Leslie BolinMusic has a way of touching our souls. The right song can make us smile, cry, or reminisce. Hans Christian Andersen once said, “Where words fail, music speaks.” Even in the moments when we struggle to express ourselves verbally, we can often find the perfect song to capture our emotions. Turn on the radio and you will hear songs about life and love, good times and bad times. Are there songs about adoption, too? While songs about adoption may not be as prevalent in our “top 40” society, there are actually several that capture the sentiment of the adoption journey. Some of these songs are written specifically about adoption, while others have an underlying theme that just seems to fit. Below you will find a list of songs and the artists who sing them along with links to their accompanying videos. These songs reach all corners of the adoption triad, and they are perfect to listen to on the special days you need them most.
1. “When Love Takes You In” – Steven Curtis Chapman
This heartfelt song showcases the desire to find a home. Many children are waiting patiently to be adopted. Some children lay their heads down at night wondering if there really is a family or a home for them. The lyrics to this song make it clear that hopeful parents are out there, laying their heads down and thinking of the future as well. When a family is built through adoption, “…love takes you home and says you belong here. The loneliness ends and a new life begins.”
2. “Somewhere Out There”- Linda Rondstadt & James Ingram
If you are from a certain generation, you probably remember this song from the movie, An American Tail about Fievel the mouse who gets separated from his family during their journey to America. Even if you don’t remember the movie, this is a great song that is quite relatable regardless of where you fall in the adoption triad. If you are a birth parent wondering where your birth son or daughter is and how they are doing, this song may cause tears to flow down your cheeks. If you are an adoptee searching for your birth parents, this song may inspire you to keep looking. If you are a hopeful adoptive parent, this song may reassure you that somewhere out there, a child—your child—is just waiting to be born or to meet you.
3. “Naleigh Moon”- Josh Kelley
Naleigh Moon tells the story of an adoptive father whose life really begins once he adopts a child from overseas. Becoming a parent can change a person’s life for the better. At the beginning of this song, Kelley states that he may have caused his share of pain during his lifetime, but that all changed when his daughter touched his face. “I couldn’t see past me until I saw you.” This song is perfect for dads who are wrapped around their baby’s finger. Here’s to becoming the best possible version of yourself so that they have someone to look up to.
This is yet another heart-touching song written by an adoptive father. Aaron Ivey writes about his quest to bring Amos home. No matter what it takes, no matter how difficult it may be—this dad isn’t going to give up. He will give his all to bring Amos into his family. Upon hearing and feeling the dedication this man portrays, one is hopeful that Amos Story has the happiest of endings. Sometimes adopting a child requires overcoming hurdles and facing obstacles, but perseverance often pays off.
5. “Lullaby in Blue”- Bette Midler
Lullaby in Blue is written from a birth mother’s perspective. The lyrics are an open letter to the child she placed for adoption and has yet to be reunited with. Even though many years have passed and many people have criticized her lifestyle choices, her birth child still has a special place in her heart. Truthfully, she may not have even known the baby’s name, just that he or she was wrapped in a blue blanket. This song is reminiscent of closed adoptions but can still have great meaning in any adoption. She has never stopped caring and she never will. A perfect song for those longing to reunite or recognizing the immense love you can have for someone you have never really “met.”
6. “So Far to Find You”- Casting Crowns
Contemporary Christian group Casting Crowns sings this beautiful ballad about adopting an abandoned child. So many children that are waiting to be adopted have been hurt. They may struggle to form bonds or find trust among others because of their troubled pasts. This song shows great patience and gives grace to the children who may need a moment to adjust. It shows a parent’s dedication to caring for a child even when that child may have doubts. While some wounds take time to heal, the love of a family can be exactly what is needed for a heart to mend. Whether you have traveled to the other side of the world or the other side of town to find your child, this song is sure to touch you.
Red Ragtop tells the story of a young, carefree couple. They have a passionate relationship which leads to an unplanned pregnancy. Because they are not prepared to become parents, the lyrics state, “We were young and wild. We decided not to have a child.” While many people equate this song with abortion, it can also be viewed as an adoption song. Many birth parents find themselves facing an unplanned pregnancy—young and unprepared—and make the decision to place that child for adoption when parenting is not an option. The song continues as the singer reminisces about the past. While it can’t be changed, it will never be forgotten. This song may speak to birth mothers and birth fathers alike.
8. “Everything to Me”- Mark Schultz
This incredibly touching song is written from the perspective of a man who was adopted as an infant. The song is dedicated to his birth mother and expresses that even though she had to say goodbye, she gave him everything. He is so thankful for the opportunities she blessed him with when she chose adoption. He wonders if she would recognize him upon seeing him, and states that when they both get to Heaven and one day meet again, he will run up and give her a big hug to thank her for blessing him with such a wonderful life. This is a beautifully written tribute to a birth mother.
9. “Valley Road”- Bruce Hornsby & The Range
This is another song reminiscent of the closed adoption era. A young lady has a romantic affair with a man who works on her father’s plantation. One stanza of the song quotes, “Out in the hall they were talking in a whisper. Everybody noticed she was gone awhile. Somebody said she’s gone to her sister’s, but everybody knew what they were talking about.” While the song doesn’t come right out and say it, it certainly insinuates that the young lady in question was sent away to an “unwed mothers home” to carry out her pregnancy in secret and place the child for adoption. The father of the child was deemed, “good enough to hire, not good enough to marry.” The song itself has a lovely melody and has even been remade into a quicker tempo bluegrass song when Bruce Hornsby teamed up with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
10. “I Knew I Loved You”- Savage Garden
This popular song from the late ’90s is often thought of as a love song, however, it can easily describe the overwhelming joy an adoptive parent feels upon meeting their child for the first time. So many parents wait for a considerable time before they are actually chosen to adopt. Many parents feel that it is destiny (perhaps even God’s plan) that not only are they gaining a child, but they are also finally getting to meet their child. The one they have been dreaming of all this time. Their family finally feels complete. “There’s just no rhyme or reason, only the sense of completion. And in your eyes, I see the missing pieces I’m searching for. I think I’ve found my way home.”
11. “Bless the Broken Road”- Rascal Flatts
This song describes the pain, the heartache, and the waiting that must sometimes occur before we can reach true happiness. It is easy to see how many adoptive parents can relate to this song. Though they may have experienced infertility, miscarriage, failed adoptions, or endured lengthy wait times—this path has ultimately led them to one of their life’s greatest blessings. Individuals who have been adopted (whether at birth or through foster care) may also relate to this song. Though they may have come from rocky or unstable beginnings, they can be thankful that even hardships have brought them into a loving forever family. While it may seem like a stretch, birth parents may find solace in this song as well; knowing that while they may have come to an adoption placement decision after great heartache or tumultuous life occurrences, they have still created a beautiful life. A child that they can be proud of and a blessing to parents who have been waiting so patiently to become mom and dad.
12. “I Hope You Dance”- Lee Ann Womack
In this quintessential life advice song, it’s easy to see why a parent would dedicate it to their child. As an adoptive parent, you may have long waited to give motherly or fatherly advice to a child of your own—encouraging them as they make their way through life. As a birth parent, while you may not be raising your son or daughter, you likely have the same hopes and dreams for them. Our children will learn some lessons the easy way. Other lessons will definitely be more difficult. However, life is a splendid journey filled with risks, experiences, and beauty. May they all dance.
13. “I Will Remember You”- Sarah McLachlan
While the lyrics of this song may fit a wide variety of relationships, one that comes to mind is a biological family becoming separated. When a parent loses custody of a child, they may have feelings of guilt and remorse. When a child loses a parent, they most likely have many memories that will stay with them forever. No matter the situation, this song expresses the pain that comes from life’s circumstances while still keeping the good memories close in mind. Even with the best foster family or new adoptive parents, remembering where we came from is important.
14. “From God’s Arms, To My Arms, To Yours”- Michael McLean ft. Felicia Sorenson
If you are looking for a tearjerker, this song may be it. It is written from a birth mother’s perspective. She shares her thoughts and feelings with her son’s adoptive mother as she recounts the decision she made and the love she holds for her child. She is hopeful that her son’s mom will share his story, if he wants to know, and remind him of her love for him. This song perfectly showcases the love and the bond between two mothers who love the same child.
When encouraged by her adoptive parents to write a letter to her birth mother, Jenn decided to write a song instead. Though she has never met her birth mother, she sings that she misses her. She fills her in on the events in her life, both major ones and the everyday details that a mother would want to know. This young lady has a strong sense of clarity about her adoption. While she has many unanswered questions, there is no doubt her birth mother would be incredibly proud of her.
May the Music Speak to You
When listening to these songs about adoption, may they bring you healing and help you to express the feelings in your heart. Birthdays, Mothers/Fathers Day, “Gotcha Day,” holidays, or any day at all is a great time to allow yourself to feel all of the emotions that come along with the adoption journey. Whether you beam with pride or weep uncontrollably—it’s okay. Music has a way of touching us that deeply. Share a song with someone you love. If there are songs about adoption that you would like to share, feel free to comment!
Do you feel there is a hole in your heart that can only be filled by a child? We’ve helped complete 32,000+ adoptions. We would love to help you through your adoption journey. Visit Adoption.org or call 1-800-ADOPT-98.
Adoption.com Admin
Christina Gochnauer