Mother-Son Dance Songs 2022 for Weddings

Updated on May 9, 2022 | Written by Matthew Campbell

Every mother dreams of the day when she can dance with her son at his wedding.

The mother-son dance is a memorable moment during the reception with the groom and the groom’s mom — just like the father-daughter dance (aka parent dances).

It’s a beautiful thing to watch on the dance floor and a great way to celebrate your love for each other. It can be quite a tear-jerker, in fact, or a memorable uplifting moment.

We’ve talked to wedding couples through social groups and analyzed hundreds of wedding DJs’ playlists across the U.S. that provide reception music.

We selected a list just for you of the most popular and unique mother-son dance songs for your reception so that you can select the best song.

A good song for every groom’s music tastes is different. You just have to find the right song for you.

Thus, we selected mother-son dance songs that include many different genres. It’s a good idea to listen to the lyrics and select a love song or a special song that tells your story.

Our Top 10 Best Mother Son Dance Songs

1. “Days Like This” by Dermot Kennedy
2. “Man Made” by Granger Smith
3. “Mommas” by The Swon Brothers
4. “I Called Mama” by Tim McGraw
5. “Mothers” by Thomas Finchum
6. “Boy” by Caleb and Kelsey
7. “My Little Boy” by Chris Jasper feat. Margie Jasper
8. “No Matter What” by Calum Scott
9. “Everything” by Matthew John
10. “Mom” by Daniyel

What is the mother son wedding dance?

Traditionally, the Mother-Son Dance is the dance between the mother of the groom and her son. It comes after the Father-Daughter Dance in the wedding reception timeline. It is a heartfelt moment during the wedding reception. Most likely, it will be filmed and photographed, so be sure to choose a great song to celebrate your special relationship.

Some wedding couples combine the father-daughter dance with the mother groom dance. Both couples dance to the same song. If you decide to do this, talk to your wedding planner and DJ; they should be able to give great suggestions that will help you choose the song.

Are there mother son dances at weddings?

Traditionally at weddings, the groom will dance with his mother (or mother figure) during the wedding reception immediately following the father-daughter dance. If his mother has passed, the groom can choose to dance with his mother-in-law or sister as a replacement. The mother-son dance signifies the love between a mother and her son.

What is a good mother son dance song?

The best mother-son dance song is typically a song for a special dance during your wedding reception. A good choice should represent the commonality and unique relationship between the groom and his mother. The song can also be a slow song or an upbeat song too.

The mother-son songs can also be awesome to celebrate a special moment like a birth. They can also be used as a dedication song from a son to his mother on Mother’s Day.

It would be impossible to name all the great mother-son wedding songs but below are the Top 100 popular songs to make a perfect choice on your big day. Just be sure your wedding band or DJ has your requested playlist beforehand of your song choice.

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Indie Mother Son Dance Songs

Sorry Mom – The Band CAMINO
2021, Indie

I don’t know if there’s a God
Sometimes I try to act like I don’t know right from wrong
I’m sorry Mom

I Love This Dance – Caleb Beachy
2021, Indie

You’re my biggest fan that’s why
I love this dance

House of Gold – 21 Pilots
2011, Indie

She asked me, Son when I grow old
Will you buy me a house of gold?
And when your father turns to stone
Will you take care of me?
I will make you
Queen of everything you see

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) James Taylor
1975, Indie

But you brighten up for me all of my days
With a love so sweet in so many ways
I wanna stop and thank you

You’ve Got A Friend – James Taylor
1971, Indie

Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there

What song can I dedicate to my son?

The song you choose to dedicate to your son as a mother can be many of the songs listed here. First, select the music style and from there listen to each song on the list to determine if the song tells the same relationship you have with your son.

Pop Mother Son Dance Songs

Mother – Michael Bublé
2022, Higher

You’ll Be in My Heart – Brent Morgan
2021, Pop

No matter what they say
Yes, you’ll be in my heart
Always

My Hero – Westlife
2021, Pop

And I want you to know that I feel like
You are my hero

Call My Name – Lukas Graham
2021, Pop

Don’t matter when or where
Just know that I’ll be right there
Call my name

No Matter What – Calum Scott
2018, Pop

She wrapped her arms around me
Said, “Don’t try to be what you’re not
‘Cause I love you no matter what”

Everything – Matthew John
2018, Pop

You taught me everything
How to tell what’s wrong from right
You gave me everything
Made me who I am inside

Mom – Meghan Trainor
2016, Pop

But ain’t nobody got a mom like mine
Her love’s ’til the end, she’s my best friend

I Got You – Ciara
2015, Pop

Take the bullet, take the blows, I would take all the pain
Anything, anything that you gotta get through
Hey, hey, I got you

Sweetest Devotion – Adele
2015, Pop

You’re my light, you’re my darkness
You’re the right kind of madness
And you’re my hope, you’re my despair

Mama – Lunchmoney Lewis
2015, Pop

This song is dedicated to my mama
Taught me how to put on my pajamas
Always let me have a couple dollars
And told me that my dreams I better follow

The One Thing – Shakira
2014, Pop

Every time I see your smile
Every time I hear your laugh
Baby, you bring a new sunshine over my way

All To You – Scott Keo
2012, Pop

I may not say I love you as much as I could
But you’ve got to know this one thing is true
The person I’ve become and all I am I owe it all to you

Halo – Beyonce
2009, Pop

But I never really had a doubt
Standing in the light of your halo
I got my angel now

The Man You’ve Become – Molly Pasutti
2008, Pop

For the great things you will do
I’ll be blessed cause you’re my son
But I’ll always see the boy

Never Alone – Jim Brickman feat. Lady A
2007, Pop

I’ll be in every beat of your heart
When you face the unknown
Wherever you fly
This isn’t goodbye

Do I Make You Proud – Taylor Hicks
2006, Pop

This is what we dream about
But the only question with me now
Is do I make you proud

Thank You – Dido
2000, Pop

And I want to thank you
For giving me the best day of my life

Perfect Fan – Backstreet Boys
1999, Pop

You showed me
Just how to walk without your hands
‘Cause Mom you always were
The perfect fan

You’ll Be In My Heart – Phil Collins
1999, Pop

Yes, you’ll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
1996, Pop

You gave me faith ’cause you believed
I’m everything I am
Because you loved me

Blessed – Elton John
1995, Pop

I need you before I’m too old
To have and to hold
To walk with you and watch you grow
And know that you’re blessed

A Song For My Son – Mikki Viereck
1991, Pop

You filled my life
With so much joy
As I watched you grow
From that little boy

Forever Young – Rod Stewart
1988, Pop

May your guiding light be strong
Build a stairway to Heaven
With a prince or a vagabond

The Wonder Of You – Elvis Presley
1970, Pop

And you’re always there to lend a hand
In everything I do
That’s the wonder
The wonder of you

Your Song – Elton John
1970, Pop

I know it’s not much, but it’s the best I can do
My gift is my song, and this one’s for you

What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
1967, Pop

The bright blessed days, the dark sacred nights
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

God Only Knows – Beach Boys
1966, Pop

I may not always love you
But long as there are stars above you
You never need to doubt it

The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
1964, Pop

There is nothing for me but to love you
And the way you look tonight

Who picks out the mother son song?

Typically the groom or the mother-of-the-groom will select the song for the mother-son dance.

Christian Mother Son Dance Songs

Boy – Caleb and Kelsey
2019, Christian

You’re gonna drop the ball
Hit the wall
And break some hearts like glass
I know you will, ’cause you’re a part of me
And a part of you will always be a boy

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus – Alan Jackson
2006, Christian

His word shall not fail you, He promised
Believe Him and all will be well

Find Your Wings – Mark Harris
2005, Christian

I’m here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

I Will Be Here – Steven Curtis Chapman
2003, Christian

When you need to speak your mind
I will listen
And I will be here
When the laughter turns to crying
Through the winning, losing and trying
We’ll be together
Cause I will be here

Does the groom dance with the bride’s mother (mother-in-law)?

At a typical wedding, there is no formal dance for the groom to dance with his new mother-in-law. However, the groom can dance with her during the dancing part of the reception to signify their new family bond.

If the dance is important to the wedding couple, you could choose to have an in-law dance where the bride dances with her new father-in-law and the groom dances with his new mother-in-law. See our list of in-law dance songs.

What country song is about a mother and son?

Country music is known for telling great stories. Many county songs describe a mother and son relationship including “Mama’s Boy” by Ryan Griffin, “I Called Mama” by Tim McGraw, “Boy” by Lee Brice, and “That’s What Mamas Are For” by Chris Lane.

Country Music Mother Son Dance Songs

Tell Me Twice – Chayce Beckham
2022, Country

Say you know how it goes
After every low comes a high that’s life
You better hold on and hold on tight
But you don’t have to tell me twice

Son Of A – Dillon Carmichael
2021, Country

I’m a son of a momma
A son of a dad
Who will never stop loving me and being there

Mama Ain’t Jesus – Jordan Rowe, Lainey Wilson
2021, Country

And while the good Lord comes back down to get us, she’ll fill in
I ain’t been yet, but I’ve got a glimpse of Heaven
‘Cause Mama ain’t Jesus, but she’s a close second

Mama’s Boy – Ryan Griffin
2021, Country

I know you wanna be just like me
But thank God your heart’s like your mama’s, boy
Oh, like your mama’s, boy

That’s What Mamas Are For – Chris Lane
2021, Country

And she put her blood, sweat, and tears into raisin’ me
And maybe a little more
Thank the Lord, that’s what mamas are for

Mama Was Daddy Too – Tainted Lyric
2021, Country

Mommas – Swon Brothers
2020, Country

They’ll pick you up and dust you off
And catch the tears if they start falling
You better love ’em while you got ’em
Thank God for mommas

I Called Mama – Tim McGraw
2020, Country

Wrote a song just for me
And I sung it for the blue sky
And a couple live oak trees
I thought of home, grabbed my phone from my pocket
And I called mama

Mothers – Thomas Finchum
2019, Country

Mothers Let ’em go
You can let ’em fall
And if they hit the ground
They’ll figure it out

Mama’s Boy – Heidi Raye
2018, Country

Little things let me know he loves me, prays I don’t ever let him go
He’s been waiting on a girl like me he can take back home

Mother – Sugarland
2018, Country

As long as she’s alive
you’re not alone
you’ve got each other
That’s your mother

Boy – Lee Brice
2017, Country

You’re gonna drop the ball
Hit the wall
And break some hearts like glass
I know you will, ’cause you’re a part of me
And a part of you will always be my boy

The Best Part Of Me – Lee Brice
2017, Country

Though my head’s been known to give me hell
This heart of mine is just something else, yeah
But the best part of me, part of me is you

Humble And Kind – Tim Mcgraw
2015, Country

When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

Mom – Garth Brooks
2014, Country

Cause there’s someone down there waiting whose only goal in life
Is making sure you’re always gonna be alright
A loving angel tender, tough and strong
It’s almost time to go and meet your mom

Like My Mother Does – Lauren Alaina
2011, Country

I never met a stranger
I can talk to anyone
Like my mother does

That’s What Mamas Do – Jason Matthews
2008, Country

They raise you
Ground you build their whole world around you
With no care for the hell, they’ll go through
That’s what mamas do

Don’t Blink – Kenny Chesney
2007, Country

Don’t blink, just like that you’re six years old
And you take a nap
And you wake up and you’re twenty-five
And your high school sweetheart becomes your wife

My Wish – Rascal Flatts
2006, Country

And while you’re out there getting where you’re getting to
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too
Yeah, this, is my wish

You’re Gonna Be (Always Loved by Me) – Reba Mcentire
2005, Country

We just have to believe things work out like they should
Life has no guarantees, but always loved by me
You’re gonna be

The Baby – Blake Shelton
2003, Country

She’d laugh until she cried, I could do no wrong
She would always save me because I was her baby

He Gets That From Me – Reba McEntire
2003, Country

The way the sun brings those freckles out
Talkin’ talk never miss a beat
Yeah he gets that from me

Farley’s Boy – MotherLode Trio
2003, Country

Then They Do – Trace Adkins
2003, Country

I see them as babies
I guess that’ll never change
You pray all their lives
That someday they will find happiness
Then they do

Godspeed (Sweet Dreams) – The Chicks
2002, Country

Sweet dreams, little man
Oh, my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed

There You’ll Be – Faith Hill
2001, Country

I’ll keep a part of you with me,
And everywhere I am there you’ll be

I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
2000, Country

Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance

The Dance – Garth Brooks
1990, Country

Our lives are better left to chance
I could have missed the pain
But I’d have had to miss the dance

Mama – B. J. Thomas
1966, Country

And who’s the one who didn’t mean to cry
As you walked down the aisle, the tears you saw her smile
Mama

Other Top Country Mother-Son Dance Songs

• You Are My Sunshine by Morgane Stapleton with Chris Stapleton, 2016
• What I Never Knew I Always Wanted by Carrie Underwood, 2015
• If I Didn’t Have You by Thompson Square, 2013
• Mother Like Mine by The Band Perry, 2013
• The Best Day by Taylor Swift, 2008
• God’s Been Good to Me by Keith Urban, 2004
• Angels by Randy Travis, 2004
• In My Life by Johnny Cash, 2002
• Just to See You Smile by Tim McGraw, 1997

Rock Mother Son Dance Songs

Story Of Love – Bon Jovi
2020, Rock

Fathers love daughters like mothers love sons
They’ve been writing our story before there was one

Days Like This – Dermot Kennedy
2020, Rock

When you don’t get betrayed by that old Judas kiss
Oh my mama told me, there’ll be days like this

93 Million Miles – Jason Mraz
2012, Rock

A beautiful light
Over the horizon in to your eyes
Oh, my, my
How beautiful
Oh my beautiful mother
She told me

Simple Man – Shinedown
2003, Rock

Oh, take your time, don’t live too fast
Troubles will come and they will pass
You’ll find a woman and you’ll find love
And don’t forget, son, there is someone up above

Sweet Child o’ Mine – Sheryl Crow
1998, Rock

He’s got a smile
And it seems to me
Reminds me of childhood memories
Where everything was as fresh as a bright blue sky

Days Like This – Van Morrison
1995, Rock

When people understand what I mean there’ll be days like this
When you ring out the changes of how everything is
Well my mama told me there’ll be days like this

Wildflowers – Tom Petty
1994, Rock

You belong among the wildflowers
You belong somewhere close to me
Far away from your trouble and worries
You belong somewhere you feel free

Mother – Pink Floyd
1979, Classic Rock

Mama’s gonna check out all your girlfriends for you
Mama won’t let anyone dirty get through
Mama’s gonna wait up until you get in
Mama will always find out where you’ve been

Just The Way You Are – Billy Joel
1977, Classic Rock

And this I promise from the heart
I couldn’t love you any better
I love you just the way you are

Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
1977, Classic Rock

Because I see the love light in your eyes
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don’t realize how much I love you

You’re My Best Friend – Queen
1976, Classic Rock

You’re my sunshine and I want you to know
That my feelings are true
I really love you
Oh, you’re my best friend

Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
1975, Classic Rock

Cause I’ve built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I’m getting older too

You Are So Beautiful – Joe Cocker
1974, Classic Rock

You’re everything I hoped for
You’re everything I need
You are so wonderful
To me

Simple Man – Lynyrd Skynyrd
1973, Classic Rock

Mama told me when I was young
Come sit beside me my only son
And listen closely to what I say
And if you do this it’ll help you
Some sunny day

Loves Me Like A Rock – Paul Simon
1973, Classic Rock

My mama loves me, she loves me
She get down on her knees and hug me
Like she loves me like a rock
She rock me like the rock of ages and loves me

Your Mama Don’t Dance – Loggins & Messina
1972, Classic Rock

Your mama don’t dance
And your daddy don’t rock and roll
When evening rolls around
And it’s time to go to town
Where do you go
To rock and roll

Teach Your Children – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
1970, Classic Rock

So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you

In My Life – Beatles
1965, Rock

For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life, I love you more

I’m Happy Just To Dance With You – Beatles
1964, Rock

Just to dance with you
Is everything I need

Other Top Rock Mother-Son Dance Songs

• Letter To My Mother by Edwin McCain, 2001
• Thank You, Mom by Good Charlotte, 2000
• Thank You for Loving Me by Bon Jovi, 2000
• With Arms Wide Open by Creed, 1999
• When You Need Me by Bruce Springsteen, 1998
• Forever Young by The Pretenders, 1994
• I’ll Stand By You by The Pretenders, 1994
• Mama, I’m Coming Home by Ozzy Osbourne, 1991
• Nothing Else Matters by Metallica, 1991
• Your Mama Don’t Dance by Poison, 1988
• Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses, 1987
• Dog and Butterfly by Heart, 1978
• Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles, 1969
• Sweet Thing by Van Morrison, 1968
• Your Mother Should Know by The Beatles, 1967
• With A Girl Like You by The Troggs, 1966

R&B Mother Son Dance Songs

My Little Boy – Chris Jasper feat. Margie Jasper
2019, R&B

Mama’s Hand – Queen Naija
2018, R&B

I want for you to shine so bright
Know you can do anything through Christ
I see that there is a star inside you
I’m so glad you’re in my life

Mother’s Love – KEM
2010, R&B

In a mother’s love, you can feel
When something hurts you can heel
Yes, a mother’s love is real, you grow
Because she knows to let you go

A Song For Mama – Boyz II Men
1997, R&B

Mama, Mama you know I love you
Mama, Mama you’re the queen of my heart

Hero – Mariah Carey
1993, R&B

So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you’ll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you

Greatest Love Of All – Whitney Houston
1985, R&B

I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside

Three Times A Lady – Commodores
1978, R&B

You’re once, twice, three times a lady
And I love you

I’ll Always Love My Momma – Intruders
1973, R&B

You’ve got your yours, and I’ve got mine
Talking ’bout mama
Oh, hey mama, hey mama, my heart belongs to you

You Are The Sunshine Of My Life – Stevie Wonder
1972, R&B

You are the sunshine of my life
That’s why I’ll always be around
You are the apple of my eye
Forever you’ll stay in my heart

I’ll Be There – Jackson 5
1970, R&B

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

Stand By Me – Ben E. King
1961, R&B

I won’t cry, I won’t cry
No, I won’t shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

Other Mother Son Dance Songs

MOM – Daniyel
2020, Hip Hop

You gave me wings
You know my pain
You my momma

You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
2002, Inspirational

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be

My Son – Frank Patterson
1999, Irish

You build up my life with your sweet music
It’s written in the song, this melody belongs
To you and me my son

My Baby You – Marc Anthony
1999, Latin

My baby you
Are the reason I could fly
And ’cause of you
I don’t have to wonder why

Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
1990, World

High above the chimney top that’s where you’ll find me
Oh, somewhere over the rainbow way up high
And the dream that you dare to

Sunrise, Sunset – Cast from Fiddler on the Roof
1964, Broadway

Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another

Enjoy our podcast episode talking about Mother Son Dance songs!

What if my family isn’t traditional?

Families have complex relationships these days. That’s okay. Same-sex couples can choose to dance with the family member of their choice: mother, or mentor. A better way for stepmothers can have a second song. Estranged family members can have stand-ins. You can even dance with your in-laws if you wish for a sweet moment on your special day.

Grooms, if you have more than one mother in your life, there are options. One can tap the other on the shoulder in the middle of the dance so you can dance with both of your moms. You may even want a sweet song for each. Talk about it with your professional wedding planner or DJ.

What if the bride is the mother for the mother-son dance?

No matter if the mom is the mother to one of the wedding couple or if she is the bride, many songs describe the love and bond between a mother and her son. Just be sure to listen to the lyrics when selecting a song that describes your life journey with your son.

Similar song lists for further reading:

• Mother-Daughter dance songs
• Father-Son songs
• Father-Daughter dance songs
• First Dance Songs
• Country Wedding Songs

Can I do the mother-son wedding dance without my mom?

If one of the wedding couple’s parents is no longer living, you can adapt or skip the Mother-Son Dance. This is an emotional decision, for sure. If your new spouse will dance with her father, then you’ll certainly want to have your time to shine.

Perhaps your mom passed away or you are estranged. If your mother isn’t alive, a common substitute is a mother figure. Many of us have those people in our lives. Your sister or aunt would make a very nice gesture See our list of sister-brother songs.

If this dance is too painful because of a recent loss or estrangement, you can skip the Mother-Son Dance. It’s your celebration. Talk to your wedding planner; they are experienced with this delicate relationship.

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