Sunday, May 8th is Mother’s Day – the day when we celebrate the woman who sent us out kicking and screaming into the world. I myself have a wonderful mother, whose wisdom is matched only by the patience she has demonstrated at my reluctance to learn from it. While my mother is the “conventional” type – meaning she gave birth to me, moms are not a “one size fits all” kind of person. Some moms are grandmothers, some are sisters, and some are aunts. Some are “step,” some are adoptive – and some are even dads. But regardless of the type of mom you have – or the type of mom you are – today is a day for the rest of us to say thank you. 

So in honor of this most specialist of days, I’ve compiled a list of the five best songs for mom… 

5. Mama Tried – Merle Haggard: Okay, so this song is probably a bit of an exaggeration. Not many of you out there turned 21 while doing life in prison. But the sentiment still resonates. Much like the one Merle is singing about, Mamas’ everywhere – at least from time to time – have felt like they were trying to raise us right, but we refused to cooperate. But that leaves only us to blame, cause Mama tried… 

4. A Song For Mama – Boyz II Men: For a lot of us who came of age in the 1990’s, we’re incapable of experiencing any emotion without hearing a Boyz II Men song in our heads. So when it comes to how we feel about mom, there is perhaps no sound more appropriate than that smooth motown-Philly melody. We all know it just wouldn’t feel right without her by our side. 

“Mother is the name for God on the lips and hearts of little children,” – Garth Brooks

3. Mom – Garth Brooks: William Makepeace Thackery may have been the first one who said “Mother is the name for God on the lips and hearts of little children,” but Garth Brooks said it better. This song is so ridiculously sweet that simply hearing it is enough to make sugar fall out of your ears. But if you do hear it, try not to cry. Anytime you hurt, your mom’s heart is gonna break. 

There were a lot of things that Mama told us when we were young. Unfortunately, most of us didn’t listen closely…

2. Little On Up – Nils Lofgren: This is one for those moms who may also be grandmas or sisters or aunts or dads. Whatever it was that brought them into your life, they knew someone had to feed and love you. They were overwhelmed, but they did it face to face – and somehow they found enough. 

1. Simple Man – Lynyrd Skynyrd: There were a lot of things that Mama told us when we were young. Unfortunately, most of us didn’t listen closely to what she said until we were older. But eventually, we found ourselves. And that’s good because all Mama ever wanted for us was to be satisfied.

And lastly, I leave you with these words from a woman who was an amazing mother in her own right. To all the moms out there of every type, and every situation, Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for being you… 

“Mother, I have learned enough now 
To know I have learned nearly nothing.
On this day
When mothers are being honored,
Let me thank you
That my selfishness, ignorance, and mockery
Did not bring you to
Discard me like a broken doll
Which had lost its favor.
I thank you that
You still find something in me
To cherish, to admire and to love.”
Maya Angelou