Songs for siblings: for a sister, a brother, or all of you
26 real songs about sisters, brothers and growing up together, sorted by who you're giving them to. Some were written about real brothers and sisters. The others are friendship and family songs that suit one. Each comes with the artist, the year and when it fits.
Songs for a sister
Three of these are about sisters, real or animated. The other three are about friendship and support, for sisters who are also each other's best friend.
Sisters
Rosemary Clooney and Betty Clooney, 1954
Irving Berlin wrote it for White Christmas, and Rosemary recorded it with her real sister, Betty. Fun for a pair of sisters at a holiday party.
Sister Christian
Night Ranger, 1984
Drummer Kelly Keagy wrote it about his younger sister growing up faster than he expected. For a big brother or sister who still feels protective.
Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
Kristen Bell, Agatha Lee Monn and Katie Lopez, 2013
Anna keeps trying to get her big sister Elsa to come out and spend time with her. Sweet for young sisters, and funny for grown ones who remember the closed door.
For Good
Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, 2003
The Wicked duet about two friends who changed each other. For sisters who say goodbye at a wedding, a move or a graduation.
Thank You for Being a Friend
Andrew Gold, 1978
A cover of it became The Golden Girls theme. For sisters who ended up as best friends, whatever they were like as kids.
I'll Stand by You
The Pretenders, 1994
A promise of support to someone going through a dark time. For a sister in the middle of a hard year.
Songs for a brother
Most are sung brother to brother. The last two tell stories, so read the words before you send one.
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother
The Hollies, 1969
The title phrase is older than the song and became the Boys Town motto. For a brother who has carried you through something, or the other way around.
Hey Brother
Avicii, 2013
Sung by Dan Tyminski over Avicii's dance beat, as advice and a promise to a brother. Upbeat enough for a birthday.
Brother
Needtobreathe featuring Gavin DeGraw, 2015
A big, sing-along promise to stand by each other. Good for brothers who would rather shout along in the car than talk about feelings.
Brother
Kodaline, 2017
A softer song about brothers sticking together, for a quieter moment.
Daniel
Elton John, 1973
Sung to an older brother who is going away. Bernie Taupin based it on a story about a Vietnam veteran, so it suits a brother who has served or moved far from home.
Highway Patrolman
Bruce Springsteen, 1982
A state trooper and his troubled brother, Frankie. It's a story about loyalty under strain, so save it for a brother who will get it.
Songs about brothers and sisters together
For a sister to her brother, a brother to his sister, or a whole set of siblings at once. The first two come from real siblings. The rest are about friendship and loyalty, and fit a brother and sister just as well.
We Are Family
Sister Sledge, 1979
Four real sisters sang it about their own family. The one to play when all the siblings are finally in one room.
Best Friend
Brandy, 1995
Brandy dedicated it to her brother, Ray J. A sister's song for her brother, and it works the other way around.
I'll Be There
The Jackson 5, 1970
Five brothers singing about always showing up. Nice for siblings to dedicate to each other at a family wedding or a parents' anniversary.
You've Got a Friend in Me
Randy Newman, 1995
The Toy Story theme, about Woody and his kid, Andy. For older kids to sing to a younger one, or grown siblings who wore out the tape.
Count On Me
Bruno Mars, 2010
A simple, upbeat song about being there for the people who matter. Easy for kids to sing to a new baby brother or sister.
Lean on Me
Bill Withers, 1972
Inspired by the close coal-mining town where Withers grew up. For siblings who have propped each other up for years.
Songs for grown siblings and reunions
For siblings who live apart now, meet up at reunions or are sorting out the family home together.
The House That Built Me
Miranda Lambert, 2010
A woman goes back to see the house she grew up in. Play it when you're clearing out or selling your childhood home.
In My Life
The Beatles, 1965
John Lennon looking back on the people and places from his past. Good under a milestone birthday slideshow of the two of you.
Sweet Baby James
James Taylor, 1970
James Taylor wrote it for his older brother Alex's newborn son, who was named after him. A gentle pick when your brother or sister becomes a parent.
Home
Phillip Phillips, 2012
Co-writer Greg Holden wrote it for a friend going through a hard time. For a sibling who is moving away, or finally moving back.
Bridge over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel, 1970
A promise to carry someone through the worst of it. For the sibling who held you up through a divorce, an illness or a loss.
Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, 1967
Written as a love song. Siblings in different time zones can borrow it, since the promise to come running still fits.
Stand by Me
Ben E. King, 1961
An easy singalong about sticking together, for the end of a reunion when everyone knows the words.
See You Again
Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth, 2015
Written for Furious 7 as a tribute to Paul Walker. For remembering a brother or sister, or marking a long goodbye.
Four famous titles that aren't about siblings
They turn up in sibling playlists because of the word in the title. Check them before you dedicate one.
- Hey, Soul Sister (Train, 2009)
- A love song. Its lyrics were inspired by the Burning Man festival.
- Sister Golden Hair (America, 1975)
- About a man who has found love but isn't sure about marriage. Gerry Beckley has said there was no real Sister Golden Hair.
- Brothers in Arms (Dire Straits, 1985)
- Written during the Falklands War and usually described as an anti-war song.
- Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves (Eurythmics and Aretha Franklin, 1985)
- A feminist anthem, where “sisters” means women in general.
Or make one about them
The songs above belong to other families. A personalized song is written from what you tell us about yours, like the front-seat fight you still bring up or the night your brother drove four hours to help you move.
You can change any line before the music is made. Then you hear two complete versions free and keep one for $29.99.
Our pages on a song for your sister and a song for your brother go through what to include.
Start their songFree account. No card needed to listen.
Three of our examples
Indie Rock · 3:34
I'll Go First
From a younger brother to his older sister, as she opens her bookshop
Lyrics and story0:00 / 3:34Surf Rock · 2:52
Still Our Little Pumpkin
From a little sister, for Lena's 30th birthday on Halloween
Lyrics and story0:00 / 2:52Pop Punk · 2:26
Build It Anyway
From a younger brother to Danny, for Christmas
Lyrics and story0:00 / 2:26
Original Songilingy examples. The people and stories in them are fictional. A sound you choose guides the music; your song uses your own story and lyrics.
Questions about songs for siblings
What is the best song to dedicate to my brother?
“He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother” by the Hollies and “Hey Brother” by Avicii say it plainly without getting sappy. For a quieter moment, try “Brother” by Kodaline. From a sister, Brandy's “Best Friend” was dedicated to her own brother, Ray J.
What's a good song about sisters?
“Sisters” was recorded by two real sisters, Rosemary and Betty Clooney, and “We Are Family” by four, Sister Sledge. “Sister Christian” by Night Ranger was written about the drummer's younger sister. For sisters who grew up on Frozen, “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” is about two sisters too.
What's a good birthday song for a brother or sister?
For a party, “We Are Family” or “Hey Brother” keep it upbeat. For a milestone birthday slideshow, “In My Life” by the Beatles looks back on the people who mattered. For a younger sibling, “You've Got a Friend in Me” or “Count On Me” are easy to sing along to.
Can I get a song made about my brother or sister?
Yes. You tell us about them, edit the lyrics, and Songilingy makes an original sung song from your details. With a free account you hear two complete versions, then keep one for $29.99. No card is needed to listen.