Call: 800-722-7731
Text: 617-777-0072
Music is a powerful and expressive art form. It has the power to touch our souls. It can also help us express the emotions we may struggle to put into words. There are many moving love songs that capture the feelings associated with adoption. Whether you are an adoptive parent (or a hopeful adoptive parent,) an expectant/birth parent, or an adoptee, you can relate to these heartfelt tunes. With Valentine’s Day approaching, we have put together a playlist for each person connected to the adoption journey. Dust off your record player as we explore these music and lyrics.
We hope you “love” our list, as there are many songs listed below that are full of heart for anyone in the adoption triad. Some of these songs are not written as adoption songs, per se, but can still apply to those touched by adoption. Adoption is a positive choice. Whether you have lovingly made an adoption plan for your child, you are looking to grow your family through adoption, or you, yourself have been adopted, these songs can still have an impact and be added to your listening rotation.
Songs for Expectant/Birth Parents
“Proud Corazon” – Anthony Gonzalez (Disney Pixar’s “Coco” Soundtrack)
This is a beautiful song about the deep, never-ending love that families feel for each other. It can be applied to adoptive parents and adoptees, as well. It can be an empowering message for birth mothers, who should feel proud of their loving decision to place their child for adoption. Most adoptions today are open adoptions, meaning there is ongoing communication between birth and adoptive families, so it is no longer “Goodbye forever.” This song brings a positive, heartfelt message for expectant/birth parents to remember that the love they feel for their child will “live on forever,” as the lyrics state.
“Remember Me (Lullaby)” – Gael Garcia Bernal, Gabriella Flores, Libertad Garcia Fonzi (Disney Pixar’s “Coco” Soundtrack)
Another track from the “Coco” soundtrack will move birth parents to tears, but it is a deeply loving song expressing the longing of remembrance can be felt after the adoption is complete. It is normal for birth parents to wonder if their child will grow up to know them. With open adoption, children grow up learning about their adoption story and their background.
“I Hope You Dance” – Lee Ann Womack
Sometimes considered a graduation ballad, “I Hope You Dance” is a great song to help expectant/birth parents to express their wishes and dreams for their child. Making an adoption plan means placing a child’s needs first. If you are thinking about adoption for your child, then you are considering the best path to give them a life full of stability, opportunity, and love.
“Lullaby in Blue” – Bette Midler
Bette Midler wrote the lyrics for “Lullaby in Blue” as an open letter to the child she placed for adoption. She never met the child yet thinks about this child every day and will for the rest of her life. This song may be perfect for anyone considering a closed adoption, as it can be a lonely path filled with questions throughout the years following adoption. Whether you are considering an open, semi-open, or closed adoption, your adoption choices will be supported by the right adoption agency.
“You’ll Be in My Heart” – Phill Collins (“Tarzan” Soundtrack)
This heartfelt ballad can apply to anyone in the adoption triad, but the messaging of the lyrics may apply most to those who have lovingly placed their child for adoption. “You’ll be here in my heart always” is a nice reminder to birth mothers that no matter the distance, that love for their child will remain alive and strong forever.
Songs for Adoptive Parents and Anyone Waiting to Adopt
“Amos Story” – Aaron Ivey
Written by an adoptive father, “Amos Story” tells the story of Aaron Ivey’s quest to bring his son, Amos, home. This is a story of perseverance, devotion, and love – which all pays off with a happy conclusion of a family that is brought together by adoption.
“Waiting On a Miracle” – Stephanie Beatriz (“Encanto” Soundtrack)
Adoptive parents waiting to be matched with their child can relate to this tune from the smash hit, “Encanto.” With lyrics such as “I am ready/Come on I am ready! /I’ve been patient and steadfast and steady,” this song feels like it was written for those waiting to bring a child home. Anyone who has been waiting for an extended period to become a parent – either due to infertility or delays in reaching the adoption journey – can appreciate the genuine longing that Lin Manuel Miranda captures with his award-winning ballad.
“Just Haven’t Met You Yet” – Michael Bublé
This upbeat tune can send a positive message to those starting the adoption journey. With lyrics including: “And I know some day that it’ll all turn out/You’ll make me work so we can work to work it out/And I promise you, kid, that I’ll give so much more than I get/I just haven’t met you yet” – anyone waiting to adopt can relate to this sentiment.
“Home” – Phillip Phillips
Season 12’s “American Idol” winner struck a chord with his American audience when he wrote and performed “Home.” This heartwarming song can be applied to new adoptive parents helping their child adjust to life with a new family. “If you get lost you can always be found/Just know you’re not alone/’Cause I’m going to make this place your home” is a beautiful message to remind their child that they do, indeed, belong.
“At All Costs” – Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine (“Wish” Soundtrack)
While sung by a magical king protecting his kingdom’s wishes, this song is the love song in the recent film “Wish.” The ballad is about protecting what you love “at all costs.” It is often used by parents on social media, capturing sweet moments of their children from birth. This song is perfect for adoptive parents looking for a way to describe the protective love they feel for their children.
Songs for Adoptees
“Show Yourself” by Idina Menzel and Evan Rachel Wood (“Frozen II” Soundtrack)
This Disney tune can describe an adopted child’s longing to meet and know their birth parents. It is a beautiful ballad that evokes feelings of self-discovery. It captures the many questions that adopted children often ask, such as “Is this the day? Are you the way I finally find out why?” It can be a great listen for anyone who has been searching for answers about their birth parents.
“When Love Takes You In” – Steven Curtis Chapman
This heartfelt song can help adopted children describe their appreciation for their adoptive family. With touching lyrics like “…love takes you home and says you belong here. The loneliness ends and a new life begins” adoptive children can describe their happily ever after with their found family.
“I’m Adopted” – Slugs and Bugs
This is a lovely, happy little tune for young adoptees. This upbeat song captures the positive feelings of adoption and how “love had a plan for me, in a great big family.” It can help children who have been adopted feel proud and sing along with the chorus “I’m adopted!” Written for “The Slugs and Bugs Show,” adoptive families can enjoy this song on Spotify.
“Ho Hey” – The Lumineers
This folk song can speak to the beautiful sense of belonging and unconditional love an adoptee feels for their parents. The main hook of this song – “I belong with you, you belong with me,
You’re my sweetheart” – captures the never-ending love and devotion felt between child and adoptive parent(s.)
“I See the Light” – Mandy Moore (“Tangled” Soundtrack)
This is another Disney song that can fit perfectly into the playlist of any adopted person – young or old. This ballad captures the many benefits of open adoption for children. With open, honest, age-appropriate conversations, an adopted child is empowered with the truth of their background. Children in open adoptions report feeling happy with their situation and grow up knowing they are loved by two families instead of one.
Share Your Favorites & Tune in for More About Adoption
What are your favorite songs about adoption? Share yours in the comments below! Learn even more about adoption by contacting Adoptions With Love. Call 800-722,7731, text 617-777-0072, or contact us online.