Recently I found myself at my girlfriend’s place. I was picking her up to head out for a birthday lunch to celebrate another friend.
But as I stepped into her home, chaos greeted me in the form of her 2- and 5-year-old kids, being as toddlery as ever. This wasn’t some sentimental “mother’s day” card moment—this was straight-up sprinting, screaming, and snack-demanding mayhem. It reminded me of the days when my own kids were tiny and living room wrestling matches were part of the daily routine.
It was almost like they sensed their mother’s impending departure and decided to do everything in their tiny power to thwart it.
My girlfriend, however, was having none of it. With quiet determination, she packed her purse, blew kisses over the baby gate, and made her way to the front door like a woman who had already earned her glass of wine and then some.
Her husband, bless him, held the line. But then the 5-year-old launched herself over the baby gate in a move that deserved Olympic commentary. She clung to her mom’s leg with a giggle and said, “You’re not going anywhere!”
But her mother looked into her daughter’s eyes as she pried those little fingers off her boot, zipped it up, and walked out the door like a legend.
As we stepped outside, she paused and took a breath. “Every day I wake up as a toddler parent,” she said, “I genuinely wonder how I’m not an alcoholic.”
I laughed. “Because hangover or not, these kids still wake up at 6 a.m.”
Sometimes moms need reminding of why exactly we Mom
Motherhood is this beautiful, chaotic mix of joy, fatigue, growth, guilt, grace, and snacks. So many snacks. Whether you’re wrangling a toddler, navigating teen moods, or remembering your late mother, there are moments we all need a boost. There is no wonder we need our own spaces for Black Moms Connection and celebration.
But that is also where motherhood’s greatest anthems come in.
These songs about being a mom are like musical high-fives. They’re the best Mother’s Day songs to play at brunch, sure—but they’re also for those moments when your child has asked for a snack for the 14th time, and you need a reminder of your own power.
These tracks celebrate all the moms and all the versions of mothering: birth mom, stepmom, grandmother, auntie, godmother, chosen family, and the ones who mother without ever having children. They honour the legacy of a mother’s love and the real work of showing up daily with unconditional love, even when you’re running on fumes.
They celebrate strong women in our lives and remind us to cherish them. They are just right when you need the perfect song to add to the soundtrack of your Mother’s Day brunch, mom’s birthday celebration or whenever family members gather to honour their matriarch.
Have a listen to these songs any day when you need to remember that they are somebody’s hero, even if that somebody just threw a shoe at you.
These aren’t just sentimental songs. These are the songs that bring tears, feel alive in the tough times, and make you dance with your kids in the kitchen. They remind us why we do this—even on days when it feels impossible.
These tracks are here to celebrate, uplift, and help us all feel seen.
Uplifting anthems remind Moms that we are somebody’s hero
Some songs speak directly to the life and truth of Black motherhood. They reflect our tenderness and our toughness. They honour the stories of our ancestors and the strength we carry into every day.
These make the perfect Mother’s Day soundtrack for sure. They’re also for days when you’re overwhelmed and undercaffeinated. For the days you need a good cry or a little musical high-five.
Have a listen to these songs any day when you need to remember that they are somebody’s hero, even if that somebody just threw a shoe at you.
These are the soundtracks to our survival. The quiet courage of a mom who keeps going. The loud music for the mom who gets her groove back.
Let the music play, and let these a sweet song speak life into you.
Essential Mother’s Day is any day Songs to Add to Your Playlist
Dear Mama, by Tupac Shakur
A timeless tribute to a single mother, Tupac’s classic captures everything from sacrifice to survival. If you’ve never had this one bring tears, you haven’t listened.
There are no words that can express how I feel. You never kept a secret, always stayed real. And I appreciate how you raised me. And all the extra love that you gave me.
Dear Mama, Tupac Shakur
Protector, by Beyoncé & Rumi Carter
It’s rare for a song to feel this sacred. It’s the quiet promise every mother makes to her child—to protect, love, and release them when the time comes. One of the newest and most powerful Mother’s Day songs for our time.
Even though I know someday you’re gonna shine on your own. I will be your projector… And even though I know someday you’re gonna shine on your own. I will be your protector, born to be your protector.
Protector, Beyoncé & Rumi Carter
Superwoman, by Alicia Keys
For the mom who’s exhausted but still shows up. For the mother who does everything and more. This is your anthem.
For all the mothers fighting for better days to come. And all my women, all my women sitting here trying to come home before the sun. And all my sisters coming together. Say yes I will. Yes I can. ‘Cause I am a Superwoman.
Superwoman, Alicia Keys
Mother, by Ashanti
This one speaks to that deep-rooted connection many of us have with our mothers, especially when we become moms ourselves. It’s pure love—and honours the bond whether your mother is here or a late mother whose presence you still feel every day.
You taught me strength and you gave me guidance Whenever faith was lost, you were there to find it. And all because a mother’s love is unconditional
Mother, Ashanti
Hey Mama, by Kanye West
No matter your thoughts on Ye, this song is a heartfelt shoutout to his mom, and it’s packed with gratitude. A solid reminder of how deeply mothers matter.
You work late nights just to keep on the lightsMommy got me training wheels so I could keep on my bikeAnd you would give me anything in this world
Hey Mama, Kanye West
Woman Like Me, Chaka Khan
This one is for every special woman who has helped raise and love us. Whether you were raised by your mom, your grandmother, or a whole village of Aunties who mothered in their own way, this song honours a role rooted in unconditional love, sacrifice, and deep, generational strength.
She is your sisterShe is your mother, your daughter, your girlBetter rememberIt was a woman who brought you in this world
Woman Like Me, Chaka Khan
It Don’t Have to Change, by John Legend
Celebrating family and legacy, this song is a reminder that while life shifts, love stays. Perfect for any special day, especially if you’re missing someone.
Times is hard, 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
Songs that Celebrate the Bonds with our Daughters
There is no better way to celebrate the special bond we share with our daughters than through the power of music. These songs are like a magical mixtape of emotions, blending empowering lyrics with heartstring-tugging melodies. They capture the essence of this unique relationship in all its beauty and complexity. From that classic song we love that inspires us to dance out our joy to R&B songs that tug at our heartstrings as we look into our daughter’s eyes, these songs have it all.
So, get ready to turn up the volume and let the music speak to the unbreakable bond with our daughters.
My girl, The Temptations
A cheerful ode to your daughter—this one requires that you dance in the living room.
I’ve got so much honey, the bees envy me. I’ve got a sweeter song, than the birds in the trees. Well, I guess you’d say – What can make me feel this way? My girl…
My Girl, The Temptations
Isn’t She Lovely, Stevie Wonder
Perfect for dads singing to daughters or mamas soaking in the sweetness of a new baby. This song is a whole mood—full of joy, life, and unconditional love.
I can’t believe what God has done. Through us, he’s given life to one. But isn’t she lovely, made from love.
Isn’t She Lovely, Stevie Wonder
Songs that Celebrate the Joy of Raising Black Sons
Ever found yourself listening to a song and secretly wishing you could raise a “mama’s boy” just like the one in the lyrics? You’re not alone! These emotional lyrics of these tributes, have us all yearning for that special bond with our sons.
These songs make the best Mother’s Day songs. They are just right to have wedding guests tearing up during that mother-son dances. Or, you can just play them when family comes together. So, whether you’re raising a son or are a son who wants to show some love to those who raised you, get ready to be moved by the heartwarming melodies and meaningful lyrics of these songs.
A song for mama, by Boyz II Men
You knew this was coming. This classic song from the Soul Food Movie Soundtrack (another of my fave Iconic 90s Movies!) will forever be one of the best Mother’s Day songs, but it also works year-round. “Your love is like tears from the stars…” I mean. It doesn’t get more poetic than that.
Mama, you’re the queen of my heart. Your love is like tears from the stars… Mama, I just want you to know, lovin’ you is like food to my soul.
A Song for Mama, Boyz II Men
To Zion, by Lauryn Hill
The sweetest devotion to her son, Zion. This song holds every ounce of fear, love, and awe in becoming a mom. It’s every mother’s prayer. It’s powerful. It’s perfect for any Mother’s Day or just a Tuesday when you need reminding that this life is worth it.
I’ve never been in love like this before. Now let me pray to keep you from the perils that will surely come, see life for you, my prince has just begun. And I thank you for choosing me, to come through unto life to be. A beautiful reflection of his grace.
To Zion, Lauryn Hill
Look What You’ve Done, by Drake
This one hits differently when you’re grown or you have grown kids… It’s reflective, emotional, and beautifully honours the women who raised us—mothers, aunties, and grandmothers alike.
Look what You’ve done in me. You spoke your truth into the lies I let my heart believe.
Look What You’ve Done, Drake
Black Mom’s Anthems: Songs That Celebrate the Heart and Soul of Motherhood
From the chaotic yet beautiful scene at my girlfriend’s house to my own journey Surviving Teenageria, I can’t help but marvel at the resilience of mothers everywhere. We deserve to celebrate our love, strength, and unwavering dedication.
Whether you’re chasing toddlers, parenting teens, or navigating life without your mother or choosing to celebrate her on Mother’s day or otherwise – music has a way of meeting you where you are.
These songs are more than background noise—they’re reminders that what we do as moms matters.
No matter the time or place, any day is the best day to replenish our reservoirs of unconditional love. From ballads like A Song for Mama, to musical masterpieces like Zion by Lauryn Hill and the lyrical prowess of Tupac Shakur, these anthems uniquely and powerfully uplift us mothers.
So the next time you’re bone tired, deep in your feels, or just need to feel alive again, throw on this playlist. These tracks are love letters. They’re legacy. They’re loud, quiet, joyful, sacred moments of truth.
Because being a mom is wild—and you deserve an anthem (or 20) to go with it.
And whether you are a mother, grandmother, auntie – or any other mother figure – when the playlist is over and you’re still looking for a little pick me up, check out these 15 Powerful Positive Affirmations for Black Parents.
