15 Songs About Adoption

Songs about adoption capture the complex emotions and stories associated with this life-changing event. Through lyrics and melodies, artists across genres convey themes of love, identity, and the search for belonging, making for a diverse and heartfelt playlist.

1. “I See the Light” by Mandy Moore (“Tangled” Soundtrack)

“I See the Light” by Mandy Moore, from the “Tangled” soundtrack, resonates with themes of adoption, identity, and discovery. The song captures a poignant moment of enlightenment and self-realization, mirroring the journey many adopted individuals undergo in finding their place in the world.

The illuminating experience of understanding one’s own story and seeing the world in a new light is a powerful narrative shared by those touched by adoption. This track beautifully encapsulates the emotional pathway to discovering personal identity and feeling connected within a broader context.

2. “I’m Adopted” by Slugs and Bugs

“I’m Adopted” by Slugs and Bugs takes a uniquely playful approach to discussing the topic of adoption with children. Its light-hearted tone and engaging melodies make the concept of adoption accessible and easy to understand for young listeners.

The song emphasizes the themes of belonging and love within adoptive families, conveying to children that being adopted is a special part of their identity. It’s a reassuring message that celebrates the formation of families through love, rather than just biology.

3. “Haven’t Met You Yet” by Michael Bublé

“Haven’t Met You Yet” by Michael Bublé captures the hope and expectation felt by waiting adoptive parents. The song’s optimistic tone parallels the emotional journey of anticipation and longing to meet their child for the first time.

Although not explicitly about adoption, the lyrics resonate with adoptive parents, reflecting the excitement and promise of building a family. It’s a tribute to the unwavering belief in the love and connection that will develop once they finally meet their child.

4. “Lullaby in Blue” by Bette Midler

“Lullaby in Blue” by Bette Midler offers a poignant look into the emotional depth of a birth mother’s perspective, focusing on the profound love and the difficult decisions involved in adoption. It’s a moving narrative that highlights the complexity of saying goodbye.

The song delicately addresses the heartache and eternal love that birth mothers carry with them, emphasizing that the decision to place a child for adoption is steeped in deep, abiding love. It sheds light on the often overlooked emotional journey of birth mothers, providing insightful empathy and understanding.

5. “Amos Story” by Aaron Ivey

“Amos Story” by Aaron Ivey draws from the true story of his own adoption journey, offering listeners a real-life perspective on the complexities and joys of international adoption. The song is a heartfelt narrative that touches on the personal experiences of the Ivey family.

Through its lyrics, the song explores the challenges, bureaucratic hurdles, and emotional highs and lows inherent in the process of adopting internationally. Yet, it also celebrates the profound joy and fulfillment that comes from bringing a child into one’s family, irrespective of the obstacles faced along the way.

6. “Proud Corazon” by Anthony Gonzalez (Disney Pixar’s “Coco” Soundtrack)

“Proud Corazon” by Anthony Gonzalez, from Disney Pixar’s Coco soundtrack, vibrantly celebrates familial bonds and connections, touching on themes deeply relevant to adoptees exploring their own heritage. It underscores the importance of family and understanding one’s roots.

The song beautifully conveys the joy and pride in discovering and embracing one’s background, a journey that many adopted individuals may experience as they connect with their cultural heritage. It’s a celebration of how family—both biological and adopted—shapes who we are, highlighting the enduring power of love and connection across generations.

7. “Remember Me (Lullaby)” by Gael Garcia Bernal, Gabriella Flores, Libertad Garcia Fonzi (Disney Pixar’s “Coco” Soundtrack)

“Remember Me (Lullaby)” performed by Gael Garcia Bernal, Gabriella Flores, and Libertad Garcia Fonzi, another gem from Disney Pixar’s Coco soundtrack, carries a poignant message of remembrance and familial love. It speaks to the heart of both adoptees and birth parents, addressing themes of memory and departure.

The song’s tender lyrics emphasize the importance of keeping loved ones close in heart, even when separated by great distances or circumstances, resonating deeply with the emotions experienced by those involved in adoption. It serves as a reminder that the bonds of love and family endure beyond separation, offering comfort and connection through memory.

8. “When Love Takes You In” by Steven Curtis Chapman

“When Love Takes You In” by Steven Curtis Chapman offers a heartfelt look at becoming a family through adoption, inspired by Chapman’s personal connection to the adoption journey. The song delves deep into themes of unconditional love and family building, reflecting his own experiences.

Chapman’s moving lyrics highlight the transformative power of love in the adoption process, portraying how adoptive families come together not by birth, but through the profound act of choosing to love unconditionally. It’s a touching ode to the beauty of adoption, celebrating the moment when love transcends biological ties to create a family.

9. “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers

“Ho Hey” by The Lumineers, with its catchy refrain, can be interpreted as a message of commitment and belonging, themes that are highly relevant to adoptive families. The song’s repetitive chorus, “I belong with you, you belong with me, you’re my sweetheart,” speaks volumes about the unconditional love and deep sense of belonging that forms the foundation of family, regardless of how it’s made.

This anthem of love and commitment resonates with the shared journey of adoptive families, emphasizing that the essence of family lies in the choice to belong to each other. It’s a musical reminder that love, above all, is what creates a lasting bond and sense of belonging within a family.

10. “Home” by Phillip Phillips

“Home” by Phillip Phillips explores the concept of ‘home’ in the context of adoption, emphasizing emotional security and the formation of family bonds. The song becomes a powerful metaphor for the safety, belonging, and unconditional love that define a family, not just a physical place.

Its lyrics and comforting melody evoke feelings of reassurance and support, ideal for adoptive families navigating the journey of creating new bonds and offering a safe haven. “Home” exemplifies the notion that home is where the heart is, affirming that family creation through adoption is an embodiment of finding one’s true sense of belonging and security.

11. “Show Yourself” by Idina Menzel and Evan Rachel Wood (“Frozen II” Soundtrack)

“Show Yourself” by Idina Menzel and Evan Rachel Wood, from the “Frozen II” soundtrack, delves into the themes of self-discovery and the maternal bond, resonating with adoptees’ search for identity and connection with birth parents. The song beautifully captures the journey towards understanding oneself and the deep, intrinsic connections that define us.

It speaks to the realization of one’s past and the embracing of one’s future, themes that are particularly poignant for adoptees exploring their heritage and biographical history. “Show Yourself” underscores the importance of uncovering one’s identity and the maternal bond’s role in that journey, offering a powerful anthem for those navigating the complexities of adoption and connection.

12. “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins (“Tarzan” Soundtrack)

“You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins, from the “Tarzan” soundtrack, encapsulates a message of eternal love and protection, mirroring the feelings present in the adoptive parent-child relationship. The song’s comforting lyrics assure a lifelong bond that transcends time and circumstance, reflecting the deep, unconditional love adoptive parents have for their children.

With its soothing melody and heartfelt words, it conveys the essence of maternal love and the protective instinct that defines the adoption experience. “You’ll Be in My Heart” serves as a musical reminder of the unwavering support and boundless love that form the foundation of adoptive families, celebrating the unique and indissoluble bond between parent and child.

13. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack

“I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack is widely interpreted as a message of hope and encouragement from adoptive parents to their children, filled with wishes for their future fulfillment and joy. It embodies the sentiment of guiding one’s child through life with optimism and courage, encouraging them to seize opportunities and embrace life’s beauty.

The song’s uplifting lyrics deliver a powerful message of living life to the fullest, facing fears with bravery, and never losing the capacity for awe. It resonates as a heartfelt wish from parents to their adopted children, hoping they will find their path and dance through life’s challenges with grace and happiness.

14. “Waiting On a Miracle” by Stephanie Beatriz (“Encanto” Soundtrack)

“Waiting On a Miracle” performed by Stephanie Beatriz from the “Encanto” soundtrack, captures the message of waiting for a miraculous change, mirroring the emotional journey many adoptive parents experience. This song eloquently expresses the feelings of patience and hope that are often a significant part of the adoption process.

The anticipation of the transformative power of adoption – seen as a miraculous event in the lives of both the child and the parents – is beautifully reflected in the song’s longing and hopeful tone. It speaks to the belief in the possibility of change and the deep desire for connection that drives adoptive parents through their often long and uncertain journey towards forming a family.

15. “At All Costs” by Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine (“Wish” Soundtrack)

“At All Costs” by Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine, from the “Wish” soundtrack, highlights a sentiment of determination to protect and love, a theme that deeply resonates with adoptive families. The song showcases the lengths to which individuals are willing to go in the name of family and love.

This portrayal of unwavering commitment and the readiness to face any challenge for the sake of loved ones mirrors the adoptive parents’ journey. The dedication to providing a safe, loving environment, and the resolve to overcome obstacles in the path of forming a family, are beautifully mirrored in this emotional anthem.