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The 30 Best Country Songs About Family to Make Them Feel Loved

30 best country songs about family
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

A flawless family doesn’t exist, but you always have people who got your back whenever you feel down.

The best thing about having a family is having a team willing to be with you no matter what. You have a set of people you can trust with your problems and rants about life. You have a solid support system that will be there ASAP when you need them. 

Although there are imperfections to a family, despite these pros, there are lots of bantering and a bit of quarrel here and there. The home might be a bit messy and loud frequently, but that’s just a typical day for an average family. 

Aside from the frequent exchange of words and unnecessary comments being thrown at each other inside the home, it is seldom to show love and appreciation to a family member. It might be due to the person’s personality or the sheer awkwardness of it all.

But fear not, for you can have a family member listen to these 30 best country songs about family so you can save the awkwardness!

1. Song for Dad – Keith Urban (2002)

Australian-American country music musician Keith Urban released “Song for Dad” to pay tribute to his late father and father-in-law in 2014 and 2015, respectively. His father, whom he gave credit to because of his booming country music career, died in a battle with prostate cancer.

The song touches deeply on a son’s realization that everything his father does is for his good, even though he doesn’t understand it as a kid yet. When you grow older, you realize that your father reprimands you because he wants you to grow and learn from your mistakes.

2. Small Town Southern Man – Alan Jackson (2007)

Alan Jackson’s “Small Town Southern Man” talks about living life with country values instilled in you. You value God, prioritize your family, and stay loyal to your wife and kids.

Jackson’s piece became his 23rd #1 hit on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

3. Coat of Many Colors – Dolly Parton (1971)

Nothing beats the love of a mother for her child.

Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors embodies the statement above because of its background. Parton said she wrote the song when her mother stitched a coat for her that was made out of rags that were given to their family. Although others made fun of her coat, she took pride in it because her mother sewed and made it just for her.

4. Don’t Forget to Remember Me – Carrie Underwood (2006)

Peaking at the second spot on the Hot Country Songs chart, “Don’t Forget to Remember Me” by Carrie Underwood says goodbye when she leaves home to prepare for college. Aside from accepting that she has to move forward independently, she tells her mom not to forget her.

The Recording Industry Association of America gold-certified the single for selling over 400,000 copies.

5. Family Bible – Willie Nelson (1980)

Taking inspiration from his grandmother, Willie Nelson wrote and released “Family Bible.” Nancy Elizabeth Smothers, his grandmother, would read the bible after supper.

The track peaked at the #7 spot on the country music chart. Artists including Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen and George Jones have recorded their versions since the original song came out.

6. He Walked On Water – Randy Travis (1989)

Randy Travis decided to record “He Walked on Water” because the song reminded him of his grandfather, a former cowboy whom he greatly admired and idolized.

The piece topped the Canada Country Tracks and peaked at the #2 spot on the Hot Country Songs chart. Travis later recorded a duet version of the song with Kenny Chesney in 2012.

7. Family – Rodney Atkins (2011)

When Rodney Atkins sang “Family,” every line became familiar as if we had all experienced them.

At every family reunion, there will always be one aunt or uncle that will tell you how you look. Cousin bonding-times is also the best whenever there’s one. The family always tells you the truth even though it hurts, but that might also be a way to toughen you up for the future.

8. My Little Girl – Tim McGraw (2006)

It’s always the most challenging feeling for a parent to see their kids grow up to be fine, mature people.

Tim McGraw’s “My Little Girl” describes the feeling of pride and happiness with a mix of sadness and a bit of worry when you start to see your child grow up. Most parents have this feeling of separation anxiety when they see their kids mature and slowly begin to become independent.

9. Down This Road – Cam (2021)

Coming home to your parents when you’re worn out is one of the best things.

Cam’s “Down This Road” describes how it feels like coming home to your old chaps. The happiness and nostalgia flood back to our bodies when we see our parents after a long time. 

10. Mom – Country Studio Crew (2014)

In Country Studio Crew’s “Mom,” everything is true; every word and sentence about a mother.

She’ll kiss your scars, and suddenly you will feel better. She will o everything in her power to keep you safe and comfortable. And when you’re hurt, she will feel hurt too. A mother is the first teacher and will teach you everything you need to survive in this world.

A heartfelt salute to all the mothers out there!

11. Things Dads Do – Thomas Rhett (2021)

We usually forget to appreciate the little things our fathers do for us. In Thomas Rhett’s “Things Dads Do,” he perfectly enumerates everything a dad does for his child. Be it from the simplest home chores by mowing the grass to build character to the time when he’ll become your best man at your wedding.

To all dads out there, you’re undoubtedly the best!

12. In My Daughter’s Eyes – Martina McBride (2003)

Martina McBride said everything a mother wants to tell her daughter in the song “In My Daughter’s Eyes.” 

Her daughter is her happiness and strength, although her daughter says she is the hero as a mother. But McBride, in this track, says otherwise.

13. Daddy’s Hands – Holly Dun (1986)

Nominated twice for the Grammy Awards, Holly Dun’s “Daddy’s Hands” is a song that strikes people emotionally, making them clutch their chests because of the song’s heartfelt message. 

The track has received positive feedback from listeners because they like to hear about a good, loving relationship between a family.

14. That’s What I Love About Sunday – Craig Morgan (2005)

A typical Sunday is spending precious, quality time with your family.

“That’s What I Love About Sunday” by Craig Morgan is a song about the common activities on a Sunday. That includes going out with the family to eat, attending church in the morning, doing and completing long overdue household chores, and just relaxing after a stressful week.

15. Mama’s Song – Carrie Underwood (2009)

Letting someone go is a difficult process already. How about we stand in our mother’s shoes and let our children go?

Carrie Underwood’s “Mama’s Song” hits hard for those who have difficulty accepting that their children should become independent at some point. But the song tells the mother not to worry; in the end, we’ll always go back home and cry for our moms.

Here are other country songs about family that you also might want to listen to:

  1. Daughters – John Mayer (2003)
  2. Family is Family – Kacey Musgraves (2015)
  3. Daddy Sang Bass – Johnny Cash (1968)
  4. Boy – Lee Brice (2017)
  5. The Best Day – George Strait (2000)
  6. Mama Tried – Merle Haggard (1968)
  7. For My Daughter – Kane Brown (2018)
  8. The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert (2009)
  9. Remember When – Alan Jackson (2003)
  10. The Hand That Rocks The Cradle – Glen Campbell and Steve Wariner (1993)
  11. Just Fishin’ – Trace Adkins (2011)
  12. Humble and Kind – Tim McGraw (2016)
  13. You’re Gonna Miss This – Trace Adkins (2007)
  14. Family Table – Zac Brown Band (2017)
  15. There Goes My Life – Kenny Chesney (2004)

That completes our list of the 30 best country songs about family! Grab a loved one and have them listen to one of the songs on our list, so they’ll know how much they’re appreciated.

Stay tuned for more of these.

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