The Best Soul Music Songs About Family

In this blog post, we’ll be sharing some of the best soul music songs about family. From classic hits to modern day bops, these tunes are sure to get your familygrooving.

Introduction

Few things in life are as important as family. They’re the people who know us best and love us unconditionally. They’re also the ones we can rely on no matter what. It’s no wonder, then, that so many great soul songs have been written about this topic.

From touching ballads to up-tempo anthems, these tracks celebrate the special bond between parents and children, siblings, spouses, and extended family members. They capture the highs and lows of relationship dynamics and remind us that, despite our differences, we are all connected by our shared humanity.

Whether you’re looking for a song to play at a family gathering or simply want to reflect on the meaning of this important relationship in your life, we hope you enjoy this collection of soul music about family.

“Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers

“Ain’t No Sunshine” is a song by Bill Withers from his 1971 album Just As I Am, produced by Booker T. Jones. The record reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number six on the UK Singles Chart. The song is in 6/8 time with a Blue-eyed soul style and was influenced by gospel music and rhythm and blues.

“The Way We Were” by Gladys Knight and the Pips

“The Way We Were” is a classic song by Gladys Knight and the Pips. The lyrics tell the story of a family that has gone through tough times, but still manages to stay together. The song is a reminder that families can overcome anything if they stick together.

“Lean on Me” by Bill Withers

“Lean on Me” is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Bill Withers. It was released in 1972 as the first single from his second album, Also known as Lean on Me. The song was written in the key of C major.

The song has been covered by many artists, including John Legend, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, and Whitney Houston. In 2004, it was ranked number 223 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.

In 2008, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 2017, the Recording Academy selected “Lean on Me” for preservation in the National Recording Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

“What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye’s 1971 soul classic “What’s Going On” is a song about questioning the world around you and wanting to make it a better place. The lyrics are full of images of poor living conditions and police brutality, but the overall message is one of hope and unity. “What’s Going On” was Gaye’s response to the Vietnam War, and it quickly became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. The song has since been covered by many artists, including Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and REM.

“I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5

This song was released as a single in 1970, and it quickly became one of The Jackson 5’s most iconic hits. “I’ll Be There” is a sweet ballad about the bond between a parent and child, and it has remained a popular choice for family gatherings and special occasions for nearly 50 years.

“Respect” by Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” is a song about demanding respect in a relationship, but it can also be seen as a song about the importance of family. The lyrics talk about how a woman should be treated with respect, but they can also be seen as a message about how important family is. The song became an anthem for the Civil Rights movement, and it is still an anthem for families today.

“Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler

“Wind Beneath My Wings” is a song written in 1982 by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley.
The song was first recorded by Gary Morris in 1983, with Bette Midler’s 1984 cover being the most commercially successful, reaching number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in June of that year.

The song is often used at funerals and memorial services, as it talks about the positive impact that someone has had on another person’s life. It has been described as a “hymn-like anthem”.

In 2008, the Songwriters Hall of Fame recognized “Wind Beneath My Wings” as a ” Towering Song”. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) listed it as one of the Songs of the Century and gave it a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 2002.

“I Believe I Can Fly” by R. Kelly

R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly” is a ballad about believing in oneself, with lyrics that ponder what one could achieve if they set their mind to it. The uplifting song has become an anthem for inspiration, hope, and perseverance, making it the perfect song to share with family members who may need a little encouragement.

Conclusion

What are the best soul songs about family? There are too many great ones to list them all, but here are 10 of the best, in no particular order:

“Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers
“Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
“I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5
“Sledgehammer” by Peter Gabriel
“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds
“I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner
“With or Without You” by U2
“‘Round Midnight” by Thelonious Monk
“Every Breath You Take” by The Police
“”The Times They Are A-Changin'” by Bob Dylan