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Looking for songs about family to add to your playlist?
Nothing compares to the feeling of safety and security you get when you know that a supportive family has your back and will be there in a flash when you need them.
Today’s article features a compilation of the best songs that honor the bond you share with the people who serve as anchor and lighthouse while you navigate the storms of life.
Below, you’ll find songs about the unconditional love only family can give, and about the pride of belonging to a family. There are also songs that describe the struggles and triumphs of single parents raising their children into decent human beings.
You’ll also find songs that celebrate unconventional families—those bonds formed not by blood, but by actively choosing who belongs in your family circle.
These bonds can be just as strong and supportive.
1. Love Can Build a Bridge, The Judds
“When we stand together, it's our finest hour. We can do anything. Keep believin' in the power. Love can build a bridge between your heart and mine.”
This song has inspired many people to stand together in unity. It is a wonderful anthem for families, especially those families where some members are constantly in conflict with each other.
The song reminds us that love is the greatest tool we have for healing strife and rebuilding our relationships.
2. Chosen Family, Rita Sawayama ft. Elton John
“We don't need to be related to relate. We don't need to share genes or a surname. You are, you are my chosen, chosen family. So what if we don't look the same? We been going through the same thing. You are, you are my chosen, chosen family.”
Family is not exclusively defined by blood ties. This song is about forming a family bond with people who are not from the same gene pool.
These people become a valuable support system and can rightfully be considered one’s family because they offer unconditional love, acceptance, and support—just as a family should.
3. Family Tree, Caylee Hammack
“Some of us got problems, but everybody's alright. Some of us got big plans, some are just plannin' on getting by. Some of us got problems, but they love us anyway. Through thick and thin, hell, we're still kin at the end of the day.”
In this song, we are introduced to someone’s relatives. The descriptions reveal their eccentricities and bad habits.
What matters, however, is that everybody has a deep love for each other. They accept and support each other “through thick and thin”.
4. There Goes My Life, Kenny Chesney
“He smiles, there goes my life. There goes my future, my everything. I love you, daddy, good night. There goes my life.”
Parenthood changes one’s outlook on life. This song is about someone who becomes a father before he’s ready. At first, he’s filled with regret, because fatherhood prevented him from fulfilling many of his dreams.
However, as his daughter grows up, he realizes how precious she is to him. When it is time for the daughter to leave to establish her own life, the father has a hard time letting her go.
5. Blessed, Elton John
“And you, you'll be blessed. You'll have the best. I promise you that. I'll pick a star from the sky. Pull your name from a hat. I promise you that… you'll be blessed.”
This song is about a parent’s anticipation of the arrival of a yet-unborn child. The parent promises that the child will have a good life.
6. Family Is Family, Kacey Musgraves
“Family is family, in church or in prison. You get what you get, and you don't get to pick 'em. They might smoke like chimneys but give you their kidneys. Yeah, friends come in handy, but family is family.”
This song reminds us that families don’t have to be perfect. They may quarrel with each other or have quirky habits that annoy the rest of the family, but when you need them, they’re willing to set aside their differences and wholeheartedly support you.
7. Don't Forget to Remember Me, Carrie Underwood
“Hey, mama, don't forget to tell my baby sister I'll see her in the fall. And tell Meemaw that I miss her. Yeah, I should give her a call. And make sure you tell Daddy that I'm still his little girl. Yeah, I feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be. But don't forget to remember me.'”
The emphasis of this song is on the value of family support and constant communication. In it, a girl leaves her hometown and family in pursuit of her dreams.
She’s been gone for some time, but decides to call them. After the call, she realizes that she still needs the bond she shares with her family and hopes that they will still keep her close to their hearts.
8. He Didn't Have to Be, Brad Paisley
“And then, all of a sudden, oh, it seemed strange to me. How we went from something's missing to a family. Lookin' back, all I can say about the things he did for me is I hope I'm at least half the dad that he didn't have to be.”
In America, one out of four children grow up in a home without a father. This situation, as reported by Fatherhood.org, negatively affects the lives of children and single mothers in myriad ways.
This song is a touching tribute to stepfathers and other men who serve as father figures in children’s lives when their own fathers cannot. The narrator enumerates the many ways his own stepfather gave his support through the years.
9. Seein' My Father in Me, Paul Overstreet
“I'm seein' my father in me. I guess that's how it's meant to be. And I find I'm more and more like him each day. I notice I walk the way he walks. I notice I talk the way he talks. I'm startin' to see my father in me. And I'm happy to see my father in me.”
This next song highlights the importance of parents’ influence on the lives of their children. In this case, it’s the father’s legacy that’s evident.
Children often emulate the examples given to them by their parents, and this song is about the positive influence a father has on his son. The son isn’t ashamed to declare that he’s grown up to be like his father in many ways.
10. Mom, Meghan Trainor ft. Kelli Trainor
“You might have a mom. She might be the bomb. But ain't nobody got a mom like mine. Her love's 'til the end. She's my best friend. Ain't nobody got a mom like mine.”
It’s a wonderful feeling to have a mother who helps you reach your dreams.
This song is a touching tribute to Meghan Trainor’s mother, Kelli Trainor. It tells of how supportive Kelli is of her daughter’s journey as a music artist.
Count yourself lucky if you have a loving and supportive mom.
11. The Walk, Sawyer Brown
“So dry your eyes. I understand just what you're going through. ‘Cause I took this same old walk with my old man. Boy, I've been in your shoes. Yes, I took this walk you're walkin' now.”
This bittersweet song highlights the cyclical nature of life. It is also a tribute to a loving relationship between father and son.
In it, the son grows and struggles with the challenges of life. The father invites the son for a walk and reveals that he had also walked with his own father years before. The father offers his son guidance to give him strength to move forward.
12. The House That Built Me, Miranda Lambert
“I thought if I could touch this place or feel it, this brokenness inside me might start healing. Out here it's like I'm someone else. I thought that maybe I could find myself. If I could just come in, I swear I'll leave. Won't take nothing but a memory from the house that built me.”
Ever feel nostalgic for your childhood? Memories of the carefree and happy days of childhood are often associated with the house you grew up in.
In this song, the singer believes that reconnecting with her past can somehow heal the brokenness she feels. She revisits her childhood home and asks the current owners to be allowed in to walk around the once-familiar place.
The singer touches base with her past in an effort to remember the valuable lessons her family instilled in her while she was growing up.
13. Family Man, Craig Campbell
“What keeps me keepin’ the faith? What makes me believe I can? Family man. They're the world my world revolves around. My sacred piece of solid ground. The flesh and bone that gives me strength to stand. They are the fire in my drivin' on. The drive behind my comin' home. The livin', breathin' reason that I am a family man.”
Parents are often willing to work hard to ensure they can give their children a good life.
This song is about a hardworking father who longs to provide a good life for his family. Although they don’t have much, love overflows in their home.
While the father is inspired to work, he also looks forward to coming home at the end of the day to the people he loves.
14. Never Gonna Be Alone, Nickelback
“You're never gonna be alone from this moment on.”
A loving family makes you feel like you can overcome all the challenges life dishes out.
This song is about a person who promises love and support to a family member. However, he feels a little regret for not having expressed this before. He promises to be more mindful from now on.
15. Welcome to the Family, Debbie Kerner and Ernie Rettino
“Welcome to the family. We're glad that you have come to share your life with us, as we grow in love. And may we always be to you what God would have us be, a family always there to be strong and to lean on.”
This song is about welcoming and making someone part of a family. It views the family as a loving and supportive unit, designated by God to help family members grow in love.
16. You're Gonna Miss This, Trace Adkins
“You're gonna miss this. You're gonna want this back. You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast. These are some good times. So take a good look around. You may not know it know, but you're gonna miss this.”
This song has a powerful message: The times we spend with our loved ones go by so fast. Cherish every moment you get to be with them.
17. You'll Be in My Heart, Phil Collins
“’Cause you'll be in my heart. Yes, you'll be in my heart. From this day on, now and forevermore. You'll be in my heart. No matter what they say. You'll be in my heart. Always.”
This heartwarming song provides a sense of peace for those who need reassurance of love and protection. It is about the close bond shared by two individuals. The song specifically highlights the bond between mother and son.
18. Better Together, Jack Johnson
“Love is the answer, at least for most of the questions in my heart. Like, why are we here and where do we go and how come it's so hard? It's not always easy, and sometimes life can be deceiving. I'll tell you one thing: It's always better when we're together.”
Life can often be hard, but it is bearable when you have a family to stand by you during those difficult moments. It’s also wonderful to have a family with whom to share your joys and celebrate your triumphs.
This song is about the enduring love shared between people, whether they are husband/wife or parent/child.
They make beautiful memories together, and as the years pass, they reminisce about those happy memories, realizing that things are indeed better when experienced together.
19. A Song for Mama, Boyz II Men
“You taught me everything. Everything you've given me. I'll always keep it inside. You're the driving force in my life.”
This touching song is dedicated to mothers who have sacrificed a lot in order to give their children a good life. Mothers are the teachers, supporters, protectors, and motivators of their children. They deserve gratitude and love for all they have given.
20. The Best Day, Taylor Swift
“And now, I know why all the trees change in the fall. I know you were on my side even when I was wrong. And I love you for giving me your eyes. For staying back and watching me shine. And I didn't know if you knew, so I'm taking this chance to say that I had the best day with you today.”
This heartwarming tribute to Taylor Swift’s mother shows the deep love mothers have for their children. In it, the mother wholly supports her daughter’s artistic dreams. Her daughter expresses her gratitude and happiness that she has a mother like her.
21. My Front Porch Looking In, Lonestar
“There's a carrot top who can barely walk, with a sippy cup of milk. A little blue-eyed blonde with shoes on wrong 'cause she likes to dress herself. And the most beautiful girl holding both of them. Yeah, the view I love the most is my front porch looking in.”
If you need a song that depicts the simple joys of having a family, here’s one from Lonestar.
It is about a man’s reflection that his source of joy isn’t found anywhere else but within his home, where, from his vantage point on his front porch, he watches his wife and two kids.
22. 7 Years, Lukas Graham
“Soon, I'll be 60 years old. Will I think the world is cold? Or will I have a lot of children who can hold me?”
This song is about transitions in life. Often, people take it for granted that their family will be with them when they grow old.
Luke Graham’s song is a reminder to never take a moment in life for granted.
Make friends when possible. Love your family as deeply as you can. That way, when you get older, you’ll have wonderful memories to reminisce about. And if you’re lucky, you’ll have friends and loved ones by your side.
23. I Don't Need Anything but You (Annie 2014 Version OST), Quvenzhané Wallis ft. Rose Byrne and Jamie Foxx
“Together at last. Together forever. We're tying a knot they can never sever. I don't need sunshine now to turn my skies at blue. I don't need anything but you.”
This is a joyful song about the love shared by a father and his newly adopted daughter. The adoption changes both their lives for the better. Their lives are finally complete, now that they have each other.
24. Who Says You Can't Go Home?, Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles
“Who says you can't go home? There's only one place they call me one of their own.”
This song is about the connection you have to a place where you are welcome, accepted, and loved. It doesn’t necessarily have to be your biological family. They can be the people in your community who make you feel that you belong.
25. My Father's Daughter, Jewel ft. Dolly Parton
“I am my father's daughter. I have his eyes. I am the product of his sacrifice. I am the accumulation of the dreams of generations. And their stories live in me like holy water. I am my father's daughter.”
In this song, a daughter marvels at the legacy of her parents, and especially her father. She is proud of the traits she inherited from him.
Her father’s story lives on in her dreams and aspirations. She acknowledges that who she is now is a product of the sacrifices her father made.
26. Family Table, Zac Brown Band
“Ain’t too many things that could stand the test of time. But this family table’s held together by a love that never dies.”
One of the most nostalgic memories many families have is of all the members gathering around a huge table, sharing a meal and life stories.
A nine-foot pine dining table is the subject of this song. The family has gathered around it for their meals since “God knows when.”
The table is a place where so many memories were formed from generation to generation. It is a greatest witness to the love shared by the family who owns it.
27. Ordinary Days, JJ Heller
“Oh, the days are moving slowly. But the years go by so fast. Let me linger in these moments. Before they turn into the past. How I want to make them last. These ordinary days.”
What we may think are just ordinary days can turn out to be the most meaningful ones as time goes by. This song tells us to cherish these kinds of days, especially the ones we spend with the people we love.
28. Seven Minutes in Heaven, Reba McEntire
“If I had seven minutes in heaven, I'd spend them all with you.”
This song is about missing a family member or loved one who has passed away. The narrator wishes to see their loved one again, even for just a short while.
29. Growing Up, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Ed Sheeran
“They say girls shouldn't be tough and moms should raise their kids at home. But baby, I know that that isn't true. ‘Cause your momma's the toughest person I know. I wanna raise you to be like her and watch you show the world how to do it on your own.”
In this song, a father dispenses advice and life lessons to his child. He also challenges the stereotypes about men and women by emphasizing that the child’s mother is a strong person, wishing that their child will grow up to be like their mom.
The song is a wonderful example of how a father shows his love and support by helping his child navigate through life.
30. Family First, Whitney Houston, Cissy Houston, and Dione Warwick
“Don't you be ashamed of your family. Brought you into this earth and loved you since birth. Sometimes you may disagree and won't see eye to eye. Don't you run away. They'll be right by your side.”
This song encourages us to cherish our families of origin. Our family members may not be perfect, but they have shaped who we are now.
This song also reminds listeners that when a family is faced with challenges, it is important that members work together, support each other, and remain united in order to overcome those obstacles.
31. My Little Love, Adele
“My little love, tell me, do you feel the way my past aches? When you lay on me, can you hear the way my heart breaks? I wanted you to have everything I never had. I'm so sorry if what I've done makes you feel sad.”
This heart-wrenching song is about a woman’s struggle to be a good mother to her son. She does her best to take care of him, even when she’s struggling to not crumble from heartbreak, having just gone through a divorce from her son’s father.
32. Don't Blink, Kenny Chesney
“Don't blink. Just like that, you're six years old and you take a nap. And you wake up and you're 25 and your high school sweetheart becomes your wife. Don't blink. You just might miss your babies growing like mine did. Turning into moms and dads. Next thing you know your better half of 50 years is there in bed. And you're praying God take you instead. Trust me, friend, a hundred years goes faster than you think. So don't blink.”
If we aren’t mindful of our every action, and if we take for granted the presence of our family and loved ones in our lives, we miss out on a lot of things.
Time flies. This song reminds us of this fact, and encourages us to constantly live in the moment so that we can fully savor what’s happening in our lives before the people we care about are taken from us.
33. Remember When, Alan Jackson
“Remember when the sound of little feet was the music we danced to week to week. Brought back the love, we found trust. Vowed we'd never give it up. Remember when.”
In this melancholy song, a husband recalls all the wonderful memories he has shared with his wife. It is a reminder of the love they have for each other.
The song highlights the life shared by a husband and wife. They have gone through rough patches, but they were able to overcome them because of their love and their promise to ride it out together.
Part of the husband’s reminiscing is the sweet memory of when their children were little.
Final Thoughts on Songs About Family
There you have it—a collection of heartfelt songs about family. Hopefully, you’ve found some tracks to add to your playlist among the ones featured here.
There is no perfect family, but the important thing is to have people who you can call on as a source of strength, love, support, and acceptance when you need it.
If you are looking for more awesome song collections, you might want to check out the following posts:
- 35 Best Songs About Sons and the Parenting Relationship
- 51 Best Songs About Growing Up & Coming of Age
- 31 Best Gratitude & Thank You Songs
