot of fun”
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“Hey, Ma,” by Bon Iver
Lyrics of Love: “Tall time to call your Ma/Hey Ma, hey Ma/Tall vote, you know you mope it up/Well, you wanted it your whole life/You’re back and forth with light”
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“Step,” by Vampire Weekend
Lyrics of Love: “Wisdom’s a gift, but you’d trade it for youth/Age is an honor, it’s still not the truth/We saw the stars when they hid from the world”
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“Home,” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes
Lyrics of Love: “Oh, home, let me come home/Home is wherever I’m with you/Oh, home, let me come home/Home is wherever I’m with you”
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“Loves Me Like A Rock,” by Paul Simon
Lyrics of Love: “Oh, my mama loves me, she loves me/She get down on her knees and hug me/Oh, she loves me like a rock/She rock me like the rock of ages”
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“Blessed,” by Elton John
Lyrics of Love: “And you, you’ll be blessed/You’ll have the best, I promise you that/I’ll pick a star from the sky/Pull your name from a hat/I promise you that, I promise you that”
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“You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” by Stevie Wonder
Lyrics of Love: “You are the sunshine of my life/That’s why I’ll always stay around/You are the apple of my eye/Forever you’ll stay in my heart”
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“You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” by Randy Newman
Lyrics of Love: “You got troubles, I’ve got ’em too/There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you/We stick together and see it through/’Cause you’ve got a friend in me”
Frequently Asked Questions About Mother-Son Dances
– Do I have to do a mother-son dance?
Absolutely not! Your comfort level on the dance floor is what matters most. If a dance isn’t your preference, there are numerous other heartfelt ways to honor your mother. Consider writing her a personal letter, acknowledging her in your thank-you speech, or even including her in the wedding party entrance.
– When should the mother-son dance happen during the wedding day?
Traditionally, the mother-son dance follows the couple’s first dance and the father-daughter dance. This sequence of honor dances typically marks the start of the reception after the bridal party’s entrance. However, there are no strict rules. The mother-son dance can be incorporated at various points throughout your wedding day to suit your schedule.
– What makes for a good mother-son dance song?
The best mother-son dance song is one that holds personal meaning for your relationship. If you and your mother share a playful and energetic dynamic, an upbeat song that reflects your personalities could be perfect. Alternatively, a song that evokes cherished childhood memories or nostalgia can add an extra layer of sentimentality.
– Who picks the mother-son dance song at the wedding?
Traditionally, the groom makes the final decision on the mother-son dance song. The chosen song should reflect the unique bond between mother and son or be a song that is particularly special to them both. Of course, if your mother has a song in mind that resonates with her, her input is equally valuable! Ultimately, the song selection is a collaborative decision between the two of you.
