20 Songs About Kids Growing Up

Many say parenting is the most rewarding job in the world, filled with ups and downs, happiness, joy, sadness, and more. Perhaps that is why it is so tough watching your kid grow up. Needless to say, many artists and singers have touched on this topic over the years.

Here is a collection of songs that truly express the joy of being a parent, the selfless love, its challenges, and how time passes quickly. Listen, smile, and shed some tears.

1. Lullaby by The Dixie Chicks

If you ever need a sweet song for entertaining your hyper kid to sleep, Lullaby by The Dixie Chicks can help you out. Is forever enough to love your child? You can never know but you are sure that nothing will ever stop you from loving them.

Lyrics that stand out!

 I slip in bed when you’re asleep

To hold you close and feel your breath on me

Tomorrow there’ll be so much to do

So tonight, I’ll drift in a dream with you

We’ve all been there, when children finally fall asleep, they look like little angels and all your anger washes away. At that moment, you simply want to give them a tight hug.

2. My Little Girl by Tim McGraw

Here is an endearing song by the American singer, Tim McGraw, that celebrates a father’s love for his daughter. The country song reached the top three on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart when it came out in 2006.

Lyrics that stand out!

Go on, take on this old world but to me

You know you’ll always be my little girl

Whether you are nine or 75, you will always be a child in your parent’s eyes. McGraw has sung the reminder beautifully.

3. Rockabye by Clean Bandit ft. Sean Paul & Anne Marie

While its title is similar to the famous nursery rhyme, the lyrics are quite stirring. The song is about a single mom who wants to give the best to her son. She endures all sorts of hardships in order to provide for her child.

Lyrics that stand out!

Now she gotta a six year old

Trying to keep him warm

Trying to keep all the cold

When he looks her in the eyes

He don’t know he’s safe

“Rockabye” is an ode to all the single moms out there doing their best and striving forward for the sake of their children. It is funny how such an upbeat song can bring tears to your eyes.

4. Ready, Set, Don’t Go by Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus

“Ready, Set, Don’t Go” is a country song by American singers Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus that was released in 2007. Billy Ray wrote the song for his daughter several years prior to its release when she was leaving the town to start her acting career.

Lyrics that stand out!

Looks like she’s all ready to leave

Nothing left to pack

There ain’t no room for me in that car

Even if she asked me to tag along

The song explains how hard it is for a parent to see their children leaving the nest forever. They are ready to conquer the big old world, and a parent yearns to hold them back, but deep down they understand that it won’t be right.

5. Lions and Tigers by Sleater Kinney

It was a wonderful feeling when my son uttered his first words. The funny pronunciations and broken words melted my heart. I wanted to teach him everything. “Lions and Tigers” by Sleater-Kinney capture that essence.

Lyrics that stand out!

I’d like to show you a million things

I’d like to make the world for you a better place

The song came out in 2002 and it narrates a few wishes of every parent. They want to show their children the world but also hope for it to be a better place for them to grow up. Things like playing in the rain with boots on to how animals behave. It’s quite a simple and sweet song on parenthood.

6. Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder

The timeless song is written and sung by Stevie Wonder when his daughter was born. Newborn babies are the world’s sweetest things, and they have the power to leave you in awe. Their tiny limbs, innocent features, and loud wails amaze you.

Lyrics that stand out!

Isn’t she lovely? Isn’t she wonderful?

Isn’t she precious? Less than one minute old

The birth of the baby is a strangely beautiful time for a parent. The fear of lifelong responsibility is forgotten when you cradle the baby in your arms for the first time.

7. Beautiful Boy by John Lennon

Written and performed by John Lennon, the song was released on his last album “Double Fantasy” before his death. The song is dedicated to his son, Sean. In the beginning, Lennon is comforting his son after he wakes up from a nightmare. Later, Lennon describes his joy of being a father to his son.

Lyrics that stand out!

Out on the ocean sailing away,

I can hardly wait,

To see you to come of age

As a parent, we all want the best for our children. We want them to grow up into successful and kind people.

8. The Mother by Brandi Carlile

Being a mom is not an easy task. It is a 24/7 job. No matter how frustrated you feel or how sick you are, you can never stop being a mother once your child is here in the world.

Lyrics that stand out!

The first things that she took from me were selfishness and sleep

She broke a thousand heirlooms I was never meant to keep

“The Mother” by Brandi Carlile sweetly describes motherhood. You are no longer ‘you’ – things that were important before are no longer your priority. Instead, it is your child who has wrapped you around their fingers.

9. In My Daughter’s Eyes by Martina McBride

Reaching number 54 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles, “In My Daughter’s Eyes” by Martina McBride came out in 2003. The song is about a mother rediscovering herself from her daughter’s point of view.

Lyrics that stand out!

I see who I want to be

In my daughter’s eyes

Children look up to their parents. For a kid, a parent is a hero who can go to any length for them. They are their idols and this factor can mold you as a person.

10. Never Grow Up by Taylor Swift

When it comes to personal ballads and country vibes, Taylor Swift sure knows how to hit the chord. “Never Grow Up” by Taylor Swift is a sweet country song exploring themes like Peter Pan, the joy of being a child and a wonder of being a parent.

Lyrics that stand out!

You’re in the car on the way to the movies

And you’re mortified your mom’s dropping you off

At fourteen, there’s just so much you can’t do

And you can’t wait to move out

Someday and call your own shots

Kids can’t wait to grow up, and parents never want to let go. The song talks about both perspectives.

11. There Goes My Life by Kenny Chesney

If you’ve had your child unexpectedly early, this song is for you. It talks about a father who realizes that his life has now completely changed and the things he used to do are no longer possible. This is a song that will make you cry, but it’s also one that will make you feel hopeful for the future.

Lyrics that stand out!

A couple years of up all night and

Few thousand diapers later

That mistake he thought he made

Covers up the refrigerator

Oh yea, he loves that little girl

This track will remind parents how quickly their kids grow up, and to cherish every moment. Chesney’s song is from the perspective of a father who wasn’t expecting to have a child so early on in his life but does everything he can to ensure that she has the best future possible.

12. My Wish by Rascal Flatts

Parents can ultimately relate to this song, as it’s all about wanting the best for their children and hoping that they have a happy life. It’s a song that will make you think about everything you’ve done as a parent and how you just want the best for your kids.

Lyrics that stand out!

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that want it to

Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small

You never need to carry more than you can hold

Rascal Flatts sings about what every parent wishes for their child. Seeing them happy and succeeding in life is all that any parent could ask for. In addition, the vocals are extremely enjoyable.

13. Blessed by Elton John

A father’s love for his child is unbreakable, and this song is the perfect way to describe it. It talks about how a father will always be there, no matter what happens in life. This is a song that will make you feel grateful for the relationship you have with your own father.

Lyrics that stand out!

I need you before I’m too old

To have and to hold

To walk with you and watch you grow

And know that you’re blessed

Nothing is more important to a father than his children, and this song is the perfect way to show it. Elton John sings about a father’s love being unbreakable, and how it will never fade away despite any circumstances.

14. A Mother’s Prayer by Céline Dion

This song is from a mother’s perspective, and it’s all about the things she wishes for her child. Moms always want the best for their kids, and this song is a beautiful way to express that.

Lyrics that stand out!

Lead her to a place

Guide her with your grace

To a place where she’ll be safe

This song will have you tearing up but in the best way possible. Céline Dion is a master at tugging on heartstrings, and this song is no exception. If you’re looking for a song that perfectly sums up the emotions of a mother, you’ve found it.

15. Slow Down by Nichole Nordeman

Witnessing her child grow is a mom’s greatest joy, but it can also be bittersweet. Kids growing up too fast is a common complaint from parents, and this song captures that feeling perfectly. Nordeman’s lyrics are both sweet and sad, and they’ll strike a chord with anyone who has ever felt like time is moving too fast.

Lyrics that stand out!

But it’s all too fast 

Let’s make it last a little while 

I pointed to the sky and now you wanna fly 

I am your biggest fan 

I hope you know I am 

But do you think you can somehow 

Slow down

This is a song that will make you smile and cry at the same time. It’s a beautiful reminder to slow down and enjoy the moments with the people we love because they’ll outgrow us before we know it.

16. Forever Now by Michael Bublé

Nothing stays the same forever, a child growing up is a perfect example of that. Michael Bublé’s “Forever Now” is a song about how quickly time flies and how important it is to cherish the moments you have with your little ones.

Lyrics that stand out!

You know that you’re the one that we’ve been waiting for

We’re gonna keep you safe

First I held you in my arms

I knew I’d love you all the way

It’s sure to give you all the feels, so if you’re looking for a song to help you through the tough times of watching your kids grow up, this is a great choice.

17. 7 Years by Lukas Graham

As kids grow up, parents tend to think if their children will be there when they’re old and gray. This song by Lukas Graham will make you think about growing old with the ones you love. It’s a beautiful song with a great message, and it’s sure to hit home with anyone who is watching their kids grow up.

Lyrics that stand out!

Soon, I’ll be 60 years old, will I think the world is cold?

Or will I have a lot of children who can hold me?

Soon, I’ll be 60 years old

Being a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it can also be difficult at times. This song captures those conflicting emotions perfectly. Parenthood will make you feel like you’re on top of the world one minute and the next you’ll be wondering where the time went.

18. Mama’s Song by Carrie Underwood

If your daughter is to be wed soon, this song is a great pick! Carrie Underwood’s “Mama’s Song” is all about a mother giving her daughter away to the man she loves. It’s a bittersweet moment, but also a happy one, as the mother knows her daughter is starting a new chapter in her life.

Lyrics that stand out!

Mama, there’s no way you’ll ever lose me

Giving me away is not goodbye

As you watch me walk down to my future

I hope tears of joy are in your eyes

Giving away a child is never easy, no matter how old they are. But it’s a time to be happy for them, as they start a new phase in their lives.

19. The Man You Have Become by No Limitz

In this song, a father looks back at his son’s life and is proud of the man he has become. It’s a touching moment between father and son, as the father watches all the things he’s taught him pay off.

Lyrics that stand out!

Just when I tell you I couldn’t be more proud

Than I am right now

You go and do it again

So glad that you’re my son

Keep being the man you have become

Being a parent is always a proud moment, no matter how old your child is. Seeing them succeed and do great things is what it’s all about.

20. Father & Son by Cat Stevens

This song is about a son leaving home and the father letting him go. It’s a sad but beautiful song, as the father realizes that his son is growing up and has to make his own way in the world.

Lyrics that stand out!

It’s not time to make a change

Just relax, take it easy

You’re still young, that’s your fault

There’s so much you have to know

Find a girl, settle down

If you want you can marry

Look at me, I am old, but I’m happy

Everybody leaves home at one point or another. And it’s always a tough moment for the parents, as they have to let their children go and make their own way in the world. This song really captures that feeling.

Conclusion

Many songs can sum up the feelings of watching your child grow up. Many different artists have touched on the subject and produced incredible songs. All the songs mentioned are very emotional and many will likely find themselves within the lyrics of some of them.