13 Captivating Songs That Are Loosely About Mama | Playlist

13 Captivating Songs That Are Loosely About Mama features songs by Benson Boone, Carl Carlton, Kendrick Lamar, Latto, Meghan Trainor, and Victoria Monét.

That is biblical, specifically, Exodus 20:12.  For more context, we’re talking the Ten Commandments, peeps! Moses, baby! In a later book in the Bible, Ephesians 6:1-3, that commandment is referenced again! ¹“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ² “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— ³ “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” The Musical Hype is not a biblical site – I don’t preach sermons here – but, honoring your parents, specifically Mama, for our intents and purposes, is important!

13 Captivating Songs That Are Loosely About Mama is what it is: a playlist with songs that reference, or feature the noun, mama, or something similar, in their song title. Are all of these 13 songs about the woman who birthed you or raised you? Nope, honestly. Many of them use mama differently, and that is okay.  That’s part of the charm of this list, published intentionally before Mother’s Day 2026, yet only loosely celebrating mama.  It arrives eight years after 15 Songs That Focus on Mama (2018). 13 Captivating Songs That Are Loosely About Mama features songs by Benson Boone, Carl Carlton, Kendrick Lamar, Latto, Meghan Trainor, and Victoria Monét. So, without further ado, let’s dive into these mama-loving/referencing songs! Every day can and should be Mother’s Day!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. Latto, “Big Mama”	2. Benson Boone, “Momma Song”	3. Victoria Monét, “On My Mama”
4. Chase Atlantic, “MAMACITA”	5. Dominic Fike, “Mama’s Boy”	6. Meghan Trainor, “Mother”
7. Kendrick Lamar, “Mother I Sober” (Ft. Beth Gibbons of Portishead)	8. Miley Cyrus, “Mother’s Daughter”	9. Charlie Puth, “Mother”
10. Lenny Kravitz, “Sistamamalover”	11. Shirley Caesar, “I Remember Mama”	12. Carl Carlton, “She’s A Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)”
13. The Spinners, “Sadie”

 

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1. Latto, “Big Mama”

Sugar Honey Iced Tea » Steamcut / RCA » 2025

That is a fascinating, mind-boggling question, Latto (Alyssa Stephens). The Grammy-nominated rapper released “Big Mama” as a single in 2024.  It modestly impacted the pop charts, spending one week on the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number 92. It’s a bummer, but that doesn’t keep the second track from her 2025 album, Sugar Honey Iced Tea, from being a certified rap banger.  Oh, and by certified, I mean that the single received gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.  Not too shabby!  “Big Mama” features lots of writers, including Latto, and producers COUPE, OZ, and Kid Masterpiece. It samples the 1989 song, “Shadow Love”, by Jaya.

“Big Mama” is the tale of two songs.  Part one features cool, rhythmic production (the Jaya sample). You might describe it as a chill vibe. Still, Latto brings the heat, delivering a rhythmic, melodic cadence and flow. Even though the sound of the first part of the record is kinder and gentler, Latto is still profane and offers plenty of NSFW lyrics. “Can you give me some good dick ‘til I cum? (Cum for you),” she asks, and continues, “Then can you make me nut again, where’s your tongue?” Oo-wee! If that wasn’t enough, the second part of “Big Mama” goes harder. Latto rids of the pitch, dropping hard-nosed, unapologetic rhymes

“Thought I told you bitches, I pull up in twenty Cadillacs (Skrrt), yeah

Money long, cheetah thong, thick as hell, Georgia Dome

Sharin’ niggas, sharin’ clothes, I don’t know what y’all be on.”

Holy shyt! Beyond the verse, you won’t be able to get the repeated “Big Mama(s)” unstuck from your head during the chorus.  “Big Mama” = banger, PERIOD!

Appears in 🔻:

Latto, Big Mama: Bangerz N Bopz No. 4 (2026) Big: 5 Gems No. 4 (2026) Mama: 5 Gems No. 9 (2026)

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2. Benson Boone, “Momma Song”

American Heart » Night Street / Warner » 2025

Grammy-nominated pop singer/songwriter Benson Boone is always good for a big, sentimental ballad. On “Momma Song”, he shows us his sincere, thoughtful side.  Despite his critics, Boone excels at his marketing ability – his delicious shirtless poses, ambitiously wild outfits – as well as his voice, even if he is not everybody’s cup of tea. Boone penned “Momma Song” with Jack LaFrantz and producer Jason Evigan. The sound fits his aesthetic perfectly. It’s a pop/rock ballad.  The melodies are tuneful, and he sings the notes and lyrics authentically. For much of this song, Benson exhibits control, never overextending himself vocally. He does rise to the occasion, showing off his big instrument, however. Thematically, he highlights both Momma (“Momma, I’m missing home / And California’s getting colder /… I miss you”) and his father (“Lately, it’s getting hard / I’ve started looking like my father / And it makes me cry a little bit / ‘Cause he should’ve made it big”). Benson feels nostalgic, appreciating home, old times, and, of course, his parents. He shines brightly in the chorus:

“Take me down your old street

Tell me your memories of when you were young and when you fell in love

Drive me through the country

Tell me your story and you can play all of your favorite songs…”

Ultimately, “Momma Song” is beautiful, period. I appreciate his sincerity on the sixth track from  American Heart.

Appears in 🔻:

15 Intriguing Songs Where The Keyword is SONG (2025) Mama: 5 Gems No. 9 (2026)

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3. Victoria Monét, “On My Mama”

JAGUAR II » Lovett Music, Inc. / RCA » 2023  

Victoria Monét is confident AF on “On My Mama”, the very best song from her 2023 debut album, JAGUAR II, PERIOD! Basically, you can’t touch her – she’s the sugar honey iced tea! On this fab record, she gets a groovy, soulful backdrop from Deputy and Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman.  It’s not all neo-soul vibes though as Chalie Boy brings the hip-hop swagger in the post-chorus, gassing up Ms. Monét.  While the chorus takes the cake, EVERYTHING about “On My Mama” is the cat’s meow. Monét has opted against being humble – an understatement.  “Tell me, is you down / ‘Cause I’m tryna go up tonight,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “Hoes and hoochies left and right / I just wanna live in a fantasy / I think we deserve it, right?” WOO! Furthermore, she brags, “Sex game go stupid / Snappin’ like a toothpick /… Might be too fine to hit it from behind” Lawd Jesus! As untouchable as she is, there is no way you can deny how entertaining she sounds on “On My Mama”. Gotta love the fierceness!

Appears in 🔻:

Awesome Songs: June 2023  13 Compelling Songs About Specific People (2023) 51 Best Songs of 2023 13 Possessive Songs Featuring the Adjective, MY (2024) 15 Compelling Songs That are Turned ON (2025)

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4. Chase Atlantic, “MAMACITA”

LOST IN HEAVEN » Chase Atlantic Music Pty Ltd. / Fearless / Concord » 2024

Sounds like a respectable influence, Mitchel Cave (the white being cocaine, of course). On “MAMACITA”, Mitchel and the rest of Chase Atlantic deliver a song about a bad girl, PERIOD.  Even though Mitchel swears by his mamacita, she comes off a bit sus, regardless of if “She gon’ kill me with her mouth.” Mitchel wrote and produced the 12^th and penultimate track from their 2024 album, LOST IN HEAVEN, alongside Clinton Cave, Christian Anthony, and Tricky Stewart.

Mitchel’s voice remains distinct. A tenor, though not necessarily characterized as powerful, he brings plenty of personality to the mix, given the writing. In the second verse, he asserts, “She keeps the blade, so don’t try it / Never been caught by the law / But that doesn’t mean she’s not violent.” Again, MAMACITA lives on the edge, and Mitchel seems to justify her every move.  Interestingly, in the centerpiece, the chorus, he informs his mother, “Mama, I might keep her, might keep her / I don’t love her, but I need her…” Hmm, I’m sure mom is just thrilled 😏.  It gets worse when characterizing MAMACITA in the bridge, where Mitchel informs us she’s a “Kind face with a cruel heart / She can do it better than a pornstar,” with one of the ‘baddest’ lines being, “She been kicking shit, get out her fucking way.” WOO! All told, “MAMACITA” is a fun one from Chase Atlantic.  Mitchel has the personality to carry the song, while the production by Chase Atlantic/Tricky is colorful, groovy, and potent.

Appears in 🔻:

Mama: 5 Gems No. 9 (2026)

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5. Dominic Fike, “Mama’s Boy”

Sunburn » Sandy Boys, LLC / Columbia » 2023

Initially, I found “Mama’s Boy”, an advanced single from Sunburn, the 2023 sophomore album by Dominic Fike, to be an acquired taste.  The sound is ear-catching, particularly how Fike sings,  prompting several listens to discern what’s happening. As unique as the sound is, the theme and lyrics are arguably the bigger story. “Mama’s Boy” finds Dom singing about a doll, as well as his mother. “You’re made of plastic, I’m just blood,” Fike sings regarding the doll in the pre-chorus, continuing, “When I was born, you were produced.” Typically, when one is referred to as a mama’s boy, they are closest with their mother.  There are various references to Fike’s childhood.  In the chorus, he asserts, “I wish I was a toy / You say, ‘Hahahahahaha’ / And you laugh / And I cry.” Very intriguing.  There is something deeper here, which makes “Mama’s Boy” thought-provoking. The second verse also catches the ear, as Dom contradicts independence and reliance on Mama.  Another unique aspect of “Mama’s Boy” is the outro, where mama’s boy is spelled out – fitting given the concept.  Although quirky, the 13^th track is, nonetheless, intriguing.

 

Appears in 🔻:

BOY, These Songs Are About You, Part 3 (2025)

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6. Meghan Trainor, “Mother”

Takin’ It Back (Deluxe) » Epic » 2023

Grammy-winning pop star Meghan Trainor released the deluxe edition of her fourth studio album, Takin’ It Back, in 2023.  Before the arrival of the deluxe, one of the biggest talking points was “Mother”, and for good reason! “Mother” is… something! In the intro, before Meghan states that she’s a mother, the assertion is made, via a TikTok video sample, “The fact that Meghan Trainor is literally mother right now.” Mother itself is used literally and as a queer term 🌈. As far as the literal meaning, Trainor is a mom, and interestingly, “Mother” samples a lullaby: “Mr. Sandman” by The Chordettes.  This sample gives “Mother” a retro-pop sensibility, which is idiomatic of her work throughout her career.  Besides the retro-pop vibes, there are also modern pop vibes (Justin Trainor and Gian Stone produced it).  The record is incredibly gimmicky, particularly when Trainor quotes “Mr. Sandman” with the repetitive “bum-bum-bum(s).”  Trainor is calling some men, who act anti-feminist and ‘mansplain’ as bums.  Her man, of course, is no bum, as Trainor asserts, “Y’all need a masterclass from my man / Learn how to satisfy like he can.” Wow! While some relevant points are made on “Mother,” the song itself is corny, schmaltzy… sus.

Appears in 🔻:

Mother: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 21 (2023) 15 Songs Where Great Sampling Fuels the Fire (2023) 11 Worst Songs of 2023

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7.  Kendrick Lamar, “Mother I Sober” (Ft. Beth Gibbons of Portishead)

Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers » Interscope » 2022

Woo, that’s heavy, K-Dot! Among the biggest surprises on Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, the 2022,  Grammy-winning album by rapper extraordinaire,  Kendrick Lamar, is  “Mother I Sober.” Part of the surprise is who Lamar taps for the assist:  Beth Gibbons of Portishead. Gibbons does a fine job of performing the chorus on this incredibly reflective number (“I wish I was somebody / Anybody but myself”).  Here, the primary accompaniment instrument is the piano, which fits the sentiment the rapper seeks to achieve.  He’s incredibly honest about the trauma he and his family have experienced, perhaps even more than much of the album.

“Family ties, they accused my cousin, ‘Did he touch you, Kendrick?’

Never lied, but no one believed me when I said ‘He didn’t’…

Mother’s brother said he got revenge for my mother’s face

Black and blue, the image of my queen that I can’t erase

‘Til this day can’t look her in the eyes, pain is takin’ over

Blame myself, you never felt guilt ‘til you felt it sober.”

Even though “Mother I Sober” runs nearly seven minutes in duration, it’s an epic seven minutes.

Appears in 🔻:

Mother: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 21 (2023)

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8. Miley Cyrus, “Mother’s Daughter”

She is Coming (EP) » RCA » 2019

WOO! Grammy-winning pop singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus kicks off her 2019 EP, She is Coming, with a bang with the unapologetic, feminist tour de force, “Mother’s Daughter.” Cyrus references various things that women are or have been characterized as, some considered good while others not so much, especially by men. “Hallelujah, I’m a freak, I’m a freak, hallelujah,” Cyrus sings in the first verse, and adds, “Every day of the week, I’ma do ya like I want to / I’m a Nile crocodile, a piranha.” Ooh-wee! Cyrus infuses ample personality into this ALMA (Alma-Sofia Miettinen) and Andrew Wyatt co-write (Wyatt produces as well) and make an anthem celebrating the power of women.

 

Appears in 🔻:

Mother: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 21 (2023)

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9. Charlie Puth, “Mother”

“Mother” » Artist Partner Group » 2019

Very interesting, Charlie Puth 🤔.  The Grammy-nominated pop star stepped up his game on his 2019 single, “Mother”. The person walking out of the door is his girlfriend’s mother, whom he has to ‘pretend’ to be an upstanding, well-rounded suitor to her daughter. Stronger than much of the past music that Puth has released, there’s still schmaltziness, but at least he’s not referencing superheroes! The production is sound and well-rounded, if relatively simple, with its energetic, rhythmic synths and anchoring, minimalist beat.  Vocally, Puth sounds respectable, giving off boyish, youthful vibes, but also delivering more potent falsetto and more oomph and punch compared to the past.

“Mother” is quite catchy.  In the first verse, he speaks from the perspective of the mother, who characterizes him as “Such a nice boy, so well-mannered /… so much better than the last one you brought around.” In the second, meanwhile, he makes it clear ‘he’s not that innocent,’ singing, “More than a friend zone (More than a friend zone) / We’ve been hiding since the time they forgot to knock.” The centerpiece is the infectious, playful, schmaltzy chorus:

“If your mother knew all of the things that we do
If your mother knew all the things we do
If your mother knew, she’d keep me so far from you
If your mother knew all the things we do.”

Oh, “Mother”!

 

Appears in 🔻:

Mother: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 21 (2023)

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10. Lenny Kravitz, “Sistamamalover”

Baptism » Virgin » 2004

According to Lenny Kravitz, this woman is EVERYTHING… she’s the sugar honey iced tea! I mean, it is saying a lot if someone can be a sister, mama, and lover all in one.  That’s the case on  “Sistamamalover”, an underrated, funky gem on Kravitz’s 2004 album, Baptism.  Critics weren’t high on the album, though Baptism earned Kravitz a top 20 album on the Billboard 200 and gold certification.

Focusing on “Sistamamalover,” Lenny Kravitz brings the heat. He sings expressively, talks up this girl who is something fierce, and gives her every ounce of credit.  “With you it never gets boring,” he sings at one point, adding, “Because you always get me high.” Woo – smoking 💨!  The dedication he serves up is lit 🔥 too: “I’ll never go with another / Because baby you are so fly.”  Besides the simple, direct lyricism, another selling point is the sound – the production.  The bass line is fat and soulful.  The drum groove is infectious.  The guitars bite.  Basically, the ferocity (in the most musical, most positive way/connotation possible) is real. It’s a shame more people didn’t talk about this funky lil rockin’ vibe 🤘!

Appears in 🔻:

Lenny Kravitz, Sistamamalover: FIERCE Pop + Rock No. 14 (2023) Lenny Kravitz vs. Ariel Posen: Head 2 Head No. 12 (2023)

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11. Shirley Caesar, “I Remember Mama”

I Remember Mama » Word Entertainment » 1989

Pastor Shirley Caesar has sung about her mother numerous times.  These touching, maternal songs never grow old. Among the crème de la crème of her mama songs is “I Remember Mama”, the titular track from her 1989 album (a personal favorite). Caesar is thankful for having a caring, encouraging, and loving mother, asserting in the chorus, “I remember Mama, in a happy way.” The Pastor sings authentically and sincerely throughout, bringing the meaningful and moving lyrics to life, as well as the tuneful melodies.

Caesar lays out how wonderful her mother was – a true blessing from the Most High.  She states that “Mama kept the family together,” even in times of poverty. “She packed our lunch in an old, greasy bag,” she sings in the third verse, and continues, “It might have seemed empty / But it was more than others had / It had a lot of love way down deep inside.” Moving! Caesar acknowledges her mama is no longer living, memorably and poetically singing, “Now Mama is sleeping in the bosom of Jesus Christ / Somehow, I know she’s smiling, she’s smiling on us right now.” Beyond the singing, there is an unforgettable spoken bridge, where Caesar imparts a tale about playing church with her sibling.  Her mother disapproved of such. After Ann, Caesar’s sister, tattled, her mom observed Shirley, realizing, at that particular time, she wasn’t playing!

“Mama came to the door

When she looked out there and saw me shouting and dancing all over the back of the yard

Tears all over my face

It’s just a life higher

Mama looked out there, and she said, ‘She ain’t playing this time’.”

Backed by an anointed choir and anointed musicians, performing for a live audience, Shirley Caesar delivers the goods on “I Remember Mama”, a timeless, must-hear, faith-based mama song! 

Appears in 🔻:

Shirley Caesar, I Remember Mama: Music Lifts No. 2 (2026) 11 Uplifting Shirley Caesar Songs (2026) Mama: 5 Gems No. 9 (2026)

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12. Carl Carlton, “She’s A Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)”

Carl Carlton » UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1981

Woo! What Carl Carlton (1953 – 2025) saying is, this girl is FINE! She’s a 10! Sista got it going on! Honestly, the chorus of his number 22 Billboard Hot 100 hit, “She’s A Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)”, says it all. “She’s A Bad Mama Jama” graces Carlton’s self-titled, 1981 album, where he’s easy on the eyes on the cover art 😍.  Anyways, the record is one big load of 1980s female objectification. “Her body measurements are perfect in every dimension / She’s got a figure,” Carlton asserts in the first verse. He adds, “I get so excited viewing her anatomy.” Hmm, I wonder just how excited Carl gets 🍆… It is a safe bet on this funky joint that the rocket 🚀 is ready for takeoff: “She’s built, oh, she’s stacked / Got all the curves that men like / Look at her.” Yes indeed! Ultimately, this Leon Haywood-helmed joint expertly describes male horniness.  It is a fun song that is far less explicit than the female-objectifying songs of the 2020s but still has the same effect.  After all, in “She’s A Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)”, Carlton is thinking with his pants.

Appears in 🔻:

Carl Carlton, She’s A Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked): Throwback Vibez No. 31 (2023) 15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 9 (2023) 11 Marvelous Bad Songs, Vol. 1 (2024) Mama: 5 Gems No. 9 (2026)

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13. The Spinners, “Sadie”

New And Improved » Atlantic Recording Corporation » 1974

Philippé Wynne (1941 – 1984) speaks in the intro of “Sadie”.  The late, great former lead vocalist of The Spinners, continues speaking, touchingly, “But they live on in memory to quite a few of us / And this song is dedicated to those who cherish that memory.” The intro sets the tone for one of the iconic Philly soul collective’s best songs.  Sure, the sixth track from their 1974 album, New And Improved, performed modestly on the pop charts (it peaked at number 54 on the Billboard Hot 100), but the song thrives from its high level of musicianship, poignancy, and sophistication. “Sadie” was written by Bruce Hawes, Charles Simmons, and Joseph B. Jefferson. It features a fine harmonic progression that extends behind basic I, IV, and V.  Thom Bell produced it. As always, the music oozes in Philly soul. The opening instrument riff during Wynne’s spoken intro is quite memorable.

The songwriting is one of the biggest selling points of “Sadie.” The lyrics show gratitude for Mama.  “Filled with her load of glory / We learned the holy story,” Wynne reminisces in the first verse, continuing, “She’ll always have her dreams / Despite the things / This troubled world can bring.” In the second verse, he characterizes Sadie as “Sweeter than cotton candy / Stronger than papa’s old brandy / Always that need smile.” While the verses superbly characterize the awesome woman she was, the section to beat is the tuneful chorus.

“Oh, Sadie

Don’t you know we love you, sweet Sadie

Place no one above you, sweet Sadie

(Living in the past)

Sometimes, it seems so funny

But no money will turn your life around.”

Here, Wynne is supported by top-notch backing vocals, including The Spinners (Bobby Smith, Pervis Jackson, Henry Fambrough, and Billy Henderson) and additional background vocals by Linda Creed and The Sweethearts of Sigma. The blend is nothing short of harmonious – celestial to the nth degree.  The final chorus is extended, with Wynne marvelously ad-libbing and riffing, backed by these stunning vocalists.  “Sadie” is nothing short of sensational. Timeless, timeless, timeless!

Appears in 🔻:

The Spinners, Sadie: Throwback Vibez No. 16 (2025) The Spinners vs. R. Kelly: Head 2 Head No. 3 (2025) 13 Songs That Feature Names, Vol. 7 (2025)

 

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13 Captivating Songs That Are Loosely About Mama (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Artist Partner Group, Atlantic Recording Corporation, Chase Atlantic Music Pty Ltd., Columbia, Concord, Fearless, Lovett Music, Inc., Night Street, RCA, Sandy Boys, LLC, UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner, Word Entertainment; Anastasia Shuraeva, Bjorn Pierre, Ivan S, Kindel Media, nappy from Pexels; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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