We know moms deserve praise year-round, but on Mother’s Day, it’s time to pull out all the stops. Take time to show your appreciation with a special gift, a homemade cake, or simply by spending time together. To set the tone, we put together a thoughtful Mother’s Day playlist with songs that showcase the beauty of motherhood.

These heartfelt songs will provide the perfect backdrop, whether you’re eating together at home or driving to a restaurant. And if you can’t be with your mom on May 10, send her this playlist to let her know she’s in your thoughts.

"Takes After You" by ERNEST

Country singer ERNEST’s song is a tribute to his wife, Delaney Royer, and their son, Ryman, but the lyrics hold true for any parent: "Oh if he don't take after Jesus, I hope he takes after you."

"The Mother" by Brandi Carlile

The moving 2018 song begins, "Welcome to the end of being alone inside your mind/
Tethered to another and you're worried all the time." The lyrics are relatable to all mothers, no matter what stage of their life.

"Without You" by Luke Combs

Luke sings about all of the people who have supported him, including his mother who worked two jobs so he could realize his dream.

"He Gets it From Me" by Reba McEntire

In this sweet song from her 2003 album Room to Breathe, Reba sings about all of the traits she shares with her son, from his freckles to his favorite cereal.

"You Can't Lose Me" by Faith Hill

In Faith Hill's upbeat song from her 1995 album It Matters to Me, she encourages her daughter and reminds her that, no matter what happens, she'll always have her love and support.

"Like My Mother Does" by Lauren Alaina

Lauren Alaina sings about her biggest compliment: hearing people say she's just like her mom. The lyrics say, "She's a rock/She is grace/She's an angel/She's my heart and soul/She does it all."

"Mom" by Garth Brooks

You'll want to have the tissues ready before you press "play" on this one! In this heartfelt song, Garth Brooks tells the story of God explaining what a mom is to an unborn child. He sings, "So, hush now little baby, don't you cry/'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/Come on child it's time, to meet your mom."

"I Called Mama" by Tim McGraw

If you need a reminder to call your mom, this is the song for you!

“Your Mother” By Rita Wilson

Rita Wilson’s new album Sound of a Woman features this powerful tribute. “Losing my mother eleven years ago made me realize there are so many questions I wish I’d asked her about her life while she was still here,” she says. “I find myself remembering all the things she taught me and then passing them on to my own children— so even though she’s gone now, she’s still just as present.”

Headshot of Katie Bowlby
Katie Bowlby
Digital Director

Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers pop culture news including country music, Yellowstone, and all things HGTV, plus gift guides and product reviews. She has been with Country Living for more than 11 years. Before that, she worked for Southern Living. The Indiana University grad also stitches up the cross-stitch pattern for every issue of the magazine.