Songs for My Girls
My own little soundtrack to motherhood
Anybody who knows me will know that I am huuuge fan of music and have been ever since I could copy-cat a Britney Spears music video on MTV as a 5-year-old. Whenever I need comfort, a pick-me-up, nostalgia, a good cry - there’s a song for that. Music is like my love language, and I love associating songs with people, places, and times in my life. To me, it is like time travel. While these stories or people may change, the music stays and morphs into whatever meaning or purpose it needs to hold for the listener. I mean…it’s magic.
So naturally, as a mom, I’ve crafted a list of specific songs that make me think of my girls and that I hope to play for them in the background of them growing up. I can only hope they can hear these songs one day and think of me or of growing up in our family.
Below are a list of the songs for my daughters. If you have songs that capture your motherhood, I’d love to hear them. I am always looking for new music and love sharing it!
Vienna (Billy Joel Cover) - Gretta Ray
“You know that when the truth gets told, that you can get what you want or you can just get old.”
I just love the meaning behind these lyrics - slow down, take life as it comes, and enjoy it. This cover feels more lullaby-esque to me, which I adore.
I Hope You Dance - Lee Ann Womack
“I hope you still feel small when you stand behind the ocean. Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens.”
I mean, this is the quintessential parent-child song and for good reason! It holds a special place in my heart because our entire family started when David asked me to dance, and I said yes. And here we are - now parents to two daughters! It gives me chills to think about how much that ‘yes’ changed my life in such incredible ways. I hope my girls remember this and say ‘yes’ to whatever opportunities may come along.
Try - Colbie Caillat
“When you’re all alone by yourself, do you like you?”
Raising girls can feel daunting. I think song can help shield them from all the wild beauty pressures and expectations - reminding them their hearts are what matter most.
My Girl - The Temptations
“I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day.”
I mean… it’s just a classic, feel-good song! I loved singing this to Charlie when she was just a little newborn.
Nothing To Be Scared Of - Kacey Musgraves
“Come to me and drop your bags, and I’ll help you unpack them.”
This one reminds me of my sweet, baby number two. It came on shuffle a few days after I discovered I was pregnant. I think it will always be my song for her.
Little Bird - The Jonas Brothers
“I know if I’m doing my job correct that nights like these will happen less.”
A song all about being a girl-dad? Adorable.
Landslide - Fleetwood Mac
“Time makes you bolder, children get older & I’m getting older too.”
This song reminds me of me & my dad. We danced to it at my wedding. As I transition from child to parent, the meaning is even richer.
Butterfly Fly Away - Miley Cyrus
“Caterpillar in the tree, how you wonder who you’ll be…”
Okay, yes this is from the Hannah Montana movie - but I sing the chorus from this song to Charlie every time I’m on bed time duty. Now when I want her to nap, I’ll sing this and I can tell she gets calmer. Plus, her room is decorated with butterflies so it’s just pretty dang cute.
Never Grow Up - Taylor Swift
“To you, everything is funny. You’ve got nothing to regret. I’d give all I have, honey, if you could stay like that.”
Surely, you expected a TS song appearance, right? This one just hits right in the feels no matter how old you are, and takes on a new meaning as you’re watching a little one of your own grow up.
This is a beautiful list of songs, Cassie ♥️
I recently discovered the song "I Could Be A Florist" by Olivia Dean, and to me, I think of myself as a florist to my children. Just as the florist's shop is open every day, I am always there for my kids. Ready to offer my unconditional love and care whenever they need it. Give it a listen if you can!