27 Songs About Being There For Someone When They Need You

“Break on Me” by Keith Urban

Song Year: 2016

Country music bad boy Keith Urban added “Break on Me” from Ripcord to the list of feel-good anthems in 2016. This song is a standing invitation to that special someone to let it out whenever life gets overwhelming.

With lines like “Shatter like glass/ Come apart in my hands,” this song came to life for one of the writers, Jon Nite, whose daughter had gone off to college, as well as for Urban himself. After recording the song, his wife’s father died, and Urban put the lyrics into practice.

“He Ain’t Heavy; He’s My Brother” by The Hollies

Song Year: 1969

Here is a classic anthem from The Hollies that hits everyone in the heart because the story behind it is just about as moving as the song itself. The song’s title comes from a phrase that was used as the motto for a place called Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska.

Boys Town (which became Boys and Girls Town in 1979) was a place for troubled youth since the early twentieth century. The priest who ran the organization had a statue built with a boy carrying another boy on his back and motto underneath: “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.”

The motto was incorporated into the song written by Bobby Scott and Bobby Russel, apparently while Russel was dying of cancer. The guitarist for The Hollies found it and convinced the band to record it. Thus the anthem for carrying another’s burdens became a hit.

“Never Gonna Be Alone” by Nickleback

Song Year: 2008

This song is a shot in the arm to give significant others. Canadian band Nickelback wrote this rock anthem for struggling partners to keep on keeping on.

The singer gives a promise to stand by his significant other no matter, and not to waste time doing other things when he could spend it being a support to the person he loves.

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

Song Year: 1967

If there is a classic, timeless song that says I’m with you no matter what, it has to be “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Originally recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, the song peaked at #19 in 1967.

The song has since been put on an endless number of movie soundtracks and is without question the authoritative version.

“Anytime You Need a Friend” by Mariah Carey

Song Year: 1993

This gospel-tinged offering co-written by the singer herself originated in Mariah Carey’s life when she was in a controlling relationship. A handful of backup singers creates the feel of a whole gospel choir as Carey sings about needing a friend in desperate times.

She later said that the song came out of her faith in God and that she felt the song says what God might say to people when they feel alone and need a friend.

“With a Little Help From My Friends” by the Beatles

Song Year: 1967

There is probably a Beatles song for every occasion. That being the case, “With a Little Help From My Friends” easily takes its place in this category.

Sung by the affable Ringo Starr, this song is from the point of view of someone confident that his friends will always be there for him no matter what he needs.

“I’ll Stand by You” by The Pretenders

Song Year: 1994

This touching anthem comes from insightful and usually hard-edged Chrissie Hynde, who co-wrote the song with Tom Kelly and BIlly Steinberg.

As such, it sounds out of ordinary from other Pretenders songs as being softer and more pop-oriented. Nevertheless, it became a hit for the band.

“Reach Out I’ll Be There” by The Four Tops

Song Year: 1966

This is an anthem of devotion by The Four Tops that has continued to speak to generations after.

Written by Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Brian Holland, this song came out of discussion between the writers about what women want: devotion through the good times and the bad.

“Don’t Give Up” by Peter Gabriel

Song Year: 1986

To get a straightforward song of encouragement from the former frontman of Genesis was something unexpected, but Peter Gabriel pulled it off for his hit album SO.

With guest vocalist Kate Bush, Gabriel brings the listener into the distraught musings of a man out of work, with Bush being the voice of support on the chorus. Moody and haunting, “Don’t Give Up” brings it home for the down and out listener.

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel

Song Year: 1970

This is another classic anthem of support and an epic offering of courage and strength during hard times. Written by Paul Simon, the original recording was made with Garfunkel singing alone, though apparently, Garfunkel thought Simon should have sung it.

Nevertheless, Simon did sing the song many times throughout his solo career, including during his farewell tour.