While the father/daughter song often receives more attention at a wedding, the mother/son dance is equally important as it represents a tender moment between parent and child. At Sound Precision Entertainment, we’re often asked for song suggestions, and with more than 1,000 weddings under our belt, we’ve heard our share of mother/son songs. Check out our favorites:
1. Boyz II Men – A Song For Mama
This 1997 song was written and produced by Babyface and served as the theme song to the 1997 motion picture “Soul Food.” It also spent two weeks at No. 1 on the U.S. R&B chart. “A Song For Mama” is about the beautiful relationship between mother and son, so it is perfect for a truly memorable mother-son dance.
2. Guns N’ Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine
Slash from Guns N’ Roses has said that this song was a result of a string skipping exercise. However, it was an instant hit when it was released in 1988, becoming the band’s only No. 1 U.S. single. With lyrics like, “Reminds me of childhood memories/Where everything/Was as fresh as the bright blue sky/Now and then when I see her face/She takes me away to that special place/And if I'd stare too long/I'd probably break down and cry,” this song is a great tribute to mothers everywhere.
3. Backstreet Boys – “The Perfect Fan”
This list would be remiss if we didn’t include a song from a boy band. Released in 1999 on the “Millennium” album, this sweet ballad is about how our mothers are always our biggest teachers and supporters.
4. Nat King Cole – “Unforgettable”
This classic song was released more than 65 years ago - in 1951! While it may be an oldie, it is also a goodie. Nat King Cole’s original recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2000. This simple song is a sweet mother-son dance song that stands the test of time.
5. Van Morrison - "Have I Told You Lately"
Originally written as a prayer, “Have I Told You Lately” won both a Grammy Award and a Broadcast Music, Inc. Million-Air certificate. When released in 1989, it reached No. 12 on the U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart. With lyrics like, “Have I told you lately that I love you/Have I told you there's no one above you/Fill my heart with gladness/Take away my sadness/Ease my troubles, that's what you do,” this song describes the mother-son relationship to a T.
6. Rascal Flatts – “My Wish”
"My Wish" was released in August 2006 as the third single from Rascal Flatts’ album “Me and My Gang.” It reached No. 1 on the U.S. country charts in 2006 and No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song describes a wish for life, love and happiness, which most mothers have for their children.
7. Bon Jovi – “Thank You for Loving Me”
This Bon Jovi song was released in 2000 as the third single from the Grammy-nominated album “Crush.” Bon Jovi has said the title was inspired by Brad Pitt’s character in “Meet Joe Black.” If you’re looking for a way to thank your mom all that she’s done, this is the perfect song for your mother-son dance.
8. Good Charlotte – “Thank You, Mom”
If want more of a nontraditional mother-son dance song, “Thank You, Mom” by Good Charlotte may be it. The charming lyrics, such as, “You were my mom/You were my dad/The only thing I ever had was you, it’s true” are as real as they are touching.
9. Reba McEntire – “You’re Gonna Be (Always Loved by Me)”
At Sound Precision Entertainment, we love a good country song. Reba McEntire’s “You’re Gonna Be (Always Loved by Me)” hits us right in the heart every time. Released in 2005, this song reached No. 33 on the Hot Country Songs chart and reminds us of a mother’s unconditional love for her children.
10. Phil Collins - "You'll Be in My Heart
From Disney’s 1999 movie “Tarzan,” Kala the gorilla sings this song to Tarzan, her adopted son. The song won a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
To discuss the songs you’d like to hear at your wedding, contact Sound Precision Entertainment at (216) 870-4513 or scott@spedj.com.
