Family is one of the most important things in life. They are the people who are always there for us, no matter what. Whether you are close to your family or not, these 45 songs about family will touch your soul.
From country ballads to pop anthems, these songs will make you appreciate the importance of family. We hope that you enjoy listening to them as much as we enjoyed putting them together!
A Song for Mama by Boyz II Men
The song was released in 1997 and it is about a son’s gratitude towards his mother. He talks about all the things she has done for him throughout his life and how she has always been there for him.
Because Of You by Kelly Clarkson
The song was released in 2007 and is about Clarkson’s difficult relationship with her father. The song talks about the pain she felt because of him, but also how she was able to forgive him and move on.
The lyrics are touching and will definitely make you emotional.
Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion
The song was released in 1996 as the lead single from Dion’s album, Falling into You. Because You Loved Me became one of Celine Dion’s biggest hits, reaching number one in many countries around the world, including Australia, Canada, France and the United States.
The song was written by Diane Warren and is about a parent thanking their child for all the love they’ve received.
Breathing by Kate Bush
The song was released in 1980 as the lead single from Kate Bush’s album, Never for Ever. Breathing is a song about nuclear war and the fear of the end of the world.
The song was inspired by a news report Bush saw on television about the Chernobyl disaster.
Brotherhood by Stormzy
The song was released in 2019 as the lead single from Stormzy’s album, Heavy is the Head. Brotherhood is a song about brotherhood and unity. The song was inspired by the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London, England.
Cat’s in the Cradle by Harry Chapin
The song was released in 1974 as the lead single from Harry Chapin’s album, Verities & Balderdash. Cat’s in the Cradle is a song about a father who regrets not spending enough time with his son.
The song became one of Harry Chapin’s biggest hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Daddy Sang Bass by Johnny Cash
The song was released in 1968 as the lead single from Johnny Cash’s album, Johnny Cash Sings Hank Williams.
Daddy Sang Bass is a song about a father who sings gospel songs with his son. The song became one of Johnny Cash’s biggest hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
Daughters by John Mayer
The song was released in 2014 as part of Mayer’s album “Paradise Valley.” The lyrics tell the story of a father’s love for his daughter and how he wants her to find happiness in life.
Dear Mama by Tupac
The song was released in 1995 as the lead single from his third studio album, Me Against the World. The song is a dedication to Tupac’s mother Afeni Shakur and addresses the difficulties of growing up without a father.
“Dear Mama” was one of two songs from the album produced by DJ Premier (the other being “I Get Around”), and features a simple piano loop and Tupac’s lyrics about his childhood and thanking his mother for her support.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of Tupac’s signature songs. The song has been covered by many artists, including Alicia Keys, who recorded a version for the soundtrack to the film Tupac: Resurrection.
“Dear Mama” is often cited as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time.
Dream Brother by Jeff Buckley
The song was released in 1995 as a single from Buckley’s album Grace. Dream Brother is a tribute to Buckley’s half-brother, who died in an accident when they were both young boys. The lyrics are equal parts sad and beautiful, as Buckley recalls his brother’s life and death.
“And I know you’re flying/I know you’re free now/And I know you’re in a better place/But I can’t help but wish that I could see you just one more time.”
Family Affair by Sly And The Family Stone
The song was released in 1971 on the album There’s A Riot Goin’ On. The song was written by Sly Stone and is about his family.
This song is about a family that is falling apart. The lyrics talk about how the family is not what it used to be and how they are all fighting with each other.
The song has a very funky sound to it and is one of Sly And The Family Stone’s most popular songs. It peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.
Family Business by Kanye West
The song was released in 2009 as the second single from West’s fifth studio album, “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”. The song samples Nina Simone’s 1965 rendition of the gospel standard “Strange Fruit” and features vocals from Jay-Z, who co-produced the track with West. In the song, Jay-Z and West discuss their thoughts on family life and fatherhood.
“Family Business” is a touching song about the importance of family. West and Jay-Z both express their love for their families and the role that they play in their lives. The song is a reminder that, no matter what happens in life, family will always be there for you.
Family Is Family by Kacey Musgraves
The song was released in 2016 as a part of Musgraves’ album A Very Kacey Christmas. The song is about a family that may not be perfect, but is still filled with love.
“Family is family, and blood is thicker than water / But we can’t choose our relatives / So I’m thankful for the ones I got.”
Family Man by Fleetwood Mac
The song was written by Lindsey Buckingham and is about his family.
The song talks about how the singer has to be a “family man” and put their needs before his own.
Even though it’s tough, he wouldn’t have it any other way.
This song is a great reminder that our families are always worth fighting for.
Family Portrait by Pink
The song was written by Pink and is about her family.
The song talks about how the singer’s parents are divorced and she doesn’t see her father as much as she’d like to.
Despite all of the family drama, the singer still loves them and is grateful for them.
This song is a great reminder that no matter what, our families are always there for us.
Father And Daughter by Paul Simon
The song was written by Paul Simon for his daughter, Lulu, and is featured on his album The Rhythm of the Saints. The song touches on the themes of growing up and moving away from home.
Father And Son by Cat Stevens
The song was released in 1970 on the album Tea for the Tillerman. The song reflects Cat Stevens’ own relationship with his father, who died in 2003.
Father Figure by George Michael
The song was written by Michael as a tribute to his father. The lyrics talk about the struggles of being a father and how it’s not always easy.
“You can be my father figure
I have had enough of childhood
I just want you to be my man
And give me something I can hold on to”
He Walked on Water by Randy Travis
The song was written by Travis and Paul Overstreet. The song is about a man who has walked on water and come back to tell the story.
He talks about how his faith in God has carried him through everything. This song is perfect for anyone who needs encouragement, especially when it comes to family.
Hey Jude by The Beatles
The song was written by John Lennon about his son Julian.
The song is about how to deal with hardships and how family can help you through them.
“Hey Jude, don’t make it bad.
Take a sad song and make it better.
Remember to let her into your heart,
Then you can start to make it better.”
This song is definitely one that will touch your soul. It’s about how family can help you through anything.
Hold On Dear Brother by The Beach Boys
The song was released in 1970 as the B-side to the single “Deirdre”. It was written by Brian Wilson and brother Carl Wilson.
The song is about the death of their father, Murry Wilson.
Murry had a difficult relationship with his sons, and the song is seen as a reconciliation between him and them.
The lyrics are full of references to the ocean, which was a major part of Murry Wilson’s life.
The song has been covered by several artists, including Glen Campbell and The Mamas & the Papas.
I’ll Always Love My Mama by The Intruders
The song was released in 1973 and it talks about a son’s gratitude towards his mother. He recalls all the things she has done for him and how she was always there for him.
He pledges to always love her and be there for her, just like she was for him. The song is beautiful and will definitely touch your soul.
I’m Already There by Lonestar
The song was released in May 2001 as the second single from the album of the same name. The song is a power ballad in which a man assures his loved ones that he will always be there for them, even when he is far away.
I’ll Be There by Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz
The song was written about the relationship between a father and daughter, but it’s applicable to any close family bond. The lyrics talk about always being there for each other, no matter what happens in life.
Keep the Family Close by Drake
The song was released in 2016 and is from the album Views. The song is about Drake’s complicated relationship with his family.
“Keep the Family Close” is a song about Drake’s complicated relationship with his family. The song was released in 2016 and is from the album Views. In the song, Drake reflects on his childhood growing up in Toronto.
He talks about how his mother and father were never together and how he was raised by his grandmother. Drake also talks about how he is now the head of his own family and how he needs to be there for them.
“Keep the Family Close” is a song that will touch your soul. It is a song about family, love, and relationships. Drake’s lyrics are honest and heartfelt, and they will make you think about your own family. If you’re looking for a song that will make you feel connected to your family, then “Keep the Family Close” is the perfect song for you.
Kooks by David Bowie
The song was inspired by Bowie’s stepfather, who was a jazz saxophonist. The song is about the complicated relationship between fathers and sons.
Hey Brother by Avicii
The song was released in 2013, but the lyrics are still so relevant. It’s all about brotherhood and sticking together no matter what life throws your way.
“Hey brother, there’s an endless road to rediscover.
Hey sister, know the water’s sweet but blood is thicker.
Oh if the sky comes falling down, for you there’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do.”
The song talks about how family is everything and no matter what, they will always be there for you. It’s a beautiful reminder that we all need to stick together through thick and thin.
Mockingbird by Eminem
The song was written by Eminem about his daughter Hailie. The song touches on the close relationship they share and how he will always protect her.
Mother-in-Law by Ernie K-Doe
The song was written by Ernie K-Doe after he had an argument with his mother-in-law. The song is a soulful ballad about the difficulties of dealing with in-laws.
“Mother-in-Law” was originally recorded by Ernie K-Doe in 1961 and released as a single on the Minit label.
The song has been covered by many artists, including Bette Midler, Etta James, and Gladys Knight. “Mother-in-Law” has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and is considered one of the greatest songs about mothers-in-law.
My Father’s Eyes by Eric Clapton
The song was written by Eric Clapton for his father, who he never met. The song is about the longing for a father’s love and the pain of not having it.
“I wish I could have been there / To rock you to sleep / I wish I could have been there / To sing you a lullaby”
Never Grow Up by Taylor Swift
The song was written by Taylor Swift when she was just eighteen years old. The song is about the pains of growing up and leaving your family behind. Even though you’re all grown up, you’ll always be their child.
Oh Mother by Christina Aguilera
The song was released in 2006 as part of Aguilera’s album Back to Basics. “Oh Mother” is a tribute to Christina Aguilera’s own mother, Shelly Loraine Fidler Aguilera. The song talks about the trials and tribulations that mothers go through raising their children.
Papa Don’t Preach by Madonna
The song was released in 1986, during Madonna’sTrue Blue album era. The song is about a teenage girl who is pregnant and wants to keep the baby despite her father’s wishes for her to have an abortion.
The Exchange by Torres
The song was released in February of 2018 and is about Torres’ experience as the child of divorced parents. The song discusses the feeling of always being in transit, never really feeling at home anywhere.
The House That Built Me by Miranda Lambert
The song was released in 2010 as the lead single from Lambert’s album Revolution. The song speaks to the singer’s childhood and her relationship with her father.
Two Sisters by The Kinks
The song was released in 1965 and was written by Ray Davies. It is about the relationship between two sisters and their different personalities.
The song reflects on how the sisters are growing apart and how they will never be able to recapture what they once had.
It is a touching song that captures the dynamics of family relationships perfectly.
We Are Family by Sister Sledge
The song was released in 1978 and became an instant success. The track was written by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers of the band Chic, and was inspired by their own families.
The song is a celebration of family unity, with lyrics that touch on the importance of togetherness. It has been covered by artists including Michael Jackson and Destiny’s Child, and remains one of the most popular tracks about family ever written.
Wouldn’t Mama Be Proud by Elliott Smith
The song was released in 1997 on Elliott Smith’s second album, Either/Or. The song is about Smith’s strained relationship with his mother and stepfather.
The song reflects on how hard it is to make your family proud, even when you try your best. It also touches on the feeling of not belonging anywhere, which can be especially tough for those who are estranged from their families.
Who Says You Can’t Go Home by Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles
The song was released in 2005 as part of the album Have a Nice Day. The song is about a person who has left their home and then returns. They find that their home is not what they left it as, but they are still able to see the good in it.
***
Related:
- Top 20 Mother and Son Songs of All Time
- Top 20 Mother Daughter Songs of All Time
- Top 20 Father Daughter Songs that are Hard to Forget
Conclusion
When it comes to songs about family, there are plenty of them that will touch your soul. Whether you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one, or just missing them dearly, these songs will remind you that no matter what happens, your family is always there for you. So sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the best family-themed songs out there.
