49 Best Songs About Friends & Friendships
There’s nothing quite like an awesome friend you can trust. If they’re willing to put up with your weirdness and walk through thick and thin, then you know you’ve found true blue.
The paradox is that you can also be hurt by the people closest to you. After all, a hollow insult from a stranger is insignificant, but cutting words from a loved one can sting.
Friendships take many forms. Sometimes they are healthy. Sometimes they aren’t. Sometimes they are for a reason. And, sometimes they are for a season.
In this guide, we’ll be looking at top songs about friendship.
Pop & Rock Songs About Friendship
We’re going to begin this list by looking at some of the more popular songs to do with friendship.
If you’re looking for rap or children songs about friendship, we’ll be looking at that a little later.
So, let’s dive right in.
“You’re My Best Friend” by Queen
Song year: 1975
It’s hard not to think of this song when you think of best songs about friendship.
This song is a celebration of when you find that special someone who is also your best friend.
Sometimes couples aren’t best friends and don’t even have a lot of common interests, which can make it hard on the relationship.
“You’re My Best Friend” is about finding your precious soulmate.
“With A Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles
Song year: 1967
“With A Little Help From My Friends” is a song about the value of friendship. We all go through difficult times. But the thing that can help us carry on are friends.
The narrator of the song is concerned with what will happen if he makes some mistake. He’s worried that others might be turned off and he’ll be abandoned.
It’s only natural to have these feelings as a human being. It’s good that he knows where to turn, however – to his friends!
“I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5
Song year: 1970
We're all human. That being the case, we are prone to making mistakes. It happens.
But what if there was someone who stood by you no matter what and accepted you just as you are? This is the essence of Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There.”
But before you dedicate it to your bestie, you should know that it’s basically a love song and it hints at more than just friendship:
“I’ll be there to comfort you / Build my world of dreams around you / I’m so glad that I found you.”
“Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C
Song year: 1999
If you graduated from school in the late 90s, it was near impossible to avoid Vitamin C’s “Graduation (Friends Forever)”, which carries the melody of “Pachelbel’s Canon”.
Depending on how you look at it, this is kind of a sad song, because it’s basically saying everybody moves on and finds their own way in life.
And, it’s asking whether friendship will last forever.
But it’s still an important song if you’re graduating, and if you take it seriously and say what needs to be said to the people you care about before it's too late, you’ll live with fewer regrets.
“Friends In Low Places” by Garth Brooks
Song year: 1990
This is every bar star’s favorite song. Sing it loud and sing it proud because that Garth Brooks sure knows how to relate to his audience.
When you examine it closer, you discover that this song is about showing up to a black-tie affair in cowboy boots and being shown the door.
But the essence of it is that you should be you. There is a place you can go where you’ll be welcomed and everyone knows your name.
Brilliant song.
“We’re Going To Be Friends” by The White Stripes
Song year: 2001
“We’re Going To Be Friends” is an oddly gentle song for raucous, garage rock/new blues duo The White Stripes. The music is mostly comprised of a lone acoustic guitar along with Jack White’s voice.
It also sounds like a song that was made for commercials and TV, and I’m certain that’s where I first heard it.
Anyway, this is mostly about looking back on your early years in grade school and remembering them fondly.
And, there’s no commentary on loss of innocence here, which I rather appreciate (because there are too many songs with that theme).
“Waiting On A Friend” by The Rolling Stones
Song year: 1981
The Rolling Stones’ “Waiting On A Friend” is basically about wanting someone who isn’t just your lover but who is also your best friend. Sounds like something a Rockstar might say.
Of course, we can all resonate with it, because true love is about connection. You don’t just want to be attracted to someone – you also want someone you can count on when you’re going through tough times.
“You’ve Got A Friend In Me” by Randy Newman
Song year: 1995
As with many Randy Newman songs, “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” is whimsical to say the least.
But there aren’t any hidden or deep meanings here. This is a song about walking through life side by side with your friends.
“You’ve got a friend in me / You’ve got a friend in me / If you’ve got troubles, I’ve got ‘em too / There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you.”
“Anytime You Need A Friend” by Mariah Carey
Song year: 1993
Mariah Carey’s “Anytime You Need A Friend” is a gospel-infused ballad about friendship.
The narrator is letting her friend know that she will always be there for them.
This is certainly a recurring theme in a lot of songs about friendship, though that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
“When the shadows are closing in / And your spirit diminishing / Just remember you’re not alone / And love will be there / To guide you home.”
“Song For A Friend” by Jason Mraz
Song year: 2005
More than anything, this is a song about loving yourself and finding your individuality.
The message gets a little lost in the lyrics, in my opinion, but this slow-paced Jason Mraz song is nevertheless well-written.
For those times when you don’t like yourself, or you don’t feel like you’ve got the confidence you need to overcome the challenges you’re facing, this is an encouraging song you can turn to.
“I Turn To You” by Christina Aguilera
Song year: 1999
This song could be about a friend, a parent, even a significant other. The point is that, when the narrator needs help, she turns to that special someone who always lifts her up.
It seems like a nice tribute to a friend.
“Headlines (Friendship Never Ends)” by Spice Girls
Song year: 2007
The oddly titled “Headlines (Friendship Never Ends)” was the Spice Girls’ comeback single in honor of their reunion tour.
The song is wordy, and it speaks of missing pieces, heroes, the power to imagine, flying and so on. Again, kind of odd.
You could say the song is just about the Spice Girls getting back together, which it may very well be.
But it also seems to be about a couple who wants to make things “official”, whatever shape that takes.
Well, either way, if you were excited for this reunion, you were probably excited for the release of this song too.
“I’m Only Me When I’m With You” by Taylor Swift
Song year: 2006
This could just as easily be a love song, but I guess it could be kind of a “toned-down” love song for Swift, who likes to write about the drama of relationships more than anything else.
In this song, we find the narrator saying she only feels right when her friend is doing well. And, she says she can only be herself with him.
Again, it seems like a nice tribute to a friend or significant other.
“Lean On Me” by Bill Withers
Song year: 1972
“Lean On Me”, of course, is Bill Withers’ ultimate friendship anthem and singalong song (regardless of whether that was the original intent).
The key point of the song is that we all go through tough times and need people we can count on. We can all relate to that.
“You’ve Got A Friend” by James Taylor
Song year: 1971
This is another one of those friendship songs that’s basically saying, “hey, I’m here if you need me.”
And, for James Taylor, this is a relatively direct and simple song.
If you like tender acoustic numbers, you’ll certainly like this one.
“You just call out my name / And you know wherever I am / I’ll come running, oh yeah baby, to see you again.”
“International Smile” by Katy Perry
Song year: 2013
Katy Perry wrote this song for her DJ BFF Mia Moretti. Aww… Isn’t that sweet? Perry has even called Moretti her muse.
Only, maybe I’m off, but this song is vague enough that it could just as easily apply to Perry herself. Hmm…
Well, maybe that’s an important message all its own. To love others, you’ve got to love yourself first. You should make friends with the most important person in your life, which is inevitably you.
“I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts
Song year: 1995
If you ever watched the TV show Friends, then you’ll probably remember this incredibly catchy three-chord wonder by The Rembrandts, which is reminiscent of 60s rock and roll (think The Yardbirds or The Beatles).
The lyrics are both creative and descriptive of the kinds of days you have when you wake up on the wrong side of bed.
Whether you’ve been the kind of friend that’s stood by others as they were going through challenges, or you have a friend like that in your life, you’ll appreciate “I’ll Be There For You.”
“Umbrella” by Rihanna
Song year: 2007
Not my favorite song about friendship, “Umbrella” was nevertheless a big hit in the late 00’s.
In this song, the narrator is basically saying, “Look at me – I’m living large! You want to be my friend, because I’ll take good care of you.”
And, based on lines like “you have my heart”, can we honestly say this is just a song about friendship?
Aside from that, it’s a typical repetitive Rihanna song.
“Count On Me” by Bruno Mars
Song year: 2010
This is basically another simple song about being there for each other.
And, Mars has a penchant for identifying great music and putting his own spin on it. This song basically sounds like a Jazon Mraz or Jack Johnson song.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to hear Mars do his take on early 2000s lazy, acoustic surfer music, have a listen to this song.
“My Best Friend” by Weezer
Song year: 2005
“My Best Friend” is one of Weezer’s finest power pop moments in recent memory.
There’s nothing weird or unusual about the lyrical content. It’s a lot like some of the other songs we’ve already covered on this list.
So, here’s another fantastic tribute to best friends.
“My Best Friend” by Tim McGraw
Song year: 1999
In this song, the narrator finds himself let down by everyone he meets. And he’s grown tired of searching.
That’s when he finds someone special, someone he can call a “best friend.”
In this case, we know that he’s singing about more than a friend because it’s someone he’s fallen in love with.
But again, it’s such a great feeling when you find someone you can love and be best friends with.
“You’re more than a lover / There could never be another / To make me feel the way you do.”
“Friends” by Elton John
Song year: 1971
For a song titled “Friends”, this isn’t exactly the most straightforward one out there.
Have a listen for yourself and you'll see what I mean.
I imagine this is a song about working hard to earn your freedom and loving the freedom you've created. What do you think?
“Why Can’t We Be Friends” by War
Song year: 1975
People sometimes hate each other for rather artificial reasons.
This song reminds us that we can get along regardless of creed, religion or race.
“Just Friends” by Amy Winehouse
Song year: 2006
I think there are different ways of looking at this song.
But it seems to be about being attracted to someone, not being able to control those feelings but also wanting to stay friends instead of escalating it further.
It could also be interpreted that the narrator just wants to spend a night with her “friend.”
But any way you look at it, there are some conflicted feelings in this song.
“My Friends” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Song year: 1995
“My Friends” strikes me as slightly abstract, as the narrator tells us, all his friends are depressed.
I don’t think lines like these are meant to be taken literally: “Ex-girlfriend called me up / Alone and desperate / On the prison phone / They want, to give her seven years / For being sad.”
I think this probably refers to how depression can feel like a prison.
The narrator, nevertheless, says he loves all his friends. If we could pinpoint the cause of depression, we might be able to make heads or tails of this song.
“Friends” by Meaghan Trainor
Song year: 2016
It sounds like Meaghan Trainor is about to have a party… in the chorus, anyway.
The rest of the song is just about having good friends, being a good friend, finding friends who will be there for you when things are difficult.
It’s a cheesy song, honestly.
“Wannabe” by Spice Girls
Song year: 1996
So, Spice Girls’ breakout hit “Wannabe” sounds like a message for men who might be interested in being with them.
And, that’s all well and good, but the whole point is “If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends.”
Sounds like they’ve got a clever filter for weeding out the dudes they don’t want to be around.
Either way, this is a killer song, and to this day, Spice stands as an excellent example of what you should do if you want to make a pop album that doesn’t just satisfy the masses, but also musicians.
“Gift Of A Friend” by Demi Lovato
Song year: 2009
In “Gift Of A Friend”, we find the narrator trying to make it all by her lonesome. When you see yourself as superhuman, it’s easy to make that mistake.
Of course, we all need help from time to time, if we’re honest with ourselves.
The narrator even says: “And everything’s bright / From beginning to end / When you have a friend / By your side.”
Love and friendship both represent risk. It’s risky to trust someone. But it can be great.
“Lucky” by Jason Mraz ft. Colbie Caillat
Song year: 2008
In the late 00’s, every coffeehouse crooner knew this song, or at least knew someone who did.
And, the crux of the song is that the couple feels lucky to be in love because they are best friends.
It’s certainly not the first song of its kind we’ve covered here. But hey, you might prefer it from the smooth harmonies of Mraz and Caillat.
“Thank You” by Dido
Song year: 1998
The narrator sounds kind of depressed in the opening lines of “Thank You.”
But then she gets that call from someone special, and everything changes.
Have you ever had that before? A call from someone that lifted your spirits? Someone you love?
That’s the essence of this song.
“Me And My Gang” by Rascal Flatts
Song year: 2006
Like many country songs, the opening verses to “Me And My Gang” are basically comprised of lists – in this case, a list of locations like California, Oregon and New York City.
The chorus is just saying “hey, come along with us if you’re one of us.”
Well, I guess you’d be one of them if you’re a big fan of country music.
“Cool” by Gwen Stefani
Song year: 2004
Have you ever stayed friends with one of your ex’s? Some people say it’s weird, but it happens.
And, if you wanted any proof, you’d have but to listen to Gwen Stefani’s “Cool”.
Breakups are never easy, leaving some couples unable to remain in communication let alone friends.
But sometimes time passes, and the hurt becomes a distant memory. You might just find yourself saying, “I know we’re cool.”
“Friends” by The Beach Boys
Song year: 1968
Recorded as a Waltz, “Friends” by The Beach Boys is a song about staying friends through thick and thin.
Friendship is great, assuming it encourages growth and doesn’t become suffocating for all involved.
Either way, this song celebrates the importance of friendship.
“Best Friend” by S Club 7
Song year: 2000
Here’s another bubblegum tribute to best friends.
As with most S Club 7 music, this one’s got a great groove and a catchy hook.
And, the key message here is “We all need a best friend”, so don’t think too deep. Just put this song on and dance along!
“Thank You For Being A Friend” by Andrew Gold
Song year: 1978
Clearly, Andrew Gold has found an incredible friend. He’s so thankful for them, he goes so far as to say, “If it’s a car you lack / I’d surely buy you a Cadillac / Whatever you need any time of the day or night.”
It’s hard to find people who will do anything for you, in good times and bad times. You’ve got to hold onto them, because they are rare. As life goes on, it’s not about the quantity but rather the quality of friends.
“Thank You For Being A Friend” is a great 70s rock and roll tune, rich with vocal harmonies. It’s a shame they don’t make music like this anymore.
“I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders
Song year: 1994
Has anyone ever told you they would stand by you, no matter what? That’s what this song is all about.
The narrator says his friend can be sad, angry, or any way they feel. He’ll just keep on believing in them.
This song kind of sounds like it could be a parent speaking to a child. The interesting part is that a parent-child relationship is the ultimate friendship when you think about it.
Interpret this song how you will. But I think it makes for a great friendship anthem.
“I Will Come To You” by Hanson
Song year: 1997
In the late 90s, the Hanson brothers were young and popular, and they were also on the receiving end of a lot of flak. But marketable they were, and it’s hard to forget the insanely catchy “MMMBop.”
In this gentle ballad, we find Taylor singing (somewhat incoherently), words that were clearly written by someone with much more experience in life.
It’s not out of place for Hanson to be singing it. It’s just that, it seems to be coming from a vantage point of someone who’s 10, 20 or even 30 years ahead of them.
Sample these lyrics to get a better sense of what I mean:
“Sometimes when all your dreams may have seen better days / And you don’t know how or why, but you’ve lost your way / Have no fear when your tears are fallin’.”
Maybe it’s just me, but those don’t sound like the words of a teen.
Anyway, when you’re down and out, let this song lift you up.
“Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
Song year: 1988
“Wind Beneath My Wings” was originally written by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley in 1982 and was first recorded by Kamahl the same year, for a country and western release.
In this case, it seems the Bette Midler adult contemporary version struck more of a chord, with just a touch of melodrama and hyperbole.
I mean, who didn’t tear up, even if just a little bit, when they first heard this song?
To good friends everywhere!
Rap Songs About Friendship
In this section, you will find several rap songs about friendship.
As is customary for the genre, some (if not all) of these songs contain questionable language.
If you are easily offended, or if you're still at an impressionable age, we’d suggest skipping this section altogether.
Otherwise, let’s move right along and look at rap songs about friendship.
“I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy feat. Faith Evans & 112
Song year: 1997
Written in memory of Notorious B.I.G., “I’ll Be Missing You” is a heartfelt tribute to a friend now gone.
Of course, for several reasons, this is a bit of an odd track. Puff Daddy apparently sampled The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” without going through the right channels and getting permission. As result, Sting was granted ownership of all the royalties.
Regardless of intent, it is a memorable song to be sure.
“Just A Friend” by Biz Markie
Song year: 1989
Before gangster rap came along and started dominating the airwaves, we had rappers like Biz Markie, who were willing to risk it all to put out songs like “Just A Friend.” And, by the way, this song made it huge.
It’s basically a song about a love triangle or unrequited love as it were. The narrator calls out the girl he’s hanging out with. He says:
“I say: “Yo, who was that?” “Oh, he’s just a friend” / Don’t gimme that, don’t even gimme that!”
Good times.
“Best Friend” by 50 Cent ft. Olivia
Song year: 2005
“Best Friend” finds the narrator in love with a girl that might already have someone special in her life.
Yet, in graphic detail, he tells her what he would do to her if she was his “best friend.”
There’s not a whole lot more one can take away from this song, but it’s catchy for sure. And, it seems to reference Biz Markie’s “Just A Friend”, so in that sense, it’s kind of a tribute too.
“Rollin’ With My Homies” by Coolio
Song year: 1995
This song is almost exactly what you’d expect it to be. It’s about hanging around town and partying it up with friends.
Songs About Friendship For Kids
We’d like to wrap up this guide by looking at a few children songs about friendship.
Here are some cute and fun songs you can teach your kids.
“Friends, Friends 123” by The Kiboomers
Song year: 2015
Just a fun song about friends that uses the word “friends” a lot.
“Will You Be A Friend Of Mine” by The Kiboomers
Song year: 2015
Award-winning kindergarten song, “Will You Be a Friend of Mine” is set to the tune of “Mary Had A Little Lamb.”
Honestly, I’m a little afraid that a song so simple wins awards, but maybe that means there’s a big opportunity in kid’s music right now.
“We All Live Together” by Greg & Steve
Song year: 1975
A song that paints a picture of the sheer scope of the world.
And, it reminds us that we all live together every day. Best make friends with those around you, because those are the only people we’ve got!
“Shake A Friend’s Hand” by Andy Z
Song year: 2015
Just a fun song that comes with actions. Best enjoyed with your friends!
“My Buddy” by Pancake Manor
Song year: 2017
A catchy 50s style rock and roll song about being buddies.
“I Love You No Matter What” by Jack Hartmann
Song year: 1994
A simple ballad about loving someone no matter what, through thick and thin.
“Won’t You Be My Friend” by Hap Palmer
Song year: 1972
There’s not a whole lot to say about “Won’t You Be My Friend”, which features relatively few lyrics.
It’s a simple kid’s song with a country/western beat.
Best Songs With Friends In The Title, Final Thoughts
So, what are you present to, now that you’ve made your way through a big list of songs about friendship?
Which song is your favorite? Are there any we missed? Any that should be on this list?
If it’s been a while since you’ve thanked your friends, now would be a good time to get in touch with them and let them know that you appreciate them.
We hope you enjoyed this list and we’ll see you again for the next one!
