Not every groom chooses to do a mother/son dance, and that’s a real shame! Why should the fathers and daughters get all the love on the big day? We personally think all the parents should take a spin on the dance floor with their son or daughter at their wedding.

Choosing a mother/son song can be a bit tough. While there are a ton of great love songs out there, some of them are a bit too romantic for the parent and child relationship. But there are still great options, if you know where to look.

We put together a list of 20 of our top mother/son dance songs to help you out. And if you’re looking for a father-daughter song, check out this list!

1. My Wish by Rascal Flatts

My Wish by Rascal Flatts sums up just about every parent’s hopes for their children, which makes it an ideal mother/son dance song. 

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,

Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,

You never need to carry more than you can hold,

And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,

I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,

Yeah, this is my wish

2. What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong’s 1967 classic has been a wedding staple for decades. There have been many other versions, but this is the best. (#14 doesn’t count — it’s a mash up!)

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3. Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw

This song is a list of the lessons a parent would want to teach their child, from saying please to staying humble and kind. It would work well for a father/daughter dance too!

Don't expect a free ride from no one

Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why

Bitterness keeps you from flying

Always stay humble and kind

4. Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd

The perfect pick for the mother and son who love classic southern rock, this song is beautiful without being cheesy.

Be a simple kind of man

Oh, be something you love and understand

Baby be a simple kind of man

Oh, won't you do this for me, son, if you can

5. A Song for Mama by Boyz II Men

Most mother/son dance songs are from the parent to the child. So it’s nice to switch it up with a song from a loving son to his mama.

You were there for me to love and care for me

When skies were gray

Whenever I was down

You were always there to comfort me

6. You’ll Be in My Heart by Phil Collins

This a song many of us heard for the first time as kids, since it was on the Tarzan soundtrack. Play up the nostalgia by choosing it for your mother/son dance.

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7. I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack

This country tune by Lee Ann Womack has been played at plenty of weddings, graduations, and going away parties over the past 20 years, and it will be played at plenty more.

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8. In My Life by the Beatles

In My Life is a chameleon of a song that could honestly be used just about anywhere in a wedding — father/daughter dance, mother/son dance, even the couple’s first dance. That’s why it’s a wedding classic.

9. Days Like This by Van Morrison

This song is all about the best days in your life, and your wedding day sure qualifies!

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10. Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion

Because You Loved Me describes the effect a person’s support can have on another. Although it was originally written as a love song, it’s a great fit for a parent/child dance at a wedding.

You gave me wings and made me fly

You touched my hand, I could touch the sky

I lost my faith, you gave it back to me

You said no star was out of reach

You stood by me and I stood tall

I had your love I had it all

11. Forever Young by Rod Steward

This is a more uptempo song than many on this list, but it still has a lovely message, sending a young person on their way into the world.

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12. Stand By Me by Ben E. King

Ben E. King’s 1961 soul song has been recorded by John Lennon, Tracy Chapman, Florence and the Machine, and more. But no one does it like Mr. King.

13. Don’t Blink by Kenny Chesney

Is there a parent who doesn’t sit back on their son’s wedding day and wonder, “How did he grow up so fast??” This song is about that feeling of life moving so quickly that you’re afraid you’ll miss it.

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14. Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World by Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole

Nearly every song on this list is from a major name in music, like The Beatles or Phil Collins. But IZ never achieved major fame outside of Hawaii beyond this song, which is a real shame. He had a gorgeous crooner voice that could compete with the best of the Rat Pack.

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15. 93 Million Miles by Jason Mraz

This endearing song about our place in the universe will be a tearjerker for your mother/son wedding dance.

Oh, my beautiful mother

She told me, son in life you're gonna go far

If you do it right you'll love where you are

Just know

Wherever you go

You can always come home

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16. Boy by Lee Brice

In this song, a father thinks of all the things his young son will do as he grows up, and how bittersweet it will be. 

You're gonna drive and kiss

And throw a punch

And grow up way too fast

You're gonna drop the ball

Hit the wall

And break some hearts like glass

I know you will, 'cause you're a part of me

And a part of you will always be my boy

17. Landslide by Fleetwood Mac

Stevie Nicks said this song was written about the fear of losing everything and not knowing how you’re going to hold it together. But fortunately, the lyrics are vague enough that it won’t bum out your wedding guests — and it’s beautiful.

18. You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban

Josh Groban has a big voice, so this is a big song for some big wedding feelings. It was actually originally written as an instrumental piece, and lyrics were later added by an Irish novelist and songwriter.

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.

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19. Never Alone by Jim Brickman Feat. Lady Antebellum

This is another tune that describes a parent’s wishes for their child. This one is sung by Hillary Scott from Lady Antebellum, which gives it more of a motherly vibe. 

I'll be in every beat of your heart

When you face the unknown

Wherever you fly

This isn't goodbye

My love will follow you, stay with you

Baby, you're never alone

20. Your Song by Elton John

This song by the absolute legend Elton John is another that could work for any part of the wedding reception. It’s a bit on the romantic side, but it’s such a classic that it can still work for a mother/son dance song. And it has that classic line: 

I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words

How wonderful life is now you’re in the world.

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If we can help you with your song choices, just let us know! Fill out our online form and let us know when your event is.