Thank goodness for the power of good songs.
Over the past few months, I have had good, bad and ugly reasons to seek out songs that centre family. From setting up for a family BBQ to planning my beloved Aunt’s funeral, and numerous occasions in between, music is often at the centre of important family gatherings.
And this makes creating the right family playlist essential.
You know, a playlist with upbeat tunes that have Auntie putting down her cane and hitting the dance floor and uncles slamming the dominoes with a little extra bounce! Or songs that have the little cousins screaming along and the older ones laughing at the old folks (yes, at this point that is me…) dancing to the songs we usually clean the house to. Or perhaps you need a playlist with a precious song with heartfelt messages that celebrate and honour someone no longer with you.
The right playlist can bring all the feels and make you feel like celebrating family love everywhere and shape family moments beautifully.
Yes, even if that one cousin is there. You know who I’m talking about!
Family Anthems: The Best Songs to Celebrate Family
Admittedly these songs can be the soundtrack to life anytime. These are songs you want front and center at every Mother’s Day brunch, family reunion, graduation or whenever family members gather to watch the annual family slideshow. Or on that day you’re sinking into a well-deserved bubble bath, conquering the formidable Laundry Mountain, or finding your center during the daily commute, you’ll find what you need in these songs. Sing along in the car on that family road trip with your kids or let these songs play softly in the background while you enjoy a cozy family meal.
While some might make the perfect song to have wedding guests tearing up during those mother-son dances, others might be a sweet song that offers just the right sentimental lyrics for family celebrations or to help honour the memory of those our family is missing.
Whether you’re feeling nostalgic for that classic song that takes you back to your childhood, searching for an anthem that pumps you up and celebrates Black family love or simply need the best soundtrack for your Sunday, we’ve got you.
Whatever the reason, these songs make the perfect accompaniment to moments both mundane and monumental.
Feel Good Songs to Add to Your Playlist
Family BBQs, picnics and reunions remind us of the importance of family. The right song can shape and create the perfect backdrop to these moments. Whether surrounded by blood-related family or chosen family, these beautiful songs can make us feel like any day is the best day for family and add to the spirit of any celebration or gathering.
There is nothing better than good food and good music to create core memories!
Family Affair, Mary J. Blige
This is How We Do It, Montell Jordan
We are Family, Sister Sledge
All of the people around us, they say, “Can they be that close?”
Just let me state for the record; We’re giving love in a family dose.We are Family, Sister Sledge
Summertime, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
I’m Coming Out, Diana Ross
One Love, Bob Marley
Happy, Pharrell Williams
And as I think back, makes me wonder howThe smell from a grill could spark up nostalgiaAll the kids playing out frontLittle boys messin’ round with the girls playing double-dutchWhile the DJ’s spinning a tuneAs the old folks dance at your family reunion
Summertime, DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince
All Night Long, Lionel Richie
Blame it on the Boogie, The Jacksons
Celebration, Kool & The Gang
I see friends shaking handsSaying, “How do you do?”They’re really sayingI love you.
Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong
Pass the Dutchie, Musical Youth
Lovely Day, Bill Withers
There’s a party goin’ on right here
A celebration to last throughout the years
So bring your good times and your laughter too
We gonna celebrate your party with youCelebration, Kool & The Gang
Don’t Worry Be Happy, Bobby McFerrin
And things are a-changin’I pray to God that we can remain the sameAll I’m trying to say is our love don’t have to changeNo, it don’t have to change.
It Don’t have to Change, John Legend.
Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong
It Don’t have to Change, John Legend
The Best Songs Celebrate the Heart and Soul of Black Family
No matter the time or place, any day is the best day to replenish our reservoirs of unconditional family love.
I call these family songs, they can be the background music of your family video, the soundtrack to your celebrations and the best way to inspire that fuzzy feeling at a family event. When you work to keep family close , these songs make the perfect addition to a sentimental soundtrack. They celebrate and centre the irreplaceable role of family.
When the playlist is over and you’re still looking for a little pick me up, check out these Powerful Affirmations for Black Parents.
