20 Best Songs for Family Slideshows & Videos

No family reunion would be complete without music that speaks to the heart, brings pride and family togetherness. Music has the power to set the mood at any gathering, including family reunions, weddings, funerals, class reunions, or any other event. To help put a notch in your next family event, setting up a slideshow for family videos is a good idea.

We've compiled a list of the best family songs for slideshows in family reunions or events. Listen to the songs and feel the mood.

Butterfly Fly Away – Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus

“Butterfly Fly Away” is an acoustic pop duet that Miley Cyrus recorded with her father Billy Ray Cyrus in 2009 for the film Hannah Montana. Although the recording was never produced as a single, it has achieved amazing commercial results in various countries.

In the song, the two describe the transition of a child into adulthood. The constant change of perspective is interesting. In turn, father and daughter present their feelings and experiences in the course of this development process. An interesting presentation from the child and parent's point of view is not only created acoustically.

Do I Make You Proud – Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks' success story began in 2006 as the winner of the American Idol competition. The song “Do I Make You Proud” was composed especially for him for this purpose. It was published on March 13, 2006.

The song right away hit number one on the Billboard Charts and was able to stay in that position for eight weeks. In this song, Hicks shares his deep love and gratitude towards his parents.

He describes it as the reason why he was able to achieve what he has now achieved. On the other hand, in the song, he also addresses the question of whether he also makes his parents proud. Many children grapple with this topic and Hicks gives them various impulses to think about it.

Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler

This song was released on March 1, 1989. It went on to reach number 1 in the charts in the USA and Australia. In 1990, it won two Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Single of the Year. It is a classic hymn to parents and all other people who have accompanied us in life. 

Wind Beneath My Wings expresses gratitude for the support and help we have received from these people on our life path. They are compared to wings that made it possible to reach unimagined heights and get to where we are now.

Kind and Generous – Natalie Merchant

Kind and Generous was the first single from Natalie Merchant's second album. After its release in 1988, the song reached the top 20 of the singles charts in the USA and Canada.

As the title suggests, the song is about the kindness and generosity of parents towards their children and the gratitude that goes with it. Natalie Merchant sings about various situations in which these attributes are repeatedly put to the test by the behavior of children and young people. But all situations could not upset the parents' behavior, even if they disagree with the children's decision. Many examples of unconditional love from parents.

Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon & Garfunkel

Bridge Over Troubled Water was released in 1970 as the title track of the album of the same name as a single.

The rock ballad became a global hit that reached number one on the charts not only in the USA but also in many other countries around the world. It received four Grammys and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In the lyrics, Paul Simon describes the connection to the children from a parent's perspective.

He sings of unconditional love and support even in difficult times and that parents are always there for their children. Just like a bridge over troubled water.

Cat's in the Cradle – Harry Chapin

Harry Chapin released “Cat's in the Cradle” in1974 on his fourth album “Verities and Balderdash”. The single was his only number one hit and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. 

The story of the song illuminates the special situation that one parent has no time for their son for professional reasons. The development is portrayed from both angles and ends with an absurd punchline. When the father retires and finally wants to deal with his son, he has no time for him because he is too involved in his job.

We Are Family – Sister Sledge

The vocal group Sister Sledge released “We Are Family” in 1979 and immediately reached number two on the Billboard charts in the USA. The single was also successful in many other countries and even became a number one hit in Canada.

In terms of content, the text keeps what the title promises. It is about solidarity and concentrated love in the family, mutual trust, togetherness, and unconditional support.

I'm already there – Lonestar

Lonestar's “I'm Already There” came out in 2001 and stayed at number one on the American Hot Country Charts for six weeks. It tells the story of a man who travels a lot and lives apart from his family most of the time.

He describes his feelings and the constant longing to be with loved ones. The reactions and emotions of the family members about his absence are also described.

Down to Earth – Justin Bieber

“Down to Earth” is a very early song by Justin Bieber. It was released in 2009 from his debut album “My World”. In America and Canada, it reached the lower regions of the charts. 

The lyrics are very much inspired by Bieber's experiences and emotions, which he had to experience through the divorce of his parents. He tells of growing up in a falling family.

Family Affair – Sly and the Family Stone

Released in 1971 by the American family band Sly and the Family Stone, “Family Affair” was their third and final number-one hit in the US and Canada. It stayed at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for a total of three weeks.

The song tells of the ups and downs a family has to overcome. On the one hand, he emphasizes the cohesion through the consanguinity, but on the other hand also the difficulties in solving individual problems in the structure.