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If you’re compiling songs about friendship for your playlist, the tracks featured today should definitely make the cut.
The songs in this collection are perfect for celebrating friendships.
We’ve got songs that describe the traits of a true friend and the hallmarks of a true friendship.
There are also tracks about what friendship means to the artists, as well as songs that reminisce about people who were a big part of one’s life in the past.
Before we dive into the collection, let’s talk briefly about the importance of having a bestie.
The Importance of Good Friends
A good friend does more than offer you a shoulder to cry on. The friendship you share also has benefits to your health and well-being, such as:
Read on to check out the songs we’ve compiled for you.
1. I'll Be There for You (Friends Theme Song), The Rembrandts
via The Rembrandts
“I'll be there for you when the rain starts to pour. I'll be there for you like I've been there before. I'll be there for you 'cause you're there for me, too.”
This is the theme song to Friends, one of the most popular television shows from the late 1990s up to the early 2000s. The show was a comedic take on the lives of a group of friends trying to make it as adults in a big city.
In this song, The Rembrandts offer the assurance that friends will be there to lend a hand when everything’s tough and a little crazy in life.
2. Anytime You Need a Friend, Mariah Carey
via Mariah Carey
“Anytime you need a friend I'll be here. You'll never be alone again. So don't you fear. Even if you're miles away, I'm by your side. So don't you ever be lonely. Love will make it alright.”
A friend can help ward off loneliness, even if they live far away from you. In this song, Mariah Carey assures her friend that she’ll always be there when needed.
3. Best Friend, Missy Elliott ft. Aaliyah
via Missy Elliott
“I'll still be there for you. In your time of need, you can lean on me. Come on, I'll be there for you…”
Friendship is a give-and-take relationship. If your friend was there for you during difficult times in your life, you will also want to do the same for them when they go through periods of tribulation.
Missy Elliott and Aaliyah remind us of this rule of friendship.
4. Umbrella, Rihanna ft. Jay-Z
via Rihanna
“When the sun shines, we'll shine together. Told you I'll be here forever. Said I'll always be your friend. Took an oath. I'ma stick it out til the end. Now that it's raining more than ever, know that we'll still have each other. You can stand under my umbrella.”
Rihanna also reminds us that friends stay together, no matter what. In this song, she tells her friend that she’s a safe haven during difficult times.
5. Stand by Me, Ben E. King
via RHINO
“If the sky that we look upon should tumble and fall, or the mountains should crumble to the sea. I won't cry, no I won't cry. I won't shed a tear just as long as you stand by me.”
If you know a friend’s got your back, it makes you feel invincible. Here’s a song celebrating this kind of dedication and trust.
In this song, Ben E. King celebrates the kind of friendship that brings strength and happiness, no matter what situation he’s in.
6. It's Nice to Have a Friend, Taylor Swift
via Taylor Swift
“Light pink sky up on the roof. Sun sinks down, no curfew. Twenty questions, we tell the truth. You've been stressed out lately? Yeah, me too. Something gave you the nerve to touch my hand. It's nice to have a friend.”
When you were young, did ever long for a friend to share life’s ups and downs with? This song from a younger Taylor Swift expresses delight at finding a kindred soul with whom to share questions that let them know each other deeper.
It tells of the exhilaration at knowing someone will be there to listen to you rant and rave and to make you feel better when you’ve had a bad day. It’s really nice to have a friend.
7. Hey Girl, Lady Gaga and Florence Welch
via Lady Gaga
“Hey girl, hey girl, we can make it easy if we lift each other. Hey girl, hey girl, we don't need to keep one-in' up another. Hey girl… If you lose your way, just know that I got you.”
Female rivalry can happen at school, the workplace, or even at home. It occurs when women believe that there is only one place at the top and they have to compete with other women to get it.
However, in this touching song from Lady Gaga, she suggests that instead of putting each other down, women should learn to lift each other up. She encourages listeners, and especially women, to find ways to be friends with each other.
8. Graduation (Friends Forever), Vitamin C
via RHINO
“As we go on, we remember all the times we had together. And as our lives change, come whatever, we will still be friends forever.”
This song has become an anthem for young people who are about to enter adulthood. Vitamin C sings about people who are going through major changes in their lives but promise each other they will remain friends.
9. See You Again, Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
via Wiz Khalifa
“It's been a long day without you, my friend. And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again. We've come a long way from where we began. Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again.”
Perhaps you have a friend or two who have passed. If you’re missing them right now, here’s a song that expresses that emotion and honors their memory.
10. Count on Me, Whitney Houston and Cece Winans
via Whitney Houston
“Count on me through thick and thin. A friendship that will never end. When you are weak I will be strong, helping you to carry on. Call on me, I will be there. Don't be afraid.”
What is a friend to you?
For some, it’s a person who understands and accepts them completely.
Others say it’s a person who is loyal to you, defending you even if you are absent.
Still others consider a friend to be someone who’s there when needed, whether to offer physical or emotional support. This song reminds listeners that a friend can be all of these things and more.
11. Thank You for Being a Friend, Andrew Gold
via RHINO
“And when we both get older, with walking canes and hair of gray. Have no fear even though it's hard to hear. I will stand real close and say, ‘Thank you for being a friend.'”
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you and your best friend could grow old together? This song celebrates that amazing experience.
The track became popular as the theme for the TV show The Golden Girls, featuring a group of mature ladies living their “golden” years together.
The song celebrates the person who’s with you for the long haul.
12. Friends, Meghan Trainor
via Meghan Trainor
“When I'm in trouble, need some help. And I feel all by myself. I know exactly who to call. I know to make it alright. I got all my friends with me. And after all my money's spent and I can't afford my rent they walk me in the house saying, ‘You can take the couch.' Yeah, that's the only friends I need.”
This song describes the many things that a friend does for us. It emphasizes how a friend provides support during difficult times in our lives. For Meghan Trainor, that’s the kind of friend she needs in her life.
13. Song for a Friend, Jason Mraz
via Jason Mraz
“Let's say you take a break from our day and getting' back to the old garage. Because life's too short anyway but at least it's better than average. As long as you got me and I got you. You know we've got a lot to go around. I'll be your friend, your other brother, another love to come and comfort you.”
This song offers comfort for those having a hard day. It invites us to take a break and unburden ourselves in the company of a friend who’s willing to listen.
14. Gift of a Friend, Demi Lovato
via Demi Lovato
“You'll change inside when you realize the world comes to life and everything's alright from beginning to end when you have a friend by your side that helps you find the beauty of all. When you open your heart and believe in the gift of a friend.”
Sometimes we think that we’re strong enough to go through life without needing the restorative gift of friendship. We consider ourselves to be self-sufficient.
However, it could be that we’re just cautious about whom to reveal our vulnerability.
This song reminds us that, once we find the right person to trust, we can open our hearts and be renewed by the knowledge that someone will always be there for us.
15. I'll Remember, Madonna
via Madonna
“And I'll remember the strength that you gave me. Now that I'm standing on my own I'll remember the way that you saved me. I'll remember.”
Friendships have a way of shaping us and giving us the courage to become who we truly are.
In this song, Madonna honors the memory of a friend who passed away. The singer expresses her gratitude for her friend and vows to remember their legacy.
16. You've Got a Friend in Me (Disney's Toy Story OST), Randy Newman
via Randy Newman
“You've got a friend in me. You've got a friend in me. When the road looks rough ahead and you're miles and miles away from your nice warm bed. You just remember what your old pal said. Boy, you've got a friend in me. Yeah, you've got a friend in me.”
The animated film series Toy Story made this song popular. It is about the relationship shared between Andy and his toy cowboy friend Woody.
The lyrics tell of a friend who’s dependable and supportive. It also reminds listeners of the qualities that we can adopt in order to become a better friend to others.
17. What About Your Friends, TLC
via TLC
“What about your friends? Will they stand their ground? Will they let you down? What about your friends? Are they gonna be low down? Will they ever be around? Or will they turn their backs on you?”
Thus far, we have listed several tracks describing what a good friend is. This song, however, encourages you to scrutinize your friendship to see what it’s based on.
This song asks the important questions: Will the people you consider friends stand by you during difficult times? Can you count on them to be there when it matters?
18. A Friend Like You, Andy Grammer
via Andy Grammer
“Dude, I love you. Bro, I love you. Man, I love you. You're my homie. No one knows me like you know me. Like the sun and the moon, all the best things come in two. What would I do without a friend like you?”
Does your friend know how much you appreciate them? This catchy song perfectly expresses the appreciation and joy one can feel for a good friend.
19. We Should Be Friends, Miranda Lambert
via Miranda Lambert
“If your mind's as cluttered as your kitchen sink. If your heart's as empty as your diesel tank. If all your white t-shirts have stains. If you've got some guts and got some ink. Well then, we should be friends.”
When it comes to making friends, we often gravitate towards people who we think have something in common with us.
In this song, Miranda Lambert encourages listeners to look beyond the superficial and start befriending others. Although people may seem different from us at first glance, a closer look will reveal that we all have a lot of things in common with each other.
20. Hope Ur OK, Olivia Rodrigo
via Olivia Rodrigo
“Well, I hope you know how proud I am you were created with the courage to unlearn all of their hatred. God, I hope that you're happier today 'cause I love you and I hope that you're okay.”
This song is dedicated to old friends we’ve lost touch with. Do you still remember them? Do you wonder how they’re doing, like Olivia Rodrigo does?
21. That's What Friends Are For, Dionne Warwick ft. Elton John, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder
via Dionne Warwick
“Keep smiling, keep shining knowing you can always count on me, for sure. That's what friends are for. For good times and bad times, I'll be on your side forever more. That's what friends are for.”
This song was first recorded in 1982 by Rod Stewart. However, it was the 1985 cover version recorded by Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John that became the most popular version of the song.
It has since become one of the most popular songs played during graduation ceremonies. The song is about compassion and being there for someone at crucial times in their lives.
22. Why Can't We Be Friends?, Smash Mouth
via SMASH MOUTH
“The color, the color, the color of your skin don't matter to me. As long, as long, as long as we can live in harmony. I kinda, I kinda, I kinda like to be the president. And I could, and I could, and I could show you how your money's spent. Why can't we be friends?”
This song calls out people for the tendency to judge others by the color of their skin, economic status, or social standing.
It encourages listeners to open their eyes and minds to the fact that people around the world have a lot of things in common, and these commonalities can help to nurture friendships.
23. Stand By You, Rachel Platten
via Rachel Platten
“Cause I'm gonna stand by you. Even if we're breaking down, we can find a way to break through. Even if we can't find heaven, I'll walk through hell with you. Love, you're not alone. ‘Cause I'm gonna stand by you.”
Having even just a single friend who is willing to walk with you through difficult moments in your life is a blessing.
In this song, Rachel Platten vows to be a good friend who will walk through hell just so that her friend doesn’t have to walk there alone.
24. I Know You, Craig David ft. Bastille
via Craig David
“But we're all stumbling through the night. It doesn't matter, we're all together. And it's paradise in our minds. Falling together, arms 'round each other. I know you, know me too. We're all stumbling through the night. But it's paradise in our minds.”
It’s wonderful to know that we have friends who would willingly walk through the fire with us. However, as this song tells us, it’s also amazing to have friends to celebrate with us during the happy and fun moments of our lives.
25. My Friends, Red Hot Chili Peppers
“My friends are so distressed. I fear the question of your loneliness. Confide, ‘coz I'll be on your side. You know I will, you know I will.”
This song is about the loyalty and dedication a person has for their friends. They serve as a confidante and a shoulder to lean on for their friends, even though they have personal struggles of their own to deal with.
26. Friends, Bette Midler
via Bette Midler
“But ya gotta have friends. That feeling's oh so strong. Ya gotta have friends to make that day last long.”
Whether you’ve got a good life or you’re barely making it through the day, Bette Midler has some advice for you: Life is so much better if you have friends.
27. A True Friend (My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic OST), The Mane Six
“A true true friend helps a friend in need. A friend will be there to help them see. A true true friend helps a friend in need. To see the light that shines from a true true friend.”
The My Little Pony series represents all the wonderful and powerful things friendship can accomplish.
This song describes how a true friend is a mirror that allows us to see our own true self. They are the ones who help bring out the best in us.
28. Me and My Gang, Rascal Flatts
via Rascal Flatts
“It's a brother and a sister kind of thang. Raise up your hands if you all wanna hang with me and my gang. We live to ride. We ride to live. Me and my gang. Jump on that train. Grab hold of them reins. We're gonna rock this thang. Cock this thang. Me and my gang. Yeah, me and my gang.”
This song is about living life to the fullest. What could be more awesome than having fun and creating wonderful memories with your best friends?
29. Friendship, Chris Stapleton
via Chris Stapleton
“We got friendship, the kind that lasts a lifetime. Through all the hardship, you know you're a friend of mine.”
This song might be what you’re looking for if you want to celebrate a wonderful friendship.
It’s a great thing to have someone to call friend—someone who never lets you down. You’d certainly do the same for them.
30. Amigas Cheetahs, The Cheetah Girls
“Amigas Cheetahs, friends for life. The rhythm and each other, that's what keep us tight. Amigas Cheetahs, livin' the dream. Nothing's ever gonna come between us. Amigas.”
Perhaps you and your friends have a big project you’re working on together. If so, you might want to add this song to your playlist. This track is a celebration of the amazing experiences of good friends who share a common dream.
31. Good Friends and a Glass of Wine, LeAnn Rimes
This song describes the kind of self-care a woman needs in order to avoid burnout. It is not an indulgence, but a way of self-preservation.
“A good friend and a glass of wine. Someone to say it's gonna be alright. A good friend and a glass of wine. A little pick me up to get me through the night. We talk trash and we laugh and cry. That kind of therapy money can't buy. Every now and then, every now and then every girl needs a good friend and a glass of wine.”
32. Find Out Who Your Friends Are, Tracy Lawrence
via Tracy Lawrence
“You find out who your friends are. Somebody's gonna drop everything, run out and crank up their car, hit the gas, get there fast. Never stop to think, ‘What's in it for me?' or ‘It's way too far.' They just show up with their big old heart. You find out who your friends are.”
Have you ever been in a situation that revealed who your true friends are?
This song describes such a situation. Tracy Lawrence is convinced that real friends will come to your aid without any hesitation.
33. Oath, Cher Lloyd ft. Becky G
via Cher Lloyd
“Wherever you go just always remember that you got a home for now and forever. And if you get low just call me whenever. That is my oath to you. Wherever you go just always remember you're never alone, we're birds of a feather. And we'll never change no matter the weather. This is my oath to you.”
In this song, Cher Lloyd makes a vow to always be available to help her friends when they need her. She’s willing to be a safe haven for the people she considers a part of her flock.
34. These Are My Friends, lovelytheband
via lovelytheband
“These are my friends, these are my friends. I love them and they don't care who you are. They don't care what you do, no. These are my friends… I love them.”
Not all friends are a good influence on us. This song is about accepting and loving these kinds of friends just the same and treating these friendships with reverence.
35. Count on Me, Bruno Mars
via Bruno Mars
“You can count on me like one, two, three. I'll be there. And I know when I need it, I can count on you like four, three, two. And you'll be there. ‘Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah.”
Here’s another song that reminds us of the give-and-take nature of friendship.
Bruno Mars is confident that his friends will be by his side when he needs them. In the same vein, he assures his friends that he’ll be present when they’re the ones in need.
36. Lean on Me, Bill Withers
via Bill Withers
“Lean on me when you're not strong and I'll be your friend. I'll help you carry on. For it won't be long 'till I'm gonna need somebody to lean on.”
Bill Withers also sings about the give and take in friendships. He reminds his friends that they can lean on him and that he will be their source of strength in low moments in their lives.
In addition, he expresses confidence that, when the time comes and he’s the one who needs support, his friends will be there too.
37. You've Got a Friend, Carole King
via Carole King
“You just call out my name. And you know wherever I am, I'll come runnin' to see you again. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you have to do is call. And I'll be there. You've got a friend.”
This song was first recorded in 1971. Carole King wrote the song after being inspired by the lyrics of James Taylor’s song Fire and Rain.
In this song, Carole King gives the assurance we all need that our friends will always be there for us.
38. Best Friend, Brandy
via Brandy
“Don't know what I'd ever do without you. From the beginning to the end you've always been here right beside me. So, I'll call you my best friend. Through the good times and the bad ones, whether I lose or if I win, I know one thing that never changes. And that's you as my best friend.”
Looking for a song that celebrates the friendship you have with your best friend?
Here’s a touching track from Brandy. It is full of the wonderful details about how a best friend can make a difference in a person’s life.
39. I'm Only Me When I'm With You, Taylor Swift
via Taylor Swift
“I'm only up when you're not down. Don't wanna fly if you're still on the ground. It's like no matter what I do, well you drive me crazy half the time. The other half I'm only trying to let you know that what I feel is true. And I'm only me when I'm with you.”
We often go through our days, interacting with others, without showing our authentic selves. It is only when we’re in the presence of people we trust, such as our best friends, that we can relax and express our true selves.
Taylor Swift describes this duality in this touching single from her self-titled album released in 2007.
Final Thoughts
Friendships have wonderful benefits for our health and well-being. What’s more, good friends can make us excited for the future.
Hopefully, you and your friends found some favorites among today’s collection of songs about friendship.
We wish you all the best in your ongoing adventures with your BFF.
If you’re looking for more resources about friendship, you might want to check out the following:
Finally, here are more collections of songs for specific topics that you might also want to explore:
Finally, if you want to use these songs to make a lasting change to your life, then check out these 100 LIFE GOALS that can help you wake up each morning with a sense of enthusiasm about making progress toward what's important..
