Songs About Brothers
Brothers is one of the most frequently used themes in many forms of art. Especially in music, there are countless songs released about brothers. Today we explore songs about brothers with the best examples from different genres. Don’t forget to take your brother with you!
Avicii – Hey Brother
The official music video, directed by Jesse Sternbaum, was released on 9 December 2013. Loosely based on Ron Franscell’s 1998 literary novel “Angel Fire”, it depicts two brothers growing up in wartime middle America. There are pictures and clips of the Vietnam War interspersed in the video. This work by Avicii is one of the first ones that come to mind among songs about brothers.
Dire Straits – Brothers in Arms
Written during the 1982 Falklands War, “Brothers in Arms” deals with the senselessness of war. In 2007, the 25th anniversary of the war, Knopfler recorded a new version of the song at Abbey Road Studios to raise funds for British veterans who he said “are still suffering from the effects of that conflict.” This track is one of the most popular songs about brothers.
Terry Scott Taylor – My Brother
Terry Scott Taylor (born May 24, 1950) is an American songwriter, record producer, writer and founding member of the bands Daniel Amos and The Swirling Eddies (credited as Camarillo Eddy). Taylor is also a member of the roots and alternative music group, Lost Dogs. He is currently based in San Jose, California, U.S. This song is one of the most original songs about brothers.
The Hollies – He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother
The Hollies’ recorded the song in June 1969 at the EMI Studios (now Abbey Road Studios), with Allan Clarke on lead vocals. Elton John, who was working as a session musician at the time, played the piano on the song, as well their next single, “I Can’t Tell the Bottom from the Top”. The song was released on 26 September 1969 and reached No. 3 in the UK, and No. 7 in the US. The song was re-released in August 1988 in the UK following its use in a television advertisement for Miller Lite beer. It reached the No. 1 spot in the UK chart for two weeks in September 1988. Among songs about brothers , it would be impossible not to mention this song by The Hollies.
Carole King – Brother, Brother
Carole King Klein (born Carol Joan Klein; February 9, 1942) is an American singer-songwriter and musician who has been active since 1958. The most successful female songwriter of the latter half of the 20th century in the US, she wrote or co-wrote 118 pop hits on the Billboard Hot 100. She also wrote 61 hits that charted in the UK, making her the most successful female songwriter on the UK singles charts between 1962 and 2005. This unforgettable song is one of the most high-energy among songs about brothers.
Kodaline – Brother
“Brother” is a song by Dublin-based alternative rock quartet Kodaline. It was written by Jason Boland, Vincent May, Corey Sanders, Jon Maguire, Mark Prendergast, Alex Davies and Stephen Garrigan, with the song’s production handled by Two Inch Punch and Stephen Harris. It was released to digital retailers on 23 June 2017, as the lead single from the band’s third studio album Politics of Living. This successful song has one of the most emotional lyrics among songs about brothers.
NEEDTOBREATHE ft. Gavin DeGraw – Brother
“Brother” is a song by American Christian rock band Needtobreathe. It was released as the fifth single from Rivers in the Wasteland on February 2, 2015. The official single version features Gavin DeGraw and was released to Hot AC radio on May 4, 2015. The song was written by Bear and Bo Rinehart, and produced by Dave Tozer, using elements of Ed Cash’s LP version. The song peaked at number 8 on Billboard Hot Rock Songs, number 1 on Billboard Hot Christian Songs, and number 98 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band’s first Hot 100 chart entry. It can be listed as one of the songs about brothers .
The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army
Released in 2014, this cult song by The White Stripes has reached more than 500 million streams on digital platforms. This is a striking example for the songs about brothers .
Death Cab for Cutie – Brothers on a Hotel Bed
This song is talking about someone who believes that with time the one that he loves will fail to remember him for who he is because as he grows older, they grow more distant and out of love: “You may tire of me as our December sun is setting, ’cause I’m not who I used to be. No longer easy on the eyes, these wrinkles masterfully disguise the youthful boy below.
Matt Corby – Brother
An adult alternative singer/songwriter recognized by his light vocal rasp, soulful delivery, and bright melodies, Matt Corby is a one time Australian Idol runner-up who went on to top the ARIA album chart. He followed his 2007 appearance on the show with the Top Three EP Into the Flame in 2011 before going to number one with his debut album, 2016’s Telluric. It is considered as one of the songs about brothers.
Art Brut – My Little Brother
“My Little Brother” is a song by the British indie rock band Art Brut, featured on their debut album “Bang Bang Rock & Roll,” released in 2005. The song humorously captures the excitement and enthusiasm of a younger sibling who has just discovered the world of rock music.
Through witty lyrics and energetic instrumentation, the song portrays the relatable experience of someone exploring and embracing a newfound passion for music. Art Brut’s playful and catchy approach in “My Little Brother” encapsulates the charm of youthful enthusiasm for rock ‘n’ roll, making it an engaging and entertaining track.
Dolly Parton – Letter to Heaven
“Letter to Heaven” is a poignant song by Dolly Parton, featured on her album “Just Because I’m a Woman,” released in 1968. The song narrates the heart-wrenching story of a young girl who writes a letter to God, expressing her longing and grief after her mother’s passing.
Through heartfelt lyrics and emotive vocals, Dolly Parton captures the raw emotions of loss, sorrow, and the yearning to connect with a departed loved one. “Letter to Heaven” showcases Parton’s ability to convey deep emotional themes and resonates with listeners through its touching portrayal of love, loss, and faith.
Marvin Gaye – What’s Happening Brother
We cannot skip this when we consider the best songs about brothers. “What’s Happening Brother” is a song by Marvin Gaye, featured on his iconic album “What’s Going On,” released in 1971. The track, part of the album’s thematic exploration of social and political issues, specifically addresses the experiences of soldiers returning home from the Vietnam War. Marvin Gaye’s emotive vocals and soulful delivery convey the struggles and challenges faced by returning veterans as they reintegrate into civilian life.
The song’s poignant lyrics and Gaye’s heartfelt performance highlight the themes of resilience, hope, and the need for support and understanding for those who served in the military.