Almost everyone has heard of “The First Dance” at a wedding but an equally touching part of the wedding (in our opinion) is the Mother-Son Dance. This customary dance is traditionally a way to express your gratitude to the first woman who ever loved and cared for you.
This special dance is understandably a very sentimental part of an already emotional day. It is symbolic of a new chapter in the groom’s life and the end of an old one with his mother.
Tradition dictates that the Groom chooses the song for the dance (that takes place after the Father-Daughter Dance). No pressure!
To help you create a beautiful moment that your mom will treasure forever, we have pulled together this guide of the Top 10 Mother-Son Dance songs.
10. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life – Stevie Wonder
Starting off the top of the list, is a song guaranteed to make your mom smile. It was originally written by Mr Stevie Wonder for a special lady in his life. Which is why it’s perfect to dance to with a special lady in yours.
Our Favourite Lyrics: “you are the apple of my eye, forever you’ll stay in my heart” “you are the sunshine of my life”
Tear Jerking Rating: 5/10
9. Just the Way You Are – Billy Joel
This pop song from the 70’s is a beautiful expression of unconditional love. Slow tempo and meaningful lyrics are foolproof for your Mother-Son slow dance. Overall Just the way you are is a great song to show your mom how much she means to you.
Our Favourite Lyrics: “Don’t go changing to try and please me” “I said I love you and that’s forever”
Tear Jerking Rating: 8/10
Free tools that make planning fun, get organized early and lock in your budget
Get Started With Planning8. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – James Taylor/Marvin Gaye
There are two popular versions of this sweet soulful classic. Both equally as charming and playful. Either rendition will keep the evening light hearted and sweep the room with a feel good vibe.
Our Favourite Lyrics: “How sweet it is to be loved by you” “But you brighten up for me all of my days”
Tear Jerking Rating: 7/10
7. Make You Feel My Love- Adele
It wouldn’t be a wedding without some Adele. Adele’s cover of the Love Ballad (written by Bob Dylan) has seen world success and no doubt been played at weddings all around the globe. The opening chords in the song build for an intensely emotional experience. Every verse is a melodious dedication to a deep love, like the one a son has for his mother.
Our Favourite Lyrics: “I would hold you for a million years, to make you feel my love” “No there’s nothing that I wouldn’t do, to make you feel my love”
Tear Jerking Rating: 9/10
6. (They Long To Be) Close To You – Carpenters
Number six on our list, has some of the sweetest lyrics you have ever heard.
This gorgeous ballad is famously covered by Brother-Sister act, Richard and Karen Carpenter. If your guests weren’t feeling emotional before, they certainly will after you sway to this.
Our Favourite Lyrics: “why do birds suddenly appear, every time you are near? Just like me, they long to be close to you”
Tear Jerking Rating: 8/10
5. Days Like This- Van Morrison
An optimistic slow ballad about life that will hit you right in the feels. An honest account of the real world and how his mother has helped him navigate it. This song will pay homage to your mom.
Our Favourite Lyrics: “Well my mama told me there’ll be days like this”
Tear Jerking Rating: 8/10
4. Mama Said – Lukas Graham
Number four, is the most modern song on our list. This down to earth pop song talks about the lessons his mother taught him. This song is ideal for the mother and sons who have a few dance moves up their sleeves.
Our Favourite Lyrics: “Mama told us we were good kids” “Mama said that it was okay”
Tear Jerking Rating: 5/10
3. My Wish – Rascal Flatts
This one will have all the country fans in the house singing along.
What could be more sentimental than a parent’s advice delivered through poetic song? These heartfelt lyrics will express that forever connection you have with your mom.
Our Favourite Lyrics: “You never need to carry more than you can hold” “I hope you know somebody loves you”
Tear Jerking Rating: 7/10
2. Your song- Elton John
There are many Elton John songs that should grace this list, but since we only have space for 10. We had to include Elton’s delicate ballad about someone special. Your song is a very personal tribute and ideal for a slow dance with your mom.
Our Favourite Lyrics: “My gift is my song and this one is for you” “ I hope you don’t mind, that I put down in words. How wonderful life is, now you are in the world”
Tear Jerking Rating: 8/10
1. What A Wonderful World- Louis Armstrong
Crowning the top of our list is a timeless classic. This charming song about the joys of life will not leave a dry eye in the room. What a Wonderful World was written back in 1967 and even today has lyrics that everyone can resonate with. This song will take your mom down memory lane, reminiscing on your childhood and the journey you have been on together.
Our Favourite Lyrics: “I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do. They’re really saying I love you”
Tear Jerking Rating: 10/10
We hope this list has helped inspire you to find the right song for a memorable moment. If you still feel like you haven’t found the right song. You can always use Spotify’s “Go to radio” feature on one of our song choices. This will craft you an automatic playlist of similar style music.
Remember that ultimately the song you pick should reflect the relationship you have with your mom.
Julie
Julie is an editor and writer who loves to write about getting engaged and wedding preparations. She’s also a wedding photographer on the side. Julie received her degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. Julie lives in Texas with her husband and their three kids. As a couple they enjoy spending time on Texas’ South Padre Island beaches, and they also love to hike in the Texas Hill Country. As well as being parents to kids, Julie and her husband are also pet parents to two dogs, three cats, and a 50 gallon tank of beautiful tropical fish.
Free tools that make planning fun, get organized early and lock in your budget
Get Started With Planning
