17 Best Country Songs About Parents

11. “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle“ by Glen Campbell and Steve Wariner

Song Year: 1993

Another song about how children can always depend on their mothers for love and support, this tune is a tribute to all moms. The lyrics talk about how there should be a hall of fame for all the wonderful and dedicated mothers of the world who raise their children to be kind and caring, but never seem to get the recognition they deserve.

12. “I Called Mama” by Tim McGraw

Song Year: 2020

This simple and repetitive country song tells a quick story about the narrator receiving bad news, presumably about someone dying, and after reflecting for a while, he gives his mom a call. He realizes how much he loves her and how she’s always been his rock, so he vows to himself that he’ll call her more often just to tell her he loves her.

13. “He Didn’t Have To Be” by Brad Paisley

Song Year: 1999

This emotional song is a little different than the others on the list. In the lyrics, Brad Paisley sings about the man who raised him, his stepfather. He says he wishes he could be half the man and wonderful father that his stepdad was to him, highlighting how amazing and impactful a kind and caring stepparent can be, which often goes unacknowledged in music and life.

14. “Coal Miner’s Daughter” by Loretta Lynn

Song Year: 1971

Loretta Lynn has a tough childhood in poverty, but in this song, she sings about how while there may have been a lack of money in their household, there was an excess of love. Both her father and mother worked hard to ensure all eight children had everything they needed and loved them more than anything. Loretta sings about how she’s proud of where she came from and, thanks to her parents, wouldn’t wish for any other childhood.

15. “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s” by Tim McGraw ft. Faith Hill

Song Year: 2014

This powerful song is about how material things mean nothing when you think about how important family is. The narrator starts the song singing about how he has a truck he can’t afford and how life moves so fast that sometimes he feels like he can’t keep up. But when he goes back home and his mom opens the door and welcomes him, he feels safe and warm. He realizes that’s the life he wants and decides to leave the big city to be close to his mother.

16. “Daddy Was an Old Time Preacher Man” by Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner

Song Year: 1970

As the title implies, this song is about the narrator’s father who was a preacher. In the song, the narrator praises their father for being such a respectable and generous man, preaching the word of God and teaching people to be kind, but never asking for anything in return. Even when things for rough, everything always seemed to work out because their father believed they would.

17. “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton

Song Year: 1971

Another lovely Dolly Parton song, this tune is about her mother who always looked out for her and poured love into her. Growing up, their family didn’t have a lot of money, but her mom was thrifty and resourceful, always using what they had to ensure her daughter had everything she needed, like a coat made from rags. Her mother would tell stories and teach her to be proud of where she comes from, and always made Dolly feel rich even though they were poor.

Top Country Songs About Parents, Final Thoughts

Children often don’t appreciate all their parents do for them, which is normal. But when you get older and reflect on your life, you often realize how your parents sacrificed so much so you could have everything. In all of these country songs about parents, the artists talk about how much they admire and appreciate their parents and are endlessly grateful for having them, even if they don’t show it all the time.