Songs for the Mother-Son Dance

Each week, we feature wedding music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from DJ Tracktion, a standout Long Island DJ. He describes his style as "uniquely balanced” – always striking the right mix of hot, new music with crowd favorites. Also a trained audio engineer, DJ Tracktion is a rare blend of creative inspiration and technical perfection. Weddings allow Tracktion to spin with a signature style that guests of all ages enjoy. "I love the mix of people with all different ages and backgrounds that come together to celebrate a special moment in a couple's journey. It's a great honor to help to make it one of the most memorable days of their lives.”

mother son dance
Photo Credit: Dianna Hart Photography

The mother-son dance is one of the sweetest moments at any wedding. It’s filled with love, joy, pride, and a hint of the bittersweet as a mother witnesses her son become a husband. There are so many lovely songs to express this special moment; picking one that is unique to your mother-son bond will make this memory unforgettable. Here are a few suggestions that span the classics, a few under-the-radar choices, and and one or two songs with a fun twist. Have fun selecting the right song, and make your mom proud!

For Soulful Mamas

"A Song For Mama" - Boyz II Men  
A bit of a tear jerker, but this 90’s hit is a classic for the groom who is still a proud mama’s boy.

"God Bless The Child" – the original Billie Holiday version or Tony Bennett’s version
A classic, plain and simple. Both Billie and Tony do it justice; pick the artist your mom likes more.

"My Mother's Eyes" - Etta Jones
A jazzy and sweet song for a slower mother-son dance.

"To Zion" – Lauryn Hill
A great choice for a modern mom with a big heart.

For Country Mamas

"I Hope You Dance" - Lee Ann Womack
A new country classic that hits a sentimental yet joyful note.

"Coat of Many Colors" – Dolly Parton
A whimsical but touching country classic that your mom probably already knows and loves.

"My Wish" – Rascal Flatts
A modern country hit with a great melody and a positive message.

For Sentimental Moms

"Beautiful Boy" – John Lennon
A great tribute to a loving son.

"In My Life" –  originally performed by The Beatles
The quintessential song about the bond between parent and child.

"I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song" – Jim Croce
A simple song with big meaning for this special moment.

"Teach Your Children" – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
A great choice for moms who remember (and love) the music of the 60’s and 70’s.

"What a Wonderful World" - Louis Armstrong
This is the classic mother-son dance song. It’s not "fresh," but it never gets old.

For Moms with a Humorous Side

"Take Your Mama" – Scissor Sisters
A really upbeat and fresh song for a lighthearted dance that guests will love to watch.

"Mama Tried" - Merle Haggard
A great track for the formerly rebellious groom who wants to tease his mom a little bit.

"Your Mama Don't Dance" - Loggins & Messina
A humorous twist on the occasion with a song everyone knows and loves.

For the Rocker Mom

"Sweet Child O' Mine" - Guns N' Roses
A fun song for an upbeat mother-son dance.

"Simple Man" – Lynyrd Skynyrd
A slower rock song that’s a mom tribute.