The songs in our hearts about our moms
Those of us who were blessed with mothers whose love was unconditional and given generously don’t need a designated day to honor them. Some mothers journey with us in this life, while others walk with us in memory, but they are always with us.
Songs about moms abound. On this Mother’s Day weekend, we offer a small sampling of some of our favorites. We dedicate them to all mothers, including those who live on in spirit and to all women who have mothered children not their own.
Gilbert Garcia
“I’ll Always Love My Mama” by The Intruders (Official Soul Train Video):
It took two R&B songwriting teams (Gamble & Huff and Mcfadden & Whitehead) to pen this Philly soul classic, and it was worth every bit of effort. It carries all the sonic hallmarks of mid-’70s Philadelphia: driving beat, fluid groove, lush combination of strings and horns, group vocals and an aura of elegance and sophistication. It’s also an irresistibly sweet expression of appreciation for a mother who sacrificed to give her son a good life. Meant as a tribute from Kenny Gamble to his mother, Ruby, it’s universal and timeless.
“Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard (Remastered 2001):
This is an outlaw song with no bravado or defiance, only regret and guilt. It chronicles the reallife pain that Haggard caused his mother when he landed in San Quentin on a robbery conviction. It’s less an apology to his mom than a defense of her parenting, a proclamation that she shouldn’t be blamed for his errant ways. Even for those of us who never did time behind bars, it’s easy to relate to the feeling of letting down the people who love you the most. With this country anthem, Haggard shares that guilt with us.
Nancy M. Preyor-johnson “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men:
As a ’90s kid, I knew many Boyz II Men songs. “A Song for Mama,” one of many of the group’s No. 1 R&B singles, was written and produced by Babyface. The ode to mothers was the theme song to the 1997 movie “Soul Food.” What’s not to love about smooth harmonies, sweet lyrics and calling moms “the queen of my heart”?
“Las Mañanitas” by Vicente Fernandez (or any mariachi group):
I have a vivid memory of a serenata at my grandmother’s house on Mother’s Day. I’m a teenager and my abuela Lucia is standing in her front yard among her dew-covered roses. Her eyes are welling up as she softly sings along with the mariachis to “Las Mañanitas.”
Back then, I was a bit confused that the Mexican song traditionally played for women coaxing them to wake up on the pretty morning to hear about how much they are loved on their birthday was also performed on Mother’s Day.
Now it makes sense. Mother’s Day is a celebration of the birth of motherhood and the love of moms — and abuelas.
Melissa Murphy
“Mama Said” (A Cappella) by Huey Lewis & The News: Because I’m a longtime fan of Huey Lewis & The News, thanks to my dad, a friend recently reminded me of the group’s a cappella work and sent me this rendition of “Mama Said.” Just as the Shirelles soulfully remind us, “I don’t worry ’cause / Mama said there’ll be days like this.”
Cary Clack
“Sadie” by the Spinners: With the incredible Philippé Wynne singing lead and ad-libbing as only he could, this is a soulful tribute not only to mothers who live on in memory but mothers who are still with us creating memories.
“Dear Mama” by Tupac: While the details in this classic, which samples “Sadie,” are specific to Tupac Shakur’s life and relationship to his mother, Afeni, the theme of a mother’s sacrifices and unconditional love resonates with many of us. “Better Days” by Dianne Reeves: Mother’s Day is also a time to celebrate grandmothers and their calm assurance that no matter the difficulties in our lives, there will be better days. In this beautiful, soaring love song to her grandmother, Dianne Reeves will have you thinking of yours with the first two lines:
“Silver gray hair neatly combed in place.
There were four generations of love on her face.”
“Tell You Something (Nana’s Reprise)” by Alicia Keys: In this moving and emotional ballad about the grandmother who helped raise her and whom she cared for in her last days, Alicia Keys reminds us of the importance of giving people their flowers before they leave us.