65 Best Songs About Sisters & Sisterhood

While songs about friendship go a long way to describing the special bonds you make with close friends, there is something particularly unique about calling someone your sister, even if not blood-related.

So, whether the word “sister” is present in the title or the concept is about sisterhood, let’s explore some of the best songs about sisters!

“Older Sister” by Carly Simon

Song Year: 1974

Carly Simon released this classic song in 1974 on her album Hotcakes. The music has a funky groove to the rhythm, and her out-of-the-ordinary vocals sing of a younger sister reflecting on her older sister's behavior, especially the behaviors that the singer cannot do as the younger sister.

“This One’s for the Girls” by Martina McBride

Song Year: 2003

“This One’s for the Girls,” from Martina McBride’s 2003 album Martina, is a fun country song about the experience of sisterhood as teenagers. The lyrics are a mix of celebration and admiration for the unique experience of young girls growing up, and McBride’s powerful singing contributes to the element of female strength.

“Sister Oh Sister” by Rosanne Cash

Song Year: 2012

The 2012 album KIN: Songs By Mary Karr & Rodney Crowell features many top artists, including Norah Jones and Lucinda Williams. But the song “Sister Oh Sister,” sung by Rosanne Cash, speaks to the sisters' unique bond, and you should strongly consider adding this as a relaxing addition to your best songs about sisterhood playlist!

“Most Girls” by Hailee Steinfeld

Song Year: 2017

“Most Girls” by Hailee Steinfeld is a catchy and deceivingly clever song about female empowerment, taking the sisterhood concept to its most inclusive place. The lyrics are about the diverse experiences amongst girls, and it owed much of its success to the label Republic featuring it on their adult contemporary stations.

“Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys

Song Year: 2012

Alicia Keys’ song “Girl on Fire,” from her 2012 album of the same name, likely needs no introduction. After first performing the piece at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards—a slightly altered version of the song featuring Nicki Minaj—Keys received nearly universal praise for the song, which features sounds from London and Jamaica that inspired her.

“Dance Little Sister” by The Rolling Stones

Song Year: 1974

The Rolling Stones released the song “Dance Little Sister” in 1974 on their album, It's Only Rock ‘n Roll. The music drives a steady rock and roll rhythm with guitar riffs leading the way, a sound any fan of The Rolling Stones will immediately recognize. The lyrics are not about a literal little sister but are about being out to party and asking women to dance.

“I’ll Keep You Safe” by Sleeping at Last

Song Year: 2014

Coming from Sleeping at Last’s 2014 album Atlas: Year One, “I’ll Keep You Safe” may not necessarily be about sisters. But it can serve as a great message from one sister to another in times of hardships. This song is for sisters who support and want to keep each other safe in a world filled with darkness.

“Sister Golden Hair” by America

Song Year: 1975

If you do not know this song by the title, you will probably immediately recognize it from the opening guitar riff. Released in 1975 on the album Hearts, this America song by Gerry Beckley reached the number one spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics tell the story of tension between a friendship versus a romantic relationship.

“Sister Christian” by Night Ranger

Song Year: 1983

The rock band Night Ranger released this ballad in 1983 on the album Midnight Madness, a song that their drummer wrote for his sister. Even if you are not a fan of the band, you might recognize the sound because of its usage in many films, most notably the 1997 comedy-drama Boogie Nights.

“Spice Up Your Life” by The Spice Girls

Song Year: 1997

This upbeat song, featured on their second album Spiceworld in 1997, is something almost anyone who grew up during the 1990s will recognize. The lyrics are all about girls choosing to have fun instead of being sad, and the Latin-inspired rhythms and driving tempo make it an easy song to dance to with your fellow sisters!

“Dear Sister” by The Pretty Reckless

Song Year: 2014

Released in 2014 on the album Going to Hell, this track by The Pretty Reckless is one of the shortest in this collection of songs about sisters. The music has a sad and dark texture, and the lyrics involve a lonely woman reaching out to her sister for help.

“Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper

Song Year: 1983

Does this classic Cyndi Lauper track even need an introduction? Featured on her 1983 album She's So Unusual, this song captures the concept of sisterhood in the most zoomed-out way. While the song was written and recorded years early by Robert Hazard, this Lauper version earned its recognition for being a celebration of feminism.

“My Sister Rose” by 10,000 Maniacs

Song Year: 1987

10,000 Maniacs released “My Sister Rose” in 1987 on their album In My Tribe. The positive texture of the music and upbeat rhythms give the impression of a celebratory song about weddings. But if you listen to the lyrics carefully, you begin to hear a message of criticizing some of the traditions around marriage and women’s expectations.

“Oh, Sister” by Bob Dylan

Song Year: 1976

This track, released on the 1976 album Desire, opens with a lamenting violin solo that prepares the sad and reflective meaning of the song. With blending harmonies between Dylan and his co-singer, the lyrics reflect on the role of sisters towards brothers, especially in times of trouble.

“Sister” by Angel Olsen

Song Year: 2016

Angel Olsen released the track “Sister” in 2016 on the album My Woman, and the musical texture and airy singing produce a sad and reflective mood. While the lyrics seem to be a literal description of meeting one’s sister, a deeper reading also suggests that she might also be in dialogue with her inner self, her inner “sister.”

“Sisters of the Moon” by Fleetwood Mac

Song Year: 1979

Fleetwood Mac, with its main singer Stevie Nicks, released their album Tusk in 1979, with “Sisters of the Moon” being the fourth single from the album. It ended up peaking at the number 86 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, and the relaxed jam sound of the background music is the main feature. The lyrics wander and do not seem to be about anyone in particular.

“Two Sisters” by The Kinks

Song Year: 1967

“Two Sisters” is a track written by Ray davies for the 1967 Kinks album Something Else. The lyrics center around comparing two sisters and the different paths they take in life. A standout feature of the song is the unique usage of the harpsichord.

“Sister Moon” by Sting

Song Year: 1987

Released on the 1987 album Nothing Like the Sun, this Sting song is about reflecting on the beauty of the moon and comparing it to the eyes of a beautiful woman. Supposedly inspired by a Shakespeare line, Sting creates a dream-like musical texture that resembles someone quietly walking alone at night.

“You Are My Sister” by Antony and the Johnsons

Song Year: 2005

Antony and the Johnsons released their second album, I Am a Bird Now, in 2005, and the track “You Are My Sister” highlights the sound of singer Boy George’s unique voice. The Alternative/Indie genre is owed to the unique sound that this band produces, and this song about the love of a sister is no exception.

“When We Grow Up” by Diana Ross

Song Year: 1973

This classic Diana Ross song, released in 1973 on the album Touch Me in the Morning, is sung from the perspective of a young woman and her sister wondering about the future. The musical texture, including flutes, captures childhood innocence, and the lyrics question society's expectations for women as they age.

“My Sister” by Shaybo and Jorja Smith

Song Year: 2021

Fast-forwarding almost 50 years, up next is a song by Shaybo and Jorja Smith. From Shaybo’s 2021 album Queen of the South, the track “My Sister” features Jorja Smith and is about sisters bonding together and encouraging each other to get over a bad relationship. The music has a steady beat and a fast speech-like rap flow.

“We Are Family” by Sister Sledge

Song Year: 1979

You probably recognized this song immediately from the title, and you might not even have to listen to get this classic sound in your head. Released on Sister Sledge’s 1979 album by the same name, “We Are Family” is too classic a song to leave off of this collection of songs about sisterhood!

“Girl” by Destiny’s Child

Song Year: 2004

Destiny’s Child released the song “Girl” on their 2004 album Destiny Fulfilled, and the track is a passionate expression of the soul style. Like many tracks in this collection, the overarching theme is sisters (or close woman friends) coming together to get out of bad relationships.

“Look at Little Sister” by Stevie Ray Vaughan

Song Year: 1984

The 1984 album Couldn’t Stand the Weather, by Stevie Ray and Double Trouble, is a blues song with lyrics about a younger sister. But the lyrics are not the main feature here as the blues form makes it all about jamming and solos. You can consider this track a dancing tune!

“Baby Sister” by Dolly Parton

Song Year: 1968

This song's steel guitar opening riff will make you feel like you are relaxing in Hawaii, but the lyrics tell a different story. This track was on Dolly Parton’s 1968 album Just Because I'm a Woman, and the lyrics reflect on a woman being worried about their younger sister and wishing harm on the man who hurt her.

“Martha” by Rufus Wainwright

Song Year: 2010

From the 2010 album All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu, this Rufus Wainwright song features piano and singing that will remind you of Billy Joel or Jackson Browne. About a brother trying to reconnect with their sister, the delicate tenor of his voice and the reflective piano capture the mood of the lyrics.

“Sister Disco” by The Who

Song Year: 1978

For a sharp contrast to the lamenting sound of Rufus Wainwright, up next is an energetic rock song by The Who. From their 1978 album Who Are You, this track seems to be about the disco style of music ending and being replaced by this new style of the 70s.

“My Sister” by Reba McEntire

Song Year: 2003

Reba McEntire released the song “My Sister” on her 2003 album Room To Breathe, and it was successful enough to reach the number 16 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks—the song also made it to 93 on the Billboard Hot 100. The country song has lyrics all about sisters reflecting on their memories growing up.

“Run Sister Run” by Cass McCombs

Song Year: 2016

This alternative/indie track is from Cass McCombs' 2016 album Mangy Love, and it is a fun song with a driving energy/rhythm. The sisters referenced in the track’s lyrics are not about a literal sister but rather encouraging women more generally to continue fixing gender imbalances.

“My Big Sister” by Barenaked Ladies

Song Year: 2008

The Barenaked Ladies released the song “My Big Sister” on their 2008 album Snacktime! The track is quite short—in total under one minute—and the lyrics are about a person reflecting on their older sister.

“True Friend” by Hannah Montana

Song Year: 2007

The song “True Friend” by Hannah Montana, with contributions from Miley Cyrus, capture the sisterhood of true friendship between women. Not unlike the way men form bonds with friends that they call brothers, this energetic song celebrates the same quality between women, with the unique ways that they are there for each other no matter what.

“Sisters” by The Puppini Sisters

Song Year: 2006

This song captures the sentiment of sisters on multiple levels since, besides the title, the song is sung in beautiful harmony by the three Puppini Sisters. From the 2006 album Betcha Bottom Dollar, this track is easy to listen to and is all about the tight bond that multiple sisters make with each other.

“You and Me” by Rosie Thomas

Song Year: 2003

This Rosie Thomas song opens with a soft and touching piano introduction, and Thomas’ delicate singing joins in to express a melancholic mood. The lyrics are a reflection of a challenging past and the importance of having a best friend (also, in this case, the importance of having a sister), and the singer’s delicate voice captures the sad mood perfectly.

“True Sisters” by Cinderella

Song Year: 2013

Despite this being a children’s song sung by Cinderella in Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess, it captures the concept of sisterly love in a profound way. And as you can expect from Disney singing, the belting vocals climax to an emotional expression that any sister will understand!

“Sister Blister” by Alanis Morissette, A Song About Sisterhood

Song Year: 2002

Up next, and contrasting sharply with the innocence of the previous Disney track, is the track “Sister Blister” by Alanis Morissette. From her 2002 album Under Rug Swept, this song is about the dark side of fighting that occurs in sisterhood. The dark textures of the music and the aggressive choruses capture the anger one can feel toward their sister.

“Family Is Family” by Kacey Musgraves

Song Year: 2015

Released on the 2015 album Pageant Material, Kacey Musgraves wrote the song “Family Is Family” along with Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne. The energy is upbeat, and the lyrics are all about the bond of family and how relationships like sisters hold strong in good times and bad.

“Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves” by Eurythmics and Aretha Franklin

Song Year: 1985

Eurythmics released the album Be Yourself Tonight in 1985, and the track “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves” features the classic singing of Aretha Franklin. Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart wrote the song, and they originally wanted Tina Turner to sing it. But this Aretha Franklin recording captures the celebration of sisterhood and feminism that the song intends. 

“Family Affair” by Mary J. Blige

Song Year: 2001

Mary J. Blige released the song “Family Affair” on the 2001 album No More Drama, and the song managed to stay at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for almost six weeks. Blige wrote this song along with many others, including her brother, which helps explain the passionate lyrics about family relationships.

“The Mother We Share” by CHVRCHES

Song Year: 2013

CHVRCHES is a synth-pop band from Scotland, and the song “The Mother We Share” comes from their 2013 album The Bones of What You Believe. The track made it to number 38 on the UK Singles Chart, which makes sense considering its catchy groove. There is a great mix of melancholy sounds with energetic rhythms, and the lyrics hint at the deep bond that sisters share.

“I Got You” by Leona Lewis

Song Year: 2009

From her 2009 album Echo, this Leona Lewis song is a ballad that features passionate singing and guitars and synthesizers as instrumental accompaniment. Like many tracks in this collection, the lyrics center on the theme that sisters will have each other's back no matter what. In the passionate choruses, Lewis repeats “I Got You” over and over.

“Whenever You Remember” by Carrie Underwood

Song Year: 2005

You probably associate Carrie Underwood with belting vocals and expressive lyrics, and this song is no exception. Released in 2005 on her album Some Hearts, the song “Whenever You Remember,” like the previous track, is about the deep sisterly friendships that sustain over time no matter.

“Anything You Can Do” by Bernadette Peters, Tom Wopat

Song Year: 1999

Jumping into the genre of musicals for the first time in this collection, this next track is the famous “Anything You Can Do” from the musical Annie Get Your Gun. You probably know these lyrics even if you have never seen the musical, and they comedically capture the rivalry that brothers and sisters have.

“Best Days” by Graham Colton

Song Year: 2007

This 2007 Graham Colton song is from his album Here Right Now, but you might be more familiar with this specific song than with his music more generally. The song, with lyrics about enjoying the present moment and avoiding growing up too fast, was used in many television shows.

“On the Ride” by Aly & AJ

Song Year: 2005

The Aly & AJ song “On the Ride” appeared on the 2005 album Into The Rush, but you might be more familiar with it from its usage in the Disney Channel movie Cow Belles. The song is upbeat, and the lyrics suggest a lifelong friendship between two women.

“Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister)” by The Color Purple Cast

Song Year: 1985

The track “Miss Celie’s Blues,” nicknamed “Sister,” comes from the 1985 movie The Color Purple. This film was a period drama by Steven Spielberg, and the main character Celie Harris sings this blue song in an old tavern.  

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Linda Eder

Song Year: 1994

You might know this song from its original Simon and Garfunkel recording in 1970, but this Linda Eder recording helps to invoke a more sisterly interpretation of the close friendship hinted at in the lyrics. Her singing is lyrical and smooth, and the pop musical accompaniment gives this song happier energy than the original.

“Count on Me” by Bruno Mars

Song Year: 2010

“Count on Me” by Bruno Mars has the classic R&B/Soul sound that you would expect from this singer. From his 2010 album Doo-Wops & Hooligans, this track captures the sentimental way that close friendships become sibling relationships.

“Call Your Sister” by Taylor Edwards

Song Year: 2021

Not all sister relationships follow the traditional path of growing up together, and this Taylor Edwards song is about beginning a new sister relationship at an older age. From her 2021 album Born In July, people with step sisters will probably appreciate this track.

“Little Me” by Little Mix

Song Year: 2013

From the 2013 album Salute, this Little Mix song uses the concept of the sister relationship as a way to imagine speaking to yourself in the past. The lyrics express the wish of speaking to your younger self with the advice of an older sister.

“Hand To Hold” by JJ Heller

Song Year: 2018

This JJ Heller track has beautiful instrumentals and a delicate voice that can bring tears to your eyes. It is a reflective tour through the emotions one feels toward their siblings as they grow up together. It expresses a common sentiment of many of these songs—sisters and siblings will be there for each other no matter what.

“Wherever You Will Go” by Charlene Soraia

Song Year: 2011

“Wherever You Will Go” is a song originally recorded by the band The Calling, but this cover by English singer Charlene Soraia was successful and made it to number 20 on the UK Singles Chart. Her version takes the original meaning of the song and captures a meaning that could apply perfectly to someone who lost their sister.

“I’ll Be There” by Jess Glynne

Song Year: 2018

This Jess Glynne song, released in 2018 on her album Always In Between, reached the top of the UK Singles Chart during its release year. The musical accompaniment and upbeat rhythms are exciting, but the lyrics paint a sentimental mood of the singer being there for her sister no matter what happens.

“Call on Me” by Starley

Song Year: 2020

Starley’s Electropop style is at the forefront of this track, which she released in 2020 on the album One of One. Like the previous song, “Little Me” by Little Mix, this track sounds like a big sister looking out for their younger sister, but the lyrics seem to better capture the singer encouraging her younger self.

“Perfect Skin” by Olivia Lane

Song Year: 2019

This Olivia Lane song, a relaxing ballad from the 2019 album Perfect Skin, is like the last track in that you can imagine two scenarios: a big sister comforting her little sister or an older woman speaking to the idea of her younger self. However you interpret it, the track is deeply expressive.

“Footprints” by Molly Kate Kestner

Song Year: 2017

“Footprints,” compared to some of the previous tracks that leave an open interpretation, is more explicitly about an older sister learning to be a good role model. The soft piano and passionate singing express the singer learning to accept her new baby sister.

“Growing Pains” by Maria Mena

Song Year: 2015

Maria Mena’s “Growing Pains,” from her 2015 album of the same name, is not explicitly about the love between sisters, but it beautifully expresses a common theme of sisterhood: heartbreak.

“Never Gonna Let You Down” by Colbie Caillat

Song Year: 2014

From Colbie Caillat’s fifth studio album Gypsy Heart, this track expresses a common theme of sisterhood, with both real sisters and close friendships. The message is that no matter the struggles someone goes through, the singer will always be there as a support.

“Lost Without You” by Freya Ridings

Song Year: 2017

British singer Freya Ridings’ “Lost Without You,” from her 2017 album Freya Ridings, is a touching song with soft vocals and gentle piano accompaniment. It expresses a common sisterhood theme of losing a loved one and not knowing how to express it.

“I Wish” by Heather Headley

Song Year: 2002

From her 2002 album This Is Who I Am, this Heather Headley song expresses a common theme that sisters and close friends will use to comfort each other after a breakup. The lyrics express regret at falling in love and wish it never happened.

“Girls Need Girls” by Sophia Scott

Song Year: 2021

From her 2021 album of the same name, Sophia Scott’s “Girls Need Girls” is about the sisterhood of girls needing to be there for each other. The lyrics reflect regret for bullying and name-calling and repeatedly express that girls need to support each other.

“Sister” by K.Flay

Song Year: 2019

K.Flay’s “Sister,” from the 2019 Solutions, is about the singer wishing to be so close to a friend that they will call each other sister. The music is energetic and driving, with clever lyrics.

“My Same” by Adele

Song Year: 2008

This Adele song, while explicitly about the singer in a romantic relationship, also fits the interpretation of siblings and how they easily antagonize each other. The steady beat and lyrical singing blend well.

“Diamonds” by Rihanna

Song Year: 2012

This Rihanna song is open to interpretation, but you could imagine the lyrics as a tribute to someone's sister or close friend. It’s about a special friendship relationship that only sisters or the closest friends could understand.

“Best Friend” by Missy Elliott

Song Year: 1997

Many people refer to their best friends as a brother or a sister, and it is a way to signal how much the relationship means to a person. This Missy Eliott track expresses the sisterhood of best friends perfectly.

“Good Friends and a Glass of Wine” by LeAnn Rimes

Song Year: 2007

To round off this like of the best songs about sisters, this LeAnn Rimes song is a fun country track that expresses something sisters and best friends love to do: drink wine together! The lyrics suggest that “sister time” is all a woman needs to recover from a bad day.

Top Songs About Sisters, Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are lots of songs celebrating the sisterhood of women. Whether it is the specialness of a sister within your family or the closest and best friend who you call a sister, there is no doubt that sisterhood is a concept worth celebrating.

And if you enjoyed these songs about sisterhood, consider checking out the more general songs about family to find some more inspiring content!