Songwriters have a lot to say about the deaths of their mothers. Here are some songs you might connect with if you recently lost your mom.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Country Songs About Losing Your Mother
- R&B or Hip-Hop Songs About Losing Your Mother
- Contemporary Pop or Rock Songs About Losing Your Mother
You might consider playing some of these songs at your mom’s funeral. Or, they may be appropriate for the background music for your mom’s funeral slideshow. However, some of you may be interested in our list because you want to hear songs about the emotions that come with grief.
Country Songs About Losing Your Mother
It should come as no surprise that there are quite a few country songs about the death of a mother. After all, country music singers are master storytellers who don’t shy away from tragic stories.
Here are some songs about the death of a mom from modern and classic country music stars.
1. “Angels Among Us” by Alabama
Some people feel that their loved ones become guardian angels after death. This song is about those angels. It includes this chorus:
“Oh, I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give
To guide us with the light of love
To guide us with the light of love.”
2. “Life Ain’t Always Beautiful” by Gary Allan
While this song isn’t specifically about mothers, it does describe missing a loved one.
“No, life ain’t always beautiful
Tears will fall sometimes
Life ain’t always beautiful, but it’s a beautiful ride
Life ain’t always beautiful
Some days I miss your smile
I get tired of walkin’ all these lonely miles.”
3. “If Heaven” by Andy Griggs
This songwriter tries to describe heaven in a series of images. For example:
“If heaven was an hour, it would be twilight
When the fireflies start their dancin’ on the lawn
And supper’s on the stove, and Mamma’s laughin’
And everybody’s workin’ day is done.”
The chorus lyrics are the following:
“Don’t cry a tear for me now, baby
There comes a time we all must say goodbye
And if that’s what heaven’s made of
You know what, I ain’t afraid to die.”
4. “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton
Dolly’s song about her mother creating a coat out of rags is a beautiful tribute to her mother.
“Although we had no money
I was rich as I could be
In my coat of many colors
My momma made for me.”
5. “Roses for Mama” by C. W. McCall
This tear-jerker song tells the story of a man who sends flowers to his mama on her birthday. While making the purchase, he encounters a young boy putting flowers on his mother’s grave. This song is spoken more than sung.
6. “Mama Sang a Song” by The Whites
This is another song that is spoken more than sung. The speaker tells the story of a poor family whose mother was constantly singing hymns.
“No voice is left to fill those halls
And no steps to grace the floor
For you see, you see my mother sings up in heaven now, up around God’s golden throne.
But I’ll always believe that this whole world is a better place
Because one time my mama sang a song (precious memories flood my soul).”
7. “Mom” by Garth Brooks
A baby isn’t sure he wants to go to Earth. But God reassures the baby that his mom will be there for him.
“So hush now, 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 all right
A loving angel, tender, tough and strong
It’s almost time to go and meet your mom.
And when she’s talking to you, make sure you listen close
’Cause she’s gonna teach you everything you’ll ever need to know
Like how to mind your manners, to love and laugh and dream
She’ll put you on the path that brings you back to me.”
8. “Heaven’s Garden” by Kieran Brennan
There are a lot of funeral songs that use garden imagery. You might like this one by Kieran Brennan if you are a fan of country music.
It ends:
“She left me with memories made of gold
Her gentle love was a wonder to behold
Ask her to sing her favorite song
From way down here I′ll sing along
I’ve heard heaven has a garden
Angels singing on a bandstand
Up in heaven in the garden
Won’t you take my mama there by the hand
Won′t you take my mama there by the hand.”
R&B or Hip-Hop Songs About Losing Your Mother
Country artists aren’t the only ones missing their moms. Some of these selections are songs about the loss of a mother, but others celebrate the bond between mother and child.
9. “I’ll Always Love My Mama” by The Intruders
This simple song describes a hard-working mom who sacrifices for her kids.
“I’ll always love my mama
She’s my favorite girl
You only get one, you only get one, yeah
I’ll always love my mama
She brought me in this world.”
10. “A Song for Momma” by Boys II Men
You’ll love this tribute to motherhood by Boys II Men. Here’s the chorus:
“Mama, Mama, you know I love you
Mama, Mama, you’re the queen of my heart
Your love is like tears from the stars, yes it is
Mama, I just want you to know lovin’ you is like food to my soul.”
11. “One Sweet Day” by Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey
If you look forward to meeting your mom again one day in Heaven, you may like this song. It includes this chorus:
“And I know you’re shining down on me from Heaven
Like so many friends we’ve lost along the way
And I know eventually we’ll be together
One sweet day
(And I’ll wait patiently to see you in heaven).”
12. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Gerald LeVert & Eddie LeVert
You probably are more familiar with the version of this song sung by Bette Midler in Beaches. Take a listen to this version.
13. “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” by Whitney Houston
There are many versions of this song. However, consider listening to Whitney Houston’s version. This classic gospel song includes the lines:
“I sing because I’m happy (happy)
I sing because I’m free (free free free)
For His eye, His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know, I know He watches over me.”
Contemporary Pop or Rock Songs About Losing Your Mother
Some people avoid songs about death when selecting funeral songs for their mom. Instead, they choose songs that celebrate motherhood or songs their mother loved.
We’ve decided to give you a variety of songs to choose from on our list. After all, sad songs wouldn’t be appropriate for a loved one’s celebration of life service.
14. “The Best Day” by Taylor Swift
This song is less about the death of a mother’s death and more about childhood nostalgia. The video for this song features videos of Swift with her mother.
It includes the lines:
“There is a video I found
From back when I was three
You set up a paint set in the kitchen
And you’re talking to me
It’s the age of princesses and pirate ships
And the seven dwarfs
And Daddy’s smart
And you’re the prettiest lady in the whole wide world.”
15. “Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran
Sheeran sings about the loss of his mother in this beautiful song.
It includes the following stanza:
“So I’ll sing Hallelujah
You were an angel in the shape of my mum
When I fell down you’d be there holding me up
Spread your wings as you go
And when God takes you back we’ll say Hallelujah
You’re home.”
16. “If I Could Be Where You Are” by Enya
This song begins with the following lines:
“Where are you this moment?
Only in my dreams.
You’re missing, but you’re always
A heartbeat from me.
I’m lost now without you,
I don’t know where you are.
I keep watching. I keep hoping,
But time keeps us apart.”
17. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
Honestly, this song could be used for various occasions, including the funeral of your mom. It’s a beautiful song.
“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.”
18. “Memories of You” by Rosemary Clooney and Benny Goodman
We know this song doesn’t belong in this category, but you may consider using music from your Mom’s youth when selecting funeral songs. You might also consider “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole or “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland.
19. “Mama” by Il Divo
If you miss your mom, this beautiful song will surely bring a tear to your eyes. We all feel guilt for what was left unsaid when our loved ones died.
“Mama, forgive the times you cried
Forgive me for not making right
All of the storms I may have caused
And I’ve been wrong
Dry your eyes, dry your eyes
’Cause I know you believed
And I know you had dreams
And I’m sorry it took all this time to see
That I am where I am because of your truth
And I miss you, I miss you.”
How Will You Say Goodbye to Your Mom?
Will you play the music that your mom danced to in the kitchen? Will you select hymns that celebrate your mom’s faith in God? Or, some of you might connect with these songwriters on our list who poured out their hearts when writing about their grief.
Consider all the options when selecting music for your mom's funeral.