The root of country music has always been family; so much so that mamas tend to get their own songs and why shouldn’t they? They are the backbone of our lives and sometimes, our careers, and for that we put together a list of songs for all the mamas out there, whether your type of country is cowboy hats or skinny jeans. Even though Mother’s Day has passed, we believe that a mama’s job is unlike any other and for that, they are worth celebrating all year long! So here’s a special shout out for all you do . . . from packing lunches to driving to soccer games and dance classes. . . to helping us raise our own babies! Thank you for the love, support, compassion, understanding, and patience you show on a daily basis!
Traditional:
- “Mama Tried” – Merle Haggard (1968)
One of the most memorable songs of his career, Mama Tried tells the story of a son causing his mama pain and suffering during incarceration. Based on Haggard’s own prison time in 1957, Mama Tried went on to be covered by a slew of artists including The Grateful Dead, The Everly Brothers, Reba, and on many occasions, Haggard himself turned it into a duet with his country friends. The 1968 hit received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999.
- “Coat of Many Colors” – Dolly Parton (1971)
Said to be her favorite song she’s ever written, Parton wrote it on one of Porter Wagoner’s dry cleaning receipts while on tour. Coat of Many Colors tells the story of how her mother stitched together a coat made out of rags while educating a young dreamer on the Bible story of Joseph and his Coat. It landed on Parton’s 1976 debut album and was turned into a children’s book twenty years later. In 2015, the song doubled as movie title, focusing on the childhood of Parton growing up in East Tennessee with dreams to be a music star. Jennifer Nettles received critical acclaim for her performance as Dolly’s mother.
- “Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” – Waylon Jennings/Willie Nelson (1976)
Although most probably assume this was a penned Waylon and Willie song, it was actually written by a married couple by the name of Ed and Patsy Bruce. Bruce’s version went to #15 on the country charts two years before Waylon and Willie released it in 1978. After garnering the top spot for four weeks, the song went on to win the 1979 Grammy for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. And it now has a whole new generation of fans as the title song for the Netflix show, “The Ranch.”
- “Mama He’s Crazy”- The Judds (1984)
The first of 14 #1s for the most famous mother/daughter country duo of all time, “Mama He’s Crazy” describes a daughter confiding in her mother the love she’s found. Naomi and Wynonna collected five Grammys and eight CMAs during their career, which peaked in the 80s and came to a halt in 1991 when Naomi was diagnosed with Hepatitis C. Hurricane Wy went on to have a successful track of her own, currently with her band The Big Noise. Naomi is on book tour with her #1 bestseller River of Time. Wy just recently presented Naoimi with the Vision of Hope Award during NAMI Tenneessee’s Vision of Hope Gala.
- “Mama Knows” – Shenandoah (1988)
Stemming from the album The Road Not Taken, Alabama boys Marty, Mike, and the crew took “Mama Knows” to #5 on Billboard in 1988. Known for their humble, family rooted songs, Shenandoah’s current single, “That’s Where I Grew Up” is almost like the continuation of Mama Knows. Oh and did we mention, it’s on their new album, Reloaded?! Shenandoah’s first album out in 20 years also features live renditions of classics like “Two Dozen Roses” and “Church on Cumberland Road.”
90s-early 2000s
- “Mama Don’t Forget to Pray For Me” – Diamond Rio (1991)
Unforgettable harmonies and inspirational messages have always served as the backbone for Diamond Rio’s long running career. Together since the late 80s, it’s safe to say this song was instrumental in jumpstarting a career that comes complete with CMAs, ACMS, and even a Grammy. In fact, “Meet in the Middle” is one of the most covered songs ever—questioning it? Attend any 90s cover night or go walk down Broadway in Nashville and you’ll see what we mean!
- “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye” – Patty Loveless (1993)
“. . . .it’s okay to hurt and it’s okay to cry. Come let me hold you and I will try. How can I help you say goodbye. . . “ Every single verse of this song focuses on a different situation between parent and child, the last being the true tearjerker. And who better to sing it than Patty Loveless? The Grammys sure thought so when they nominated Loveless for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1995. A member of the Opry since 1988, Loveless’ other hits include Chains, You Can Feel Bad, and Blame It On Your Heart.
- “You Can’t Lose Me”- Faith Hill (1996)
Anyone who grew up in the 90s when country music channels actually played country music videos will remember this one for sure. A short haired and confident Faith Hill possessed stardom even then, wearing all white and celebrating girl power on the beach with females of all ages and backgrounds. Hill’s sophomore album, It Matters to Me, went on to produce other big hits, including Lets Go To Vegas and Someone Else’s Dream. Hill is the mother of three girls with husband Tim McGraw.
- “I’ll Be” – Reba McEntire (2000)
No stranger to the role of mom hood, step mom hood, and mom in law hood, McEntire’s songs and videos have frequently spoken to the women who balance diapers with board meetings. Hits like “Is There Life Out There” and “What Do You Say” have given females a voice, an appreciation, and empowerment that goes beyond lyrics and melody. No wonder McEntire is one of the most respected artists and entrepenuers this industry has ever seen, running an empire that spans books, makeup, TV shows, Broadway, and a clothing line. And if you didn’t catch her magnificent job as host of the ACMS a few weeks ago, well. . . we’re not sure what you’re doing with your life.
- “Baby Girl”- Sugarland (2003)
It’s hard to believe 15 years have passed since Sugarland burst onto the scene with their debut single, which coincidentally was the highest peaking debut single for a country music group in 14 years at the time. Included on their 2004 album, Twice the Speed of Life (when Sugarland was still a trio), this song is the quintessential dreamer’s song about leaving the comforts of home to pursue your calling. And if you’re a musician or creative of any format, you understand this more than most. Jen and Kristian are still dreaming today, BIGGER and better than ever! (keep reading our list!)
- “In My Daughter’s Eyes” – Martina McBride (2003)
A proud uncle, James Slater originally wrote this for his brother and niece, but lucky for them all, it found its way into Martina McBride’s hands and heart. The Nashville String Machine accompanies the powerhouse songstress for this soft but timeless ballad about seeing life in a whole new way. McBride would know, as she has three beautiful girls of her own, with husband and producer, John McBride.
“And when she wraps her hand around my finger, how it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer, I realize what life is all about”
- “She’s Somebody’s Hero” – Jamie O Neal (2005)
Five years after leaving her mark with “There Is No Arizona”, Jamie O Neal wanted to write a song for her little girl. She’s Somebody’s Hero turned into touching tribute to all the women in O’ Neal’s life. O Neal’s little girl is now a teenager with a killer voice and stand out songwriting skills of her own with dreams of following in her mama’s footsteps! Good thing O’ Neal is right by her side, serving as coach and producer in addition to mama.
Current
- “Mama’s Song” – Carrie Underwood (2010)
Success struck twice for writers Kara DioGuardi, Marti Frederiksen, and Luke Laird who also had a mega hit for Carrie with “Undo It” the year before “Mama’s Song.” Underwood’s touching video features her real life mother Carole and her husband Mike Fisher. Just have the tissues ready, especially if you play this on your wedding day for your mom!
- “Mom’s Song” – Garth Brooks (2014)
Garth brought Ellen to tears when he sang it on her show and it’s no wonder. With lyrics like
“A loving angel tender tough and strong. Come on child, it’s time to meet your mom”, this song takes on a baby’s point of view not wanting to leave the comforts of the womb. But God assures the baby that He has other plans and they are much better thanks to the mom God picked out. And if anybody can pull of an emotional subject matter like that, it’s the G-man.
- “So I Sang” – Darius Rucker (2015)
Rucker’s Southern Style album references his South Carolina upbringing but “So I Sang” may be on a whole other level all together. Even though it has never been released as a full single, the song is all about the power of music, especially in the 3rd verse, when it becomes a form of expression at a mama’s funeral. Songwriter Tim James (Love Like Crazy) actually wrote it for his dad who passed in 2010. Rivers Rutherford helped James during one of their regular writing appointments and after watching other big artists pass on it for over a year, Rucker heard it and immediately thought of his mom, who died of a heart attack when he was 26. Rucker is currently gearing up for his 9th annual Darius Rucker and Friends benefit as part of CMA Fest as well as a summer tour with Lady A.
- “Letting You Go” – Sara Evans (2017)
No parent really wants to be an empty nester and Sara Evans is no exception. Featured on her most recent album, Words, “Letting You Go” was written by Sara for her oldest child who is graduating high school this month. Sara, who first stole hearts in 1998 with “No Place That Far” , just wrapped up CMT’s 4th annual Next Women of Country Tour with Kalie Shorr and Raelynn.
- “Mother” – Sugarland (2018)
Released specifically on Mother’s Day, Mother was written from the perspective of celebrating all mothers, especially those who have left us. Kristian Bush channeled his mother especially, whom he lost before she could see the success of Sugarland. When Jennifer Nettles isn’t with her little boy Maddox, she’s busy prepping for a highly anticipated “Still the Same” Sugarland tour, kicking off May 25. Bush and Nettles’ forthcoming new project, Bigger, is due out June 8 and is the first in nearly 6 years from the famous duo! We don’t know about you but we can’t wait!
Ones to Watch Out For
- “God Sent a Woman” – Benton Blount (2012)
As an independent artist, Carolina country rocker Benton Blount has always done things his way. And as a 2015 finalist in America’s Got Talent, Benton’s music reached a whole new legion of fans. But one fan he’s always had—his mama! Benton, usually known for his edgy and bluntly honest lyrics and melody, reveals his softer side with his song, God Sent a Woman about a man showing gratitude and understanding towards his single mother. Benton can always be found communicating with fans via his socials, when his adorable kids haven’t stolen the spotlight of course!
- “Hey Mama” – Terra Bella (2014)
“Hey Mama. Calling you from Nashville, Tennessee . . . “
If those opening lyrics don’t set the scene and leave a mark with every musician and dreamer in Nashville, we don’t know what else will do it. For married couple Joe and Martina Costa of the duo Terra Bella, leaving the land of Central California didn’t always come easy. Because sometimes, when you’re out on the road as a struggling artist (and even if you’re not struggling). . . you just miss your mama. Featured on their 2016 EP, Road to Forever, the song sets well with industry reps and fans alike, especially at a live show, where Martina has face timed her mama during the performance in the past. Their just released album, There’s a Country Song, was co produced by Garth Brooks’ guitarist, Johnny Garcia.
- “Wash Day” – Landon Wall (2017)
In 2014, a 12 year old Landon Wall garnered the attention of Nashville (and the world) during a Bluebird Café performance. What started out as a response to Kelsea Ballerini’s “Peter Pan” from Pan’s perspective turned into a surprise visit and duet from KB herself. Landon has since honed his craft, playing shows around town and writing, in particular, songs with his dad about his mom.
“I had never seen someone so exited about a washing machine and couldn’t help but pick on her a little bit until my dad explained why she was so excited. . .then we sat down and wrote this song. . .”
And there you have it! Landon’s new single, “Wheels”, comes out this summer!
- “God Made One Of Those” – The Springs (2018)
Also just released for Mother’s Day last week, “God Made One Of Those” pulls in the magical harmonies of husband/wife duo, Holly and Stewart Halcomb, aka The Springs. With lyrics like “She’s the Queen who carried you into this world” the ballad defines the strength and faith it really takes to be a parent. The couple, who got engaged at the Bluebird in 2013 after having met there two years prior, released an EP in 2014 called Dance With Me which debuted #42 on the Billboard Country Album Sales Chart.
- “Mom and Daddy’s Money” – Adam Doleac (2018)
If you haven’t heard of Adam Doleac, you will. His self titled 2017 EP (in which he wrote all 6 tracks by the way) includes his breakthrough single, “Whiskey’s Fine”, which makes sense considering he started out as a songwriter with a publishing deal thru Sony/ATV. So far, the last year has included a spot on Sirus XM The Highway Finds Tour, Texas Roadhouse’s “Artist of the Month” for February, a Stagecoach run in April, and now a new song dedicated to his parents. The lyric video even features his own childhood home movies and helped him get selected as part of the CMT Artist Discovery Program. You can catch Adam performing during CMA Fest!