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Relationships with siblings can be complex! But there’s no denying the bond between brothers. These best songs about brothers celebrate that special relationship.
They make it clear that we all experience good and bad times. From country to rap and rock and roll, these songs show the many facets of family.
Best Songs About Brothers
There are many great songs about brothers. They explore these relationships from different angles.
These are a few of the all-time greats! We have also included links to guitar tabs and lyrics, should you want to try and play them yourself.
David Bowie – The Bewlay Brothers
The first song is one that many commentators have said is written about Bowie’s half-brother Terry Burns.
A man who suffered from Schizophrenia. David Bowie then confirmed this in 1977 when he said it was very much based on himself and his brother.
The lyrics are very cryptic and can be interpreted in a number of ways. One theory is that the first verse is about Terry’s descent into mental illness. While the second is about Bowie’s struggles with fame and success.
Bryan Adams – Brothers Under The Sun
This track is from the soundtrack of the film Spirit, and is about the close bond of two stallions. They are brothers under the sun and will always be there for each other. This is a beautiful song about friendship and loyalty.
Bruce Springsteen – Highway Patrolman
Highway Patrolman is from the album Nebraska. It tells the musical tale of Joe Roberts. In self-defense, he kills a man, and now he must bear the repercussions.
The song describes how Joe’s brother Frank attempts to support him as he deals with the shooting’s aftermath.
Kanye West – Big Brother
Big Brother is a song from Graduation. It’s a tribute to Kanye’s mentor Jay-Z. The tune is about how Jay-Z has always been there for him and how he looks up to him. This is a great song for anyone who has a close relationship with their older sibling.
Papa Roach – Blood Brothers
Blood Brothers is a heavy rock song by Papa Roach. Two close friends are the subject of the story. It goes into great detail on how they will always support one another and watch out for each other.
They Might Be Giants – Boss of Me
Boss of Me is a glimpse into a relationship where we find a brother. But one who is always telling his younger sibling what to do.
It’s a light-hearted song about how the younger eventually gets fed up. Then tells the older one that he’s not the boss of him. This track was used as the theme song for the show Malcolm in the Middle.
George Jones – Brothers Of A Bottle
Two friends who drink together and support one another during trying times are the subject of the movie Brothers of a Bottle.
The song discusses how they resemble brothers and are devoted to one another. This song is for you if you get along well with your drinking companions.
Luke Bryan – Blood Brothers
Luke Bryan’s song Blood Brothers is from his album Kill the Lights. It’s shares how two friends are like siblings. But also how they were incredibly close as kids. Then drifted apart as they grew older. It also shares how they reconnected later in life, and their bond is as strong as ever.
Dean Brody – Brothers
This song is from Dean Brody’s album Crop Circles. It features two brothers who are very different but still have a strong bond. One is a wild child while the other is more reserved, but they still love and support each other no matter what.
Keith Whitley – Brotherly Love
Keith Whitley’s song Brotherly Love also makes the list. It references the special and sometimes complex bond between brothers. It explores how they can be the best of friends and the worst of enemies. But they will always love each other, no matter what may happen.
War – Me and Baby Brother
This funk-inspired song by War considers the good and bad times that two brothers can go through together. Sometimes things don’t go well and they can be separated. But in the end, they always desire a relationship that is as thick as blood.
Dire Straits – Brothers in Arms
When it was first released in 1985, this song became a major hit. For Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, it received a Grammy.
The Falklands War served as its inspiration. And explores the brotherhood between soldiers who are fighting in a war.
Elton John – Daniel
Daniel is one of the most misunderstood songs of all time. It’s about a veteran who was wounded at war and returns home to try and live a normal life again. The song visits a close relationship two brothers had, something that wasn’t common during that time period.
Pearl jam – Brother
Pearl Jam’s rock song Brother is filled with anger and frustration. When one older brother does wrong to another, it can leave wounds that are quite deep. This song dissects that type of betrayal, and how it can destroy a relationship.
The Black Keys – Unknown Brother
Unknown Brother by The Black Keys is a song about loss and how it may alter a person. For bandleader Dan Auerbach, who wrote the song about his own brother-in-law who passed away, it’s a very sentimental tune.
Rolf Harris – Two Little Boys
This song was written in 1902 by Rolf Harris. It takes a look at two young brothers who share horses as boys and then do so again in battle during a war. The battle that is referenced is unknown, but some believe it to be the Boer war.
ABBA – Me & Bobby and Brother
This song is a bit different from the others on this list. It’s a walk down memory lane about childhood friends and their siblings. It’s a playful and lighthearted song that will bring a smile to your face.
Simon and Garfunkel – He Was My Brother
He was my brother was written about a fellow college student, Andrew Goodman. He was killed as a civil rights activist in 1964.
Avicii – Hey Brother
Hey Brother by Avicii is one of the more well-known tracks on the list. A youngster loses his father in the Vietnam War in this story. Then, in his mind, he gives himself an elder sibling.
Need To Breathe – Brother
Brother is a song showing the power of redemption and how it can save us from ourselves. We all have a brother or sister who we’ve had some kind of conflict with, and this song is about mending those fences.
Other songs you might enjoy:
Conclusion
Songs about brothers can be some of the most personal and moving out there. They can also be playful and lighthearted. No matter what kind of song you’re looking for, there’s sure to be one on this list that will speak to you.
