The bond between brother and sister or sister and sister is a truly strong one.
In this article, we will try to explore the various songs about sisters that have been written over the years and select the songs we consider to have been the best ever made.
Contents
- 1. We Are Family – Sister Sledge
- 2. Hey, Soul Sister – Train
- 3. Little Sister – Elvis Presley
- 4. White Wedding – Billy Idol
- 5. Sister Christian – Night Ranger
- 6. Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves – Eurythmics & Aretha Franklin
- 7. Come Dancing – The Kinks
- 8. Sister Golden Hair – America
- 9. Sisters of Mercy – Leonard Cohen
- 10. Sister – The Black Keys
- 11. Oh, Sister – Bob Dylan
- 12. Baby Sister – Dolly Parton
- 13. Sister Oh Sister – Rosanne Cash
- 14. My Sister – Reba McEntire
- 15. Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister) – Táta Vega
- 16. The Sister Song – Barney
- Wrapping Up
1. We Are Family – Sister Sledge
What better way to start our songs about sisters list than with a disco classic. We Are Family by Sister Sledge is upbeat and fun with simple yet powerful lyrics.
The song was written for Sister Sledge by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. They weren’t confident writing for big stars, so they chose the group, who were lesser-known at the time.
The lead vocals were done in one take by 16-year-old Kathy Sledge. Impressive! The song became an anthem of solidarity and the group’s signature tune.
We Are Family is a feel-good song that gets people dancing. It’s been used in movies and covered by many artists. An enduring classic!
2. Hey, Soul Sister – Train
“Hey, Soul Sister” was released in 2009 and quickly climbed the charts. The song features a catchy ukulele riff and upbeat lyrics.
The tune was inspired by lead singer Pat Monahan’s vision of Burning Man. He imagined beautiful women dancing around the fire at the annual festival. This imagery sparked the song’s creation.
“Hey, Soul Sister” achieved massive success. It reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts in 16 countries. The song’s music video is a charming street scene in LA’s Echo Park.
3. Little Sister – Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley’s “Little Sister” is a classic rock and roll tune and was a big hit for The King. It reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and even topped the UK Singles Chart.
The song features Presley’s signature vocals and a talented backing band. Hank Garland plays lead guitar, while Scotty Moore handles rhythm. The Jordanaires provide stellar backing vocals, with Ray Walker’s bass voice adding depth.
“Little Sister” has been covered by many artists over the years. Dwight Yoakam, Robert Plant, and Pearl Jam have all put their spin on it. Ry Cooder’s version even hit No. 1 in New Zealand!
4. White Wedding – Billy Idol
“White Wedding” is a classic and is one of Idol’s most recognizable hits.
The music video is iconic. It features Idol at a goth wedding, with his real-life girlfriend playing the bride. Edgy stuff!
One controversial scene shows Idol putting a barbed wire ring on her finger, cutting her knuckle. Ouch! The video also sparked debate over crowd gestures resembling Nazi salutes.
“White Wedding” has been featured in movies, TV shows, and even a rugby grand final. Talk about staying power!
5. Sister Christian – Night Ranger
“Sister Christian” by Night Ranger is a power ballad that was released in 1984. It climbed to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Drummer Kelly Keagy wrote and sang the song for his sister, Christy. He was amazed at how fast she was growing up. The lyrics, “You’re motoring. What’s your price for flight?” have sparked debate.
The music video was filmed at a high school. An acoustic version appears on their album Hole in the Sun. The song has been covered by Glee, Foster Farms, and Jensen Ackles. An epic song about sisters!
6. Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves – Eurythmics & Aretha Franklin
Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves by Eurythmics & Aretha Franklin is a powerhouse anthem. It’s a celebration of female empowerment and independence.
The song features Annie Lennox’s distinctive vocals alongside the legendary Aretha Franklin. Their voices blend perfectly, creating a dynamic and soulful sound. The driving beat and catchy melody make it impossible not to sing along.
Released in 1985, the song became an instant feminist classic. Its message is clear: women are strong, capable, and can achieve anything they set their minds to.
7. Come Dancing – The Kinks
Come Dancing is a sweet song about the narrator’s sister going dancing. It’s a nostalgic look back at simpler times. The catchy melody will have you humming along in no time.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the sister getting ready for a night out. Her excitement is palpable. You can almost see her twirling around the room.
The song captures the essence of youth and innocence. It’s a reminder to cherish those carefree moments. A true classic from The Kinks.
8. Sister Golden Hair – America
“Sister Golden Hair” is a classic from America’s album Hearts. It’s a beautiful song that reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The lyrics were inspired by Jackson Browne’s honest, observational style. Beckley even used the word “ain’t” for the first time in a song. Bold move!
The instrumentation is top-notch. Beckley’s 12-string guitar and lap steel overdubs shine. The result is a timeless sound that still resonates today.
9. Sisters of Mercy – Leonard Cohen
“Sisters of Mercy” by Leonard Cohen is a moving masterpiece. Written during a snowstorm, it was inspired by two backpackers Cohen met. He invited them to his hotel room to rest.
As they slept, Cohen crafted the lyrics, capturing their essence. The song is a testament to his genius. It showcases his ability to find beauty in fleeting moments.
“Sisters of Mercy” remains a timeless classic with Cohen’s soulful voice and poetic lyrics continuing to captivate listeners.
10. Sister – The Black Keys
The Black Keys’ song “Sister” is a bluesy, gritty track. It’s got soul.
The lyrics tell a story of family and connection. “Sister” showcases the duo’s raw, stripped-down sound. Guitar and drums. That’s it.
The Black Keys know how to rock. And this song about sisters proves it.
11. Oh, Sister – Bob Dylan
Oh, Sister by Bob Dylan is a poignant call for reunion against the oblivion of time. The song about sisters features a duet between Dylan and Emmylou Harris. Powerful stuff.
Harris’ beautiful vocal was actually overdubbed a day later. One of the few overdubs made during the Desire sessions. The song became a concert favorite during Dylan’s fall tour preceding the album’s release.
12. Baby Sister – Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton’s song “Baby Sister” is a sweet ode to sisterly love. Short and sweet, just like the bond between sisters. The song showcases Parton’s signature sound and heartfelt lyrics.
“Baby Sister” highlights the special relationship between Parton and her younger sibling. Parton’s love for her sister shines through in every note. The song is a testament to the power of family and the unbreakable bonds between sisters.
13. Sister Oh Sister – Rosanne Cash
Sister Oh Sister by Rosanne Cash is a heartfelt country tune. It showcases her signature blend of country, folk, and pop.
The song explores the deep bond between sisters. Cash draws on her own experiences growing up with three younger sisters. Vivid imagery and honest emotions.
Cash’s vocals are tender and powerful. The stripped-down acoustic arrangement lets the lyrics shine. A timeless ode to sisterly love.
14. My Sister – Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire’s “My Sister” is a heartwarming another tribute to the unbreakable bond between sisters. The lyrics paint a picture of the special relationship sisters share. Through thick and thin, sisters are there for each other.
The song’s simple melody and Reba’s warm vocals make it a pleasure to listen to. It’s the perfect tune to dedicate to your own sister. A true celebration of sisterhood!
15. Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister) – Táta Vega
“Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister)” is a beautiful blues/ragtime song from the movie The Color Purple. Táta Vega’s powerful voice brings the lyrics to life.
The song is about a woman who, after a long lonely journey, has finally found herself. She sings to her “sister,” hoping she too has become someone.
In the film, “Miss Celie’s Blues” portrays the blossoming romance between Shug and Celie. The song resonated with audiences and became an unofficial anthem in the African-American lesbian community.
16. The Sister Song – Barney
We end our list with a fun song about sisters. The Sister Song is a Barney classic. It’s short, sweet, and to the point. The lyrics celebrate the special bond between sisters.
The tune is catchy and easy to sing along to and is absolutely loved by kids!
Wrapping Up
So that concludes our list of songs about sisters. Let us know below whether you agree and what other sisterly songs you might add.