Mother Son Dance Songs
The mother-son dance is one of those rare wedding moments that’s just for the two of you. It’s a time to reflect on childhood memories, honor the bond between mother and son, and really show off the woman who raised such an incredible son. It’s a tradition that is extremely common nowadays, and unlike some like the garter toss or the dollar dance, it rarely gets skipped. So picking the right song can be hard, but we’re here to help.
Finding the Right Balance of Emotion and Enjoyment
Some moms want a deeply sentimental, tear-inducing moment, while others prefer to keep things lighthearted and fun. Before picking a song, consider what kind of vibe you want to create. Do you want a soft, emotional tune that tugs at the heartstrings? Or would you rather keep things upbeat and full of energy?
No matter what you choose, keep the dance short and sweet. Typically these types of dances have very 7th-grade dance slow song vibes where you waddle side to side in a circle and usually chat with each other; so anything over three minutes can start to feel a little long—both for you and your guests. If you’ve fallen in love with a longer song, talk to your DJ about cutting it down to a more manageable length.
Classic and Meaningful Choices
If you’re going for sentimentality, timeless classics like “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong or “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart are beautiful options that resonate with multiple generations. Songs with lyrics that speak to a mother’s love and a son’s journey into adulthood can make for a truly touching moment.
For something unique but still heartfelt, consider tracks like “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins or “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys—both of which offer meaningful messages wrapped in beautiful melodies. "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd is a pretty common choice too, and a great song, but once again is one that definitely works better when shortened.
Avoiding the Wedding Song Clichés
While it’s tempting to go with the first song Google suggests, some songs are just a little too on-the-nose like the one below. There are plenty of cookie-cutter songs that are specifically written with this one occasion in mind, but they tend to come off bland and unmeaningful. Instead, pick something that actually resonates with you and your mom. This should be a team effort. Start with several songs and then narrow them down. We've compiled a list below with links to the youtube videos. "A Song for My Son" - Mikke Viereck:
Adding a Fun Twist to the Tradition
Not every mother-son dance has to be slow and emotional! If you and your mom share a love for music with a little more energy, an upbeat song can be a great way to put a fun spin on tradition.
Songs like “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey or “Happy” by Pharrell Williams can turn the moment into a joyful celebration. If your mom has a favorite band or a song she always played when you were growing up, this is the perfect opportunity to honor that memory. For me, “Tell Her About It” by Billy Joel was one of the songs that my mother always played in the car and holds one of my strongest memories from childhood. It’s also a great upbeat song, with a good message especially for a wedding, and also kind of has a parental to child view.
Instrumental Versions of Songs
The Panacea for finding a good Mother/Son dance song. This is one of the best solutions when the words can easily mean something romantic rather than maternal. Find a song that you both love and take the words out of the equation. There are plenty of acoustic covers with a violin playing the melody or string quartet versions that work great.
Take this version of River Flows in You for example:
Final Thoughts: Make It Personal
At the end of the day, the best mother-son dance song is the one that feels right for you and your mom. Whether it’s a classic ballad, a nostalgic throwback, or something fun and unexpected, this dance is about celebrating your bond. Pick a song that makes you both smile, and you’ll have a moment to cherish forever.
Classic Choices
Heartfelt Ballads
Country Favorites
Upbeat & Fun Choices
"How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" – James Taylor
"Ain’t No Mountain High Enough" – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
"Tell Her About It" – Billy Joel
Modern & Sentimental
If none of these work, just know that this exists for some reason...
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