Top 20 Best Mother/Son Wedding Dance Songs

Songs often go through a long creative process, including many edits, before they reach their final destination. “My Love, My Life” was one of those songs for ABBA, a tune that initially featured the title, “Monsieur, Monsieur.” We’re glad songwriters Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Stig Anderson ended up on this title, however, since “My Love, My Life” possesses a certain, memorable honesty. Agnetha Fältskog’s lead vocals are tender and true, perfect for this song that signifies change and metamorphosis. There’s that tinge of ABBA melancholy to the proceedings, sure, but “My Love, My Life” is also a hopeful tune of letting go for a new beginning.

A truly good song can be translated into any language and be performed with any instrument. Israel Kamakawiwoʻole proved this back in 1990 with this medley of two all-timers, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World.” Kamakawiwoʻole makes both songs his own, utilizing a humble ukulele as an instrument of percussion and counter-melody. It’s the singer’s voice that’s the star of the show, however, creating a sincere performance with tons of warmth. Kamakawiwoʻole switches the lyrics around, but nothing feels taken away, quality-wise, and the quiet beauty of these tunes make it a perfectly heartfelt choice for a wedding dance.

A wedding is an emotional day for just about everyone, and many people desperately want to make sure that everything is perfect for this special occasion. “I’ll Stand by You” at least ensures that this mother/son dance will be a lock, since this song by Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders is a certified classic from the group’s early nineties catalog. One of the best things about “I’ll Stand by You” is that it’s gender-neutral, and able to serve just as well for a father/daughter dance, as well. The message of loyalty and honor, even in the face of troubled times, is a sentiment that we can get behind.

The 1980s may have been a decade of flashy decadence, but there were also moments of grand, melodic brilliance. This is made evident by Rod Stewart’s “Forever Young,” a late-era hit for the rock legend, and a great choice for a mother/son wedding dance. The song’s accompanying music video features Stewart singing to a cute young child, and singing songs about a parent’s hope for the future. These dreams of a youngster growing up to be faithful, brave and true will probably mean a lot to a mother who’s watching her son starting a family of his own. Stewart’s vocals soar with power and strength, while the polished ‘80s production lend “Forever Young” a formidable sonic punch.

The world of punk rock, even that of the poppier variety, isn’t normally a place where one might seek out heartfelt sentimentality. Yet, Good Charlotte bucked that trend back in 2000 with this straightforward song with a simple message. “Thank You, Mom” is the sort of song that would fit in great at a non-traditional wedding, one with a relaxed and loose vibe. Good Charlotte doesn't rock out with any sort of snotty punk feeling, but instead turn in an alt-rock ballad with vocal harmonies and an acoustic base. The lyrics ring true, however, and will likely make any mom with musical children smile to themselves with joy.

Family values have always been an intrinsic part of country music, and Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” feels like a song that was tailor-made for sentimental occasions. It’s a full-blown power ballad with a strong message from a parent to their child. The lessons that we pass on to our kids, even as they age, will always remain with them, and McGraw drives this point home. Mothers and sons from all walks of life can likely relate to the story “Humble and Kind” is telling, slow dancing with tears in their eyes as life transitions from one setting to another.

Soul music, by its very nature, can be a raw and expressive style of music. “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers is one of those tunes that’s not trying to dazzle you with complex arrangements or show off musical performances. Instead, the song’s simple and direct hook is one of repetition, while the lyrics encourage togetherness and remaining close. The electric piano instantly pins “Lean on Me” firmly in that warm, analog sound of the early 1970s, and this is a GREAT thing. The backing orchestration highlights Withers’ gritty and real-sounding vocals. The man may be a jazz, funk and soul legend, but “Lean on Me” remains a global phenomenon that can be sung between parents, children and siblings alike.

It’s tough for just about anyone to top Louis Armstrong’s original recording of “What a Wonderful World.” The jazz legend’s raw and accented vocals are immediately distinctive, while the soft orchestrations lift up “What a Wonderful World” to an almost heavenly state of grace. This is a song of idealism, a place where we want to be, when things are down, and a state of mind we all seek out as human beings. There’s just no other way to say it: “What a Wonderful World” is one of those perfect songs that stands defiant in the face of cynicism and negative vibes the world over.

Tears are commonplace at most weddings. They’re usually tears of joy, sure, but nuptials just tend to have this effect. “Unforgettable” doesn’t make holding back these tears any easier, especially if the scene is a mother dancing with her son. This is a song from the old school, but sometimes also the best school, since it represents honest feelings on the happiest of days. Sure, some weddings may go for a quicker song to shake things up a bit, but we feel that a little nostalgia goes a long way. And “Unforgettable” is a classic that we think stands the test of time.

Believe it or not, Ozzy Osbourne has actually recorded multiple songs for his children. “Aimee” was composed with Ozzy’s daughter in mind, while “My Little Man” talks about how Osbourne wants to ensure safety and security for his young son, Jack. The tune eschews preconceptions about heavy metal and its subject matter, with “My Little Man” existing as yet another example of the Ozzy camp’s underrated ballad composition. This song would be perfect for the mother whose son grew up to be a rocker, a tune that underlines how much parents continue to care about their kids…right to the very end.

If you're a mom searching for the perfect mother son dance song, might we suggest this number from Adele's "25" album? The British songstress sings about her love for her boy Angelo, and the meaning he's brought to her life. You can even hear little Angelo at the top and end of the song if you listen closely. The lyrics will take you back to the first time you set sights on your kid. They’ll surely remind you of the explosion of love you felt that has never subsided. It's a beautiful melody and a fitting declaration of a mother's love that's certain to tug on all of your guests' heartstrings.

Perhaps you’re looking for something a little more upbeat that pays tribute to your loving and supportive mother. Well, Taylor Swift’s got you covered. Featured on her “Fearless” album, Swift penned this gentle country song in honor of her mom. It’s about the times they’ve spent together and how her mom has always been there to lift her up. It’s so pure and heartfelt that it’ll undoubtedly leave you, your mother, and your guests teary-eyed. The singer also praises her father and brother. So, while the father-son or sibling dance hasn’t quite become mainstream yet, it’s a great way to show you’re thinking about them too.

Your guests would likely be surprised if Guns N' Roses started blasting over this special moment — or maybe that’s totally your vibe. In that case, you do you. But we had Luna’s stripped back, soft and sentimental cover in mind. The mellow melody draws attention to the lyrics, which could easily be about a parent-child dynamic. We’d also argue that it’s a little easier to dance to this version without ending up with whiplash on your big day. Plus, it’s just a little different from the songs you’d typically hear. But if you want something midtempo, between the rock song and gentle ballad, Sheryl Crow’s version should hit the spot.

This track is a good option if you’re in the mood for something sentimental. Springsteen reportedly wrote it about his mother, Adele, who bought him a guitar even though the family was strapped for cash. We’d recommend listening closely to the lyrics, as they’re a stunning ode to a deserving mom. He even mentions how she encouraged him to propose to his girlfriend at one point. And the track ends with Springsteen telling her how special she is to him. If you can’t think of the right words to describe what your mom means to you, let Springsteen do the talking, or singing. You just focus on whisking her around the dance floor!

Your little boy is all grown up and about to embark on a new chapter with the love of his life. What better way to celebrate that than with an uptempo song reminding him that he’s the light of your life? The track is about her son Milan, and her love shines through the rhythm. Any mom will relate to the lyrics, which effortlessly capture what it means to raise a child. The song is a stirring celebration of the parent-child relationship set to a bubbly and captivating melody. Your guests will be toe-tapping along while wiping tears from their eyes.

There’s no love comparable to a mother’s, and this song illustrates that perfectly. With a slow and sweet melody that practically calls you to the dance floor, the earnest lyrics are about wanting the best for a loved one. You can almost imagine your mom saying these exact words, and chances are that at some point, she probably has. Just picture it now, mother and son gracefully gliding around the dance floor to this moving and heartfelt number. Your eyes are welling up already, aren’t they? And you’re probably not the only one. It’s hardly a surprise that “My Wish” has become such a popular choice for these intimate moments.

What’s a wedding party without a little Stevie Wonder? This tune, arguably the jazziest we’ve mentioned so far, is perfect for mothers and sons looking for something lively to dance to. The lyrics mention the sunshine of your life, the apple of your eye, and staying forever in that person’s heart. So we can’t think of a more fitting sentiment to define the mother son dance. Rather than delicately floating around the dance floor, we envision more brisk twirling and maybe one or two choreographed surprises. The song is about being with the person you love unconditionally, so you might as well have some fun with it.

This Academy Award-winning track was initially written as a lullaby for Collins’ daughter, Lily. Straight from the heart and totally breathtaking, “You’ll Be in My Heart” manages to be total fire while still striking us in the feels. The tune’s magnetic, and the lyrics describe an incomparable love that only a parent can understand. Probably best known from Disney’s “Tarzan,” it also celebrates all kinds of families. Its message, at least in the movie, is that you don’t have to share genetics to be a loving parent. Given its universal narrative and mesmerizing melody, we can’t think of a better song to celebrate love and family.

Found on Mraz’s “Love Is a Four Letter Word” album, this song celebrates the notion that “home is where the heart is.” It seems like for the songwriters – and anyone who chooses to dance to this number – their heart is their mom. Indeed, it’s a beautiful piece from a loving son to a mother and father. It details how no matter where life takes you, your parents will always be there waiting with open arms. Who could possibly resist such meaningful lyrics? Plus, the melody will make you want to stop whatever you’re doing and give your mom a great big hug. It’s sweet, touching, and the perfect tribute.

If you're looking for a song that will make you and your mom hug each other even closer, might we suggest this tearjerker by John Lennon? Reportedly written for his son Sean, the song follows a comforting dad describing the utmost joys of fatherhood. It also details the feelings that come with watching your child grow up, which seems pretty appropriate for a wedding. Sure, it's written from a father's perspective, but it's nothing moms can't relate to. If you're a Beatles fan, "In My Life" would also be a great choice. However, Lennon's moving melody and stirring lyrics will create a memory that will keep you welling up way into your golden years.

Do you prefer traditional wedding songs, or shaking things up? Let us know in the comments!