It's going to be another strange Mother's Day this year.
Many of us will not even get to see our mums to celebrate – which, of course, is very sad.
However, there's always FaceTime and phone calls to wish your mum a Happy Mother's Day - or if they're tech savvy, you could always send them a playlist to let them know you're thinking of them on the day.
With that in mind – and depending on your singing voice, of course – here are 10 songs for your mum this Mother's Day. Just try not to blub your way through them.
1. SPICE GIRLS – 'Mama'
Of course this is going to make any self-respecting Mother's Day playlist. It's got all the right ingredients – acceptance that everything mammy did was with your best interests at heart, a sweet declaration of devotion and friendship and a soppy video to match. Nawww.
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2. CHRISTINA AGUILERA – 'I Turn to You'
It may have been written as a love song, but this track – written by the legendary Diane Warren - could easily be repurposed as an ode to your mum with lines like “For a shield from the storm / For a friend, for a love to keep me safe and warm / I turn to you.”
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3. PAC – 'Dear Mama'
If soppy pop ballads aren't your bag, this one might do the trick. How are your rap skills? Written for his mother Afeni Shakur – who struggled with drug addiction when he was a child - Tupac's love and devotion is nonetheless clear. “And there's no way I can pay you back, but my plan is to show you that I understand: you are appreciated."
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4. DOLLY PARTON – 'Coat of Many Colors'
When in doubt, go with Dolly Parton. Always go with Dolly Parton. This track references the biblical story of Joseph and his own coat of many colours, as she recalls a childhood memory of her mother stitching together rags to make a coat for her. “Momma sewed the rags together / Sewin' every piece with love / She made my coat of many colors / That I was so proud of.”
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5. CELINE DION – 'Because You Loved Me'
Another love song that could be repurposed for your mam, you can't go wrong with a bit of Celine (and mammies love Celine, too.) “Lifted me up when I couldn't reach / You gave me faith, 'cos you believed / I'm everything thing I am because you loved me.”
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6. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – 'The Wish'
A track taken from a collection of Springsteen rarities in the late 1980s, this beautiful tune sees The Boss pay tribute to his mum in song-form. A snapshot of his childhood, he recalls the first guitar he received under the Christmas tree, singing “And if it's a funny old world, mama, where a little boy's wishes come true / Well I got a few in my pocket and a special one just for you.”
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7. RUFUS WAINWRIGHT – 'Beauty Mark'
Written about his mother, the late Kate McGarrigle – herself a famous folk singer – this gorgeous song from Rufus's self-titled debut celebrates both the similarities and the differences between him and his mum. “I may not be so manly, but still I know you love me,” he sings, “Even if I don't have your beauty mark.”
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8. TAYLOR SWIFT – 'The Best Day'
Taylor Swift has always had a close relationship with her mother Andrea, and this song is testament to their bond as she recalls moments from her childhood, and how her mum was always there to pick her up and dust her off. “I know you were on my side, even when I was wrong / And I love you for giving me your eyes / Staying back and watching me shine.”
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9. FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE – 'Stacy's Mom'
Alright, alright. So it's not exactly tender or sweet – but who doesn't love this song? It may not be an appropriate song to serenade your mum with either, but if you find straight-up declarations of love difficult, say it with 'Stacy's Mom' and make her laugh, instead.
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10. THE BEATLES – 'In My Life'
There's a reason why this song is so timeless – it works in any situation. Happy or sad, the beauty of 'In My Life' is in its simplicity; it works as a love song, no matter who you're thinking of. If you can get through this without a lump in your throat, you're a better person than us.