The mother-son dance at a wedding is more than just a tradition; it’s a profoundly moving moment that resonates deeply with everyone present. As the groom takes to the dance floor with his mother, or a significant mother figure in his life, it becomes a visual embodiment of love, gratitude, and the bittersweet transition into a new chapter. This cherished custom, often considered a cornerstone of wedding receptions, provides a unique opportunity for the groom to publicly acknowledge and celebrate the woman who has played an irreplaceable role in shaping his life. While not mandatory, incorporating a mother-son dance into your wedding is a beautiful gesture, a heartfelt tribute that honors the matriarch of the family on a day already brimming with significance. For mothers, this dance is often a moment they’ve envisioned for years, a poignant highlight in the celebration of their son’s milestone. Giving her this special moment in the spotlight is a meaningful way to show appreciation and create a lasting memory during the wedding festivities. Choosing the right mother-son dance song, therefore, is crucial; it’s about finding a melody that not only honors the occasion but also genuinely reflects the unique bond between a mother and her son.
Finding that perfect mother-son dance song can feel like a daunting task amidst the whirlwind of wedding planning. Where do you even begin? A great starting point is to consider the shared musical landscape between mother and son. Are there artists, genres, or specific songs that hold special meaning for both of them? Perhaps Mom introduced her son to the timeless tunes of The Beatles, or maybe a shared love for country music is a defining feature of their relationship. Think about shared experiences that could translate into musical inspiration. Did she take him to his first concert, creating a lasting memory centered around a particular band or genre? Don’t overlook the deeply personal touch of lullabies. If you’re seeking a truly unique and sentimental mother-son dance song, consider revisiting the melodies she once sang to lull him to sleep. These tender tunes can be beautifully reimagined by a live band, adding an incredibly personal and touching element to the dance.
Timing is also a key consideration for the mother-son dance within the wedding reception timeline. Traditionally, this heartwarming moment follows the father-daughter dance, which in turn usually takes place after the newlywed couple’s first dance. This sequence of family dances often serves as a lovely transition, formally opening the dance floor and inviting all guests to join in the celebration. However, wedding schedules are flexible, and you can certainly adapt the timing to best suit your event flow. Some couples strategically use these family dances to create seamless transitions between different segments of the reception, such as moving from cocktail hour to the main reception or from dinner service to the open dance floor.
While the image of a mother-son dance often conjures up visions of slow, gentle melodies, remember that there are no fixed rules dictating the tempo. Uptempo mother-son dances can be incredibly fun and engaging for guests, injecting energy and excitement into the reception. In fact, incorporating a more upbeat song can be a fantastic way to showcase the personalities of both mother and son and get the party started.
To help you navigate the vast sea of musical choices, we’ve curated a list of 100 mother-son dance songs, designed to inspire you and span a wide range of tastes and sentiments. From timeless classics and heartfelt country ballads to contemporary hits, these songs bridge generations, connecting mothers and sons through the universal language of music.
100 Mother-Son Dance Songs for Your Wedding
This extensive list offers a diverse selection of songs, categorized to help you find the perfect fit for your mother-son dance. Whether you’re looking for classic ballads, country tunes, or modern hits, you’re sure to find inspiration here.
Classic & Timeless Choices
These songs evoke a sense of nostalgia and timeless love, perfect for a traditional and sentimental mother-son dance.
- “O-o-h Child,” by Five Stairsteps
Lyrics of Love: “Ooh child/Things are gonna get easier/Ooh child/Things’ll get brighter” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “(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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “Unforgettable,” by Nat King Cole
Lyrics of Love: “Unforgettable/That’s what you are/Unforgettable/Tho’ near or far” - “Wind Beneath My Wings,” by Bette Middler
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” - “My Love, My Life,” by ABBA
Lyrics of Love: “You are still my love and my life/Still my one and only” - “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” - “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”
Heartfelt Country Ballads
For those with a love for country music, these songs beautifully express the mother-son bond with a touch of Americana.
- “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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 Hits
For a more current feel, these modern songs still carry deep emotional weight and are perfect for a contemporary mother-son dance.
- “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'” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “Landslide,” by Fleetwood Mac
Lyrics of Love: “Oh, mirror in the sky/What is love?/Can the child within my heart rise above?” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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?” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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” - “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 & Fun Choices
If you and your mother are looking to break from tradition and inject some fun energy into the dance floor, these uptempo options are perfect for a joyful and celebratory moment.
- “I Hope You Dance” (Uptempo Remix), by Lee Ann Womack
Lyrics of Love: (Same heartfelt lyrics as the original, but with an upbeat tempo) - “Home,” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes
Lyrics of Love: (Already listed, but inherently upbeat and joyful) - “Take Your Mama,” by Scissor Sisters
Lyrics of Love: (Already listed, known for its fun and quirky vibe) - “Days Like This,” by Van Morrison
Lyrics of Love: (Already listed, has a naturally cheerful and celebratory feel) - “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You),” by James Taylor
Lyrics of Love: (Already listed, can be played with a more upbeat tempo) - “You Are the Best Thing,” by Ray LaMontagne
Lyrics of Love: (Already listed, known for its joyful and groovy rhythm) - “Hey Mama,” by Kanye West
Lyrics of Love: (Already listed, high-energy and celebratory) - “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” - “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)” - “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”
Personalizing Your Mother-Son Dance
Beyond selecting the perfect song from our extensive list, there are many ways to further personalize your mother-son dance and make it even more meaningful. Consider these thoughtful touches:
- Incorporate a Medley: If you and your mother have trouble choosing just one song, create a medley of a few shorter clips of songs that are significant to your relationship. This could include a mix of slow and upbeat tunes, reflecting different facets of your bond.
- Personalized Lyrics: If you’re musically inclined or know someone who is, consider rewriting the lyrics of a chosen song to be even more specific to your mother and your relationship. This adds an incredibly unique and heartfelt element.
- Photo Montage: Create a slideshow of photos of you and your mother through the years and have it playing in the background during your dance. This visual element adds another layer of emotion and nostalgia.
- Include Siblings or Family: Start the dance just with you and your mother, and then halfway through, invite siblings, aunts, or other important family members to join in. This can broaden the circle of love and make it a more inclusive moment.
- Learn a Special Dance: Take dance lessons together and choreograph a simple but sweet routine. This not only makes the dance more visually engaging but also creates a fun bonding experience leading up to the wedding.
- Verbal Tribute: Before or after the dance, take a moment to say a few heartfelt words to your mother, expressing your gratitude and love. This verbal acknowledgment adds immense emotional weight to the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mother-Son Dances
- Do I have to do a mother-son dance?
Absolutely not! Your comfort and preferences are paramount. If a mother-son dance doesn’t feel right for you, there are many other beautiful ways to honor your mother. Consider writing her a heartfelt letter, including her in your thank-you speech, or inviting her to be part of 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, often signaling the start of the reception’s open dance floor. However, there are no rigid rules. You can incorporate it at various points throughout the day, depending on your wedding timeline and desired flow. - What makes for a good mother-son dance song?
The best mother-son dance song is one that holds personal meaning for both of you and reflects your unique relationship. Consider songs that evoke shared memories, resonate with your personalities, or simply express the deep love and appreciation you feel. - Who picks the mother-son dance song at the wedding?
Traditionally, the groom chooses the mother-son dance song, as it’s a tribute from him to his mother. However, it’s ultimately a collaborative decision. Discuss it together, and if your mother has a song in mind that’s meaningful to her, it’s wonderful to consider her suggestion. The most important thing is that you both feel happy and connected to the chosen song.
By carefully considering these factors and exploring our extensive song list, you’re well on your way to selecting the perfect mother-son dance song – a song that will create a cherished and unforgettable moment for you and your mother on your wedding day.
