Friendship, in all its beautiful and varied forms, is a cornerstone of the human experience. Like the iconic sitcom Friends illustrated, these bonds can range from sibling-like connections to supportive shoulders in times of need, and even harbor unspoken romantic undertones. There are countless ways friendship manifests itself, and thankfully, just as many songs dedicated to capturing the essence of these relationships.
So, let’s raise a glass to our closest companions, the individuals who uplift and support us in ways no one else can. Dive into our curated list of 45 exceptional Songs About Friendship, celebrating those truly special connections. Because, often, the most profound loves in our lives are simply our friends.
Anthems of Togetherness: Celebrating the Joy of Friendship
LCD Soundsystem – ‘All My Friends’
This is the quintessential anthem for those euphoric moments surrounded by your best friends, whether at a festival, in a club, or a spontaneous kitchen dance party. ‘All My Friends’ perfectly encapsulates the feeling that life, in that very moment, couldn’t possibly get any better. It’s a celebration of shared experiences and the joy of being young and carefree with your chosen family.
Most friendly lyric: “I wouldn’t trade one stupid decision / For another five years of life”
Wolf Alice – ‘Bros’
‘Bros’ is pure youthful exuberance captured in a song. This track from Wolf Alice’s debut album beautifully portrays that phase of life where your friends are your entire universe, before the responsibilities of adulthood like partners, families, and careers take center stage. It’s a nostalgic look back at simpler times and the unbreakable bonds forged in youth.
Most friendly lyric: “Remember when we cut our hair? / We both looked like boys, but we didn’t care / Stick it out together, like we always do”
The White Stripes – ‘We’re Going To be Friends’
Evoking the sweet innocence of childhood, Jack and Meg White’s ode to simpler days of “numbers, letters, learn to spell” is a heartwarming throwback. ‘We’re Going To Be Friends’ captures the beginnings of friendships formed in classrooms and playgrounds, suggesting bonds that feel like they could truly last a lifetime.
Most friendly lyric: “We sit side by side in every class / Teacher thinks that I sound funny / But she likes the way you sing”
Spice Girls – ‘Wannabe’
The original millennial friendship anthem, ‘Wannabe’ by the Spice Girls, with Sporty, Scary, Baby, Ginger, and Posh, taught a generation of young women the essential code of “sisters before misters.” Over two decades later, it remains a perfect, joyful introduction to their Girl Power ethos, emphasizing the importance of female solidarity and prioritizing friendships.
Most friendly lyric: “If you wanna be my lover / You gotta get with my friends”
Saweetie ft Doja Cat – ‘Best Friend’
For those moments when you want to celebrate your best friend and their unapologetically awesome self, Saweetie and Doja Cat’s 2021 banger, ‘Best Friend’, is the ultimate “women celebrating women” anthem. It’s a high-energy, confident track that’s perfect for shouting out your bestie’s achievements and celebrating each other’s successes.
Most friendly lyric: “That’s my best friend, she a real bad bitch”
Taylor Swift – ’22’
Taylor Swift is no stranger to capturing coming-of-age nostalgia, and ’22’ from her Red album perfectly embodies the unique feeling of finding your partner in crime and the sense of security that comes with it. It’s a song about the chaotic joy of youth and the comfort of navigating it all with your best friends by your side.
Most friendly lyric: “Yeah, we’re happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time / It’s miserable and magical”
Lizzo – ‘Grrls’
A concise and sassy ode to your girl gang, Lizzo’s ‘Grrls’ packs as much feisty spirit as its title suggests. It delivers a clear and powerful message: mess with one of us, you mess with all of us. It’s an anthem of female empowerment and the strength found in solidarity with your friends.
Most friendly lyric: “That’s my girl, we codependent / If she with it, then I’m with it”
Miley Cyrus – ‘We Can’t Stop’
Miley Cyrus has gone through numerous transformations, but a constant theme is her commitment to living life to the fullest. ‘We Can’t Stop’ is the ultimate getting-ready anthem, best sung into a hairbrush microphone with your closest girlfriends. It’s about embracing freedom, living in the moment, and enjoying the night with your best pals.
Most friendly lyric: “Can’t you see it’s we who own the night? / Can’t you see it we who ’bout that life?”
MGMT – ‘Time To Pretend’
Distilling the heady rush of youth into three minutes of pure, giddy possibility, MGMT’s ‘Time To Pretend’ became the soundtrack for a generation of millennials moving to big cities, exploring new experiences, falling in love, and forming exciting friendships. It’s a song about embracing the adventure of young adulthood with your friends.
Most friendly lyric: “This is our decision to live fast and die young / We’ve got the vision, now let’s have some fun”
Support and Solidarity: Songs of Comfort and Loyalty
Rihanna – ‘Umbrella’
Often cited as the ultimate offer of support, Rihanna’s rain-shielding hit, ‘Umbrella’, might be metaphorical, but the sentiment of unwavering support remains powerful. Whether a literal offer of shelter or a symbolic promise of being there through tough times, it’s a powerful declaration of friendship.
Most friendly lyric: “When the sun shine, we shine together / Told you I’ll be here forever”
The Big Moon – ‘Formidable’
If you need someone firmly on your side, you want them to be formidable. The Big Moon’s ‘Formidable’ from their debut album is a rousing and heartfelt promise of unwavering support. It’s about being a strong ally and standing by your friends through thick and thin.
Most friendly lyric: “I’m on your side / I’ll be formidable”
Conan Gray – ‘Best Friend’
Conan Gray’s real-life best friendship with Olivia Rodrigo adds another layer of authenticity to this fiercely loyal ode. ‘Best Friend’ is both sweet and ride-or-die, capturing the essence of a friend who is there for you through everything, the good, the bad, and the messy. It celebrates the kind of friendship that is both supportive and unbreakable.
Most friendly lyric: “That’s my fuckin’ best friend / That’s my fuckin’ right hand / That’s my fuckin’ throw-up-in-the-bathroom-but-still-love-them”
Lady Gaga & Florence Welch – ‘Hey Girl’
This powerful collaboration between Lady Gaga and Florence Welch for Gaga’s Joanne album is a standout example of female solidarity. ‘Hey Girl’ is about support, ignoring petty rivalries, and standing together. It’s a lesson in female friendship and the strength found in unity and mutual support.
Most friendly lyric: “Help me hold my hair back / Walk me home ’cause I can’t find a cab”
The Velvet Underground – ‘I’ll Be Your Mirror’
When self-doubt creeps in and confidence wanes, a true friend sees the best in you, often when you can’t see it yourself. The Velvet Underground’s ‘I’ll Be Your Mirror’ beautifully reflects this sentiment. It’s a dreamy and tender song about seeing someone’s true worth and offering unconditional acceptance.
Most friendly lyric: “Please put down your hands / ‘Cause I see you”
Arlo Parks – ‘Hope’
Arlo Parks, a leading voice in contemporary poignant songwriting, delivers a touching story of a friend struggling in ‘Hope’. The song highlights the profound comfort that can come from well-chosen words delivered by someone you deeply trust. It’s a reminder that even small gestures of support can make a significant difference in a friend’s life.
Most friendly lyric: “You’re not alone like you think you are / We all have scars, I know it’s hard”
Carole King – ‘You’ve Got A Friend’
A timeless anthem to friendship that has remained at the top for over half a century, Carole King’s ‘You’ve Got A Friend’ perfectly expresses the safety net a loving friend provides. It’s a weepy, comforting ballad that promises unwavering support, no matter the circumstances or time of year.
Most friendly lyric: “Winter, spring, summer or fall / All you have to do is call / And I’ll be there”
Destiny’s Child – ‘Girl’
Let’s be honest, who hasn’t fantasized about being part of Beyoncé’s inner circle? Destiny’s Child’s ‘Girl’ is an empathetic track that places you in that leading role within the ultimate female friendship group. It’s about unwavering support and loyalty among girlfriends.
Most friendly lyric: “I’m your girl, you’re my girl, we your girls / Don’t you know that we love you”
The Pretenders – ‘I’ll Stand By You’
Choosing between The Pretenders’ original and Little Mix’s cover is tough, but Chrissie Hynde’s voice in The Pretenders’ ‘I’ll Stand By You’ puts the simple yet powerful sentiment of unwavering support front and center. It’s a classic ballad about being a steadfast presence for someone you care about, no matter what challenges they face.
Most friendly lyric: “When the night falls on you, baby / You’re feeling all alone / You won’t be on your own”
Bill Withers – ‘Lean On Me’
A timeless classic in the canon of great songs, Bill Withers’ ‘Lean On Me’, with his soulful, crackled croon, and its enduring message, will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come. It’s a simple yet profound song about mutual support and being there for each other in times of need.
Most friendly lyric: “Lean on me / When you’re not strong / And I’ll be your friend / I’ll help you carry on…”
The Streets – ‘Dry Your Eyes’
Mike Skinner’s most sentimental track, ‘Dry Your Eyes’, takes the perspective of a supportive friend offering a shoulder to cry on. It’s become a staple on reassuring mixtapes, a sonic embodiment of “You’re gonna be OK, we promise.” It’s a comforting anthem for getting through heartbreak with the help of your mates.
Most friendly lyric: “Dry your eyes, mate / I know it’s hard to take, but her mind has been made up / There’s plenty more fish in the sea”
Phoebe Bridgers – ‘Graceland Too’
Essentially a boygenius song in disguise, Phoebe Bridgers’ ‘Graceland Too’ features her bandmates and explores themes of trust and compassion. Fittingly, it’s performed by a trio that exemplifies these qualities. The song is a beautiful exploration of deep friendship and the willingness to be there for each other unconditionally.
Most friendly lyric: “I will do anything, I will do anything / Whatever you want me to do, I will do”
Queen – ‘You’re My Best Friend’
Sometimes, directness is best. Queen’s ‘You’re My Best Friend’ eschews complex metaphors and simply states heartfelt affection. And who better to deliver that message than Freddie Mercury, one of the greatest frontmen of all time? It’s a straightforward, joyful declaration of love and appreciation for a best friend.
Most friendly lyric: “I want you to know that my feelings are true / I really love you / Oh, you’re my best friend”
Nostalgia and Shared History: Songs of Lasting Bonds
The White Stripes – ‘We’re Going To Be Friends’ (Revisited)
(Re-mentioning this song to fit thematic grouping, as it also evokes childhood friendship and nostalgia)
Beyond its initial charm, ‘We’re Going To Be Friends’ also taps into the nostalgia for childhood friendships, those bonds formed in the earliest days that carry a unique and enduring quality. It’s a reminder of the simple beginnings of friendships that can last a lifetime.
Boygenius – ‘True Blue’
(Re-mentioning this song to fit thematic grouping, as it also emphasizes deep understanding and shared history)
‘True Blue’ by boygenius, led by Lucy Dacus, acts as a powerful testament to the synergy and deep understanding within a close-knit friendship group. It’s a celebration of being truly known and accepted by your friends, highlighting the comfort and security that comes from that deep connection.
Most friendly lyric: “And it feels good to be known so well / I can’t hide from you like I hide from myself”
The Maccabees – ‘Grew Up At Midnight’
This album closer from The Maccabees’ third album is a wistful look back at childhood friendship (or perhaps, budding romance) viewed through the lens of time. ‘Grew Up At Midnight’ evokes the nostalgia of growing up together and the shared experiences that shape lasting bonds.
Most friendly lyric: “We grew up at midnight / We were only kids then”
Dream Wife – ‘Kids’
While Dream Wife is known for their punk energy, ‘Kids’ reveals a softer side, detailing a forever friendship that might ebb and flow but always remains. It’s about the enduring nature of certain friendships, even through changes and distance, emphasizing that some bonds are unbreakable.
Most friendly lyric: “I welcomed you into my arms / And you welcomed me into your heart”
The Beatles – ‘In My Life’
While ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ might be the more obvious Beatles friendship song, ‘In My Life’ is a deeper, more poignant reflection. It looks back on a life lived and cherishes the people who have been most significant throughout it, both past and present. It’s a sentimental ode to all the important relationships in one’s life, including cherished friendships.
Most friendly lyric: “All these places had their moments / With lovers and friends, I still can recall / Some are dead and some are living / In my life, I’ve loved them all”
The Libertines – ‘What Became of the Likely Lads’
Pete Doherty and Carl Barat’s famously tumultuous relationship is romanticized in The Libertines’ ‘What Became of the Likely Lads’. It portrays their bond with a knowing wink, recognizing they are two halves of a whole. It’s a song about the intense, often complicated, but ultimately unbreakable bond between close friends, like two sides of the same coin.
Most friendly lyric: “’Cos blood runs thicker, oh / We’re as thick as thieves, you know”
Oasis – ‘Live Forever’
‘Live Forever’ by Oasis perfectly captures the boundless optimism of youth and the feeling of facing the world with your mates. It’s a song about youthful dreams, shared ambitions, and the feeling that together, you and your friends are invincible. It remains a beloved anthem of the 90s for its evocation of youthful camaraderie.
Most friendly lyric: “Maybe you’re the same as me / We see things they’ll never see / You and I are gonna live forever”
Lana Del Rey – ‘The Greatest’
From Norman Fucking Rockwell!, Lana Del Rey’s ‘The Greatest’ is a nostalgic reflection on better times, looking at friends and your city through a sepia-toned filter. It’s a melancholic yet beautiful song about cherishing past moments and the feeling of shared nostalgia with close friends.
Most friendly lyric: “Those nights were on fire / We couldn’t get higher / We didn’t know that we had it all”
Blur – ‘Sweet Song’
The relationship between Blur’s Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon, often reflected in their music, is explored in ‘Sweet Song’. This track examines a friendship strained and wishing for reconciliation. It’s a poignant song about the pain of a fractured friendship and the hope for its restoration.
Most friendly lyric: “And now it seems that we’re falling apart / But I hope I see the good in you, come back again”
Chosen Family and Unconventional Bonds: Celebrating Unique Friendships
Rina Sawayama – ‘Chosen Family’
So powerful that Elton John collaborated on a version, Rina Sawayama’s ‘Chosen Family’ celebrates the importance of the people we choose to surround ourselves with, those who accept us unconditionally. It’s an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community and anyone who has found family outside of blood relations, emphasizing the strength of chosen bonds.
Most friendly lyric: “We don’t need to be related to relate / We don’t need to share genes or a surname”
Olivia Rodrigo – ‘hope ur ok’
Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘hope ur ok’ looks back on old friends from the LGBTQ+ community who faced challenges to be themselves. It expresses pride in their resilience and strength. It’s a touching tribute to friends who have overcome adversity and a celebration of their courage and authenticity.
Most friendly lyric: “Well, I hope you know how proud I am you were created / With the courage to unlearn all of their hatred”
Sister Sledge – ‘We Are Family’
Universally recognized, Sister Sledge’s ‘We Are Family’ is practically ingrained in our DNA. Its message of treating your closest friends like blood relatives is timeless and powerful. It’s an iconic celebration of unity and the feeling of deep familial connection with your friends.
Most friendly lyric: “All of the people around us, they say / Can they be that close?”
Carly Rae Jepsen – ‘Making the Most of the Night’
If you’re feeling down, having Carly Rae Jepsen “hijack” you for a spirit-lifting dance sounds ideal. ‘Making the Most of the Night’ is pure Carly Rae sunshine, aimed at spreading good vibes to her friends. It’s a joyful and energetic song about lifting your friends’ spirits and making the most of your time together.
Most friendly lyric: “I’ll run to your side when your heart is bleeding / I’m coming to getcha”
BTS – ‘Friends’
Performed by BTS members V and Jimin, ‘Friends’ is a rousing K-pop hit that has undoubtedly sparked countless “hug your bestie” moments among fans. It’s a celebration of the unique and often mysterious bond between close friends.
Most friendly lyric: “Hello, my alien / We are each other’s mystery”
Wet Leg – ‘Supermarket’
Whether about a friend or lover, Wet Leg’s quirky ‘Supermarket’ celebrates the simple joys of running around the grocery store, getting high, and being silly with someone special. It’s a playful and relatable song about the everyday fun and shared experiences that strengthen friendships.
Most friendly lyric: “I want to take you to the supermarket / I wanna shop it ’til I’m weak at the knees”
The xx – ‘Our Song’
The xx’s Romy and Oliver, having grown up together, infuse ‘Our Song’ with deep personal meaning. Rumored to be about Oliver’s struggles with alcoholism, it’s a message of unwavering support from friends. It’s a tender and intimate song about understanding, support, and enduring friendship through difficult times.
Most friendly lyric: “You know I know your heart / I want to mend your heart”
The Moldy Peaches – ‘Anyone Else But You’
Made famous by the Juno soundtrack, The Moldy Peaches’ ‘Anyone Else But You’ might hint at romance, but at its core, it’s about finding your kindred spirit, someone who truly “gets” your quirks and eccentricities. It’s an ode to finding someone who accepts and loves you for your unique self, flaws and all.
Most friendly lyric: “Squinched up your face and did a dance / You shook a little turd out of the bottom of your pants / I don’t see what anyone can see, in anyone else but you”
Weezer – ‘My Best Friend’
Weezer, known for their often tongue-in-cheek alt-rock, delivers sincerity with ‘My Best Friend’. It’s an uncomplicated and heartfelt expression of gratitude for a close friend, much like the best friendships themselves. It’s a straightforward and genuine appreciation for the positive impact a best friend has on your life.
Most friendly lyric: “You are such a blessing / And I won’t be messing / With the one thing that brings light to all of my darkness”
Cults – ‘Always Forever’
Cults’ ‘Always Forever’ expresses a desire to keep loved ones close, literally in their hearts, like a locket. It’s a romanticized, slightly melancholic, yet sweet expression of wanting to hold onto close friendships forever.
Most friendly lyric: “You and me always forever / Say you’ll stay never be separate”
Kanye West – ‘Real Friends’
Kanye West’s ‘Real Friends’, while perhaps convoluted, holds a mirror to those who might struggle to earn the title of “real friend.” It’s a reflective song about the search for genuine connections and the challenges of finding true friends. The lesson: strive to be the opposite of the song’s subject.
Most friendly lyric: “Lookin’ for real friends (real friends) / How many of us? How many of us are real friends?”
Brandy – ‘Best Friend’
’90s kids will always associate Brandy’s ‘Best Friend’ with Monica, but regardless, this R&B throwback remains timelessly slick. It’s a song made for walking arm-in-arm with your bestie, full of confidence and shared swagger.
Most friendly lyric: “Friends may come, and friends may go / But you should know that / That I’ve got your back, it’s automatic”
Drake – ‘Started From The Bottom’
For those moments when you look around at your lifelong friends, whether celebrating success or just catching up for a familiar tradition, Drake’s ‘Started From The Bottom’ captures that feeling of shared journey. It’s a song about loyalty, shared history, and celebrating success with the friends who were there from the beginning.
Most friendly lyric: “Started from the bottom know the whole crew’s fucking here.”
Little Mix – ‘Always Be Together’
Despite lineup changes and hiatuses, Little Mix’s 2012 unity anthem, ‘Always Be Together’, still resonates with its message of unwavering friendship and solidarity. It’s a powerful pop anthem about the promise of always being there for each other, through thick and thin.
Most friendly lyric: “We’ll always be together, don’t you worry / I’ll always be by your side, don’t you worry”
Friendship, in its myriad forms, provides the soundtrack to our lives. These songs about friendship offer just a glimpse into the vast and emotional landscape of these invaluable relationships. From anthems of youthful joy to ballads of unwavering support, these tracks remind us of the profound impact our friends have on our lives.
