We’ve all been there, eye-rolling through a mom-lecture, brushing off her warnings, only to admit years later that yes, she always knew. Long before we figured life out, Mom was already a few steps ahead. She knew what heartbreak felt like, why rest mattered and which friends were good for us — or not.
This Mother’s Day, we honor that motherly instinct with a playlist that hits right in the feels. These seven songs prove one thing loud and clear: Mother knows best.
“Slipping Through My Fingers” – ABBA
“Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture...”
This ABBA classic has found new life on TikTok, often soundtracking tear-jerking videos of moms watching their daughters grow up too fast. It captures that bittersweet moment every mother faces and realizes how quickly time slips away. Nothing cuts deeper than watching your child become their own person, and ABBA nails the emotion with grace and tenderness.
“Mama Said” – Lukas Graham
“Mama said that it was okay / Mama said that it was quite alright...”
With a nostalgic nod to Annie’s “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” this modern anthem celebrates growing up with love, even if it wasn’t luxury. Lukas Graham’s upbeat tribute reminds us that a mother’s reassurance is often the first shield we carry through the world.
“A Song for Mama” – Boyz II Men
“Mama, mama, you’re the queen of my heart...”
A timeless R&B ballad soaked in love and gratitude, this song is basically a love letter to every mother who gave her all. With its soulful harmonies and emotional lyrics, it’s the ultimate slow-dance-with-Mom track that still brings tears, no matter how old you are.
“The Best Day” – Taylor Swift
“And I love you for giving me your eyes / Staying back and watching me shine and...”
Before Taylor Swift was writing global pop anthems, she was just a daughter writing about her mom. “The Best Day” is a quiet, heartfelt song about childhood memories, teenage angst and the quiet strength of a mother who stays steady through it all.
“On My Mama” – Victoria Monét
“I put that on my mama, on my hood / I look fly, I look good...”
This one’s a little sassier but still rooted in deep appreciation. Victoria Monét’s viral hit celebrates confidence, self-love and, yes, her mom. Because let’s face it, moms don’t just raise us, they raise us right.
“Hey Mama” – Kanye West
“I said, “Mommy, I’ma love you ‘til you don’t hurt no more / And when I’m older, you ain’t gotta work no more…”
Before Kanye became Ye, he released this raw, joyful tribute to his late mother, Donda West. “Hey Mama” is filled with gratitude and pride, capturing the deep, often unspoken bond between mother and son. It’s a reminder that no matter how big your dreams get, she’s still your biggest fan.
“Turn to You (Mother’s Day Dedication)” – Justin Bieber
“So when you’re lost and you’re tired / When you’re broken in two / Let my love take you higher / ‘Cause I still turn to you…”
A softer, more emotional side of Bieber shines through in this track written for his mom. It’s a song about resilience, love and the comfort of knowing Mom’s always there — no matter how far you’ve come or how far you’ve fallen.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the women who raised us, grounded us and continue to guide us even when we pretend not to hear them.