You know you’ve truly entered best friend territory with someone when creating playlists together becomes a norm. And no playlist dedicated to your closest buds would be complete without a generous selection of best friend songs.
While romantic love often takes center stage when it comes to musical inspiration, the deep friendships we cultivate can be equally, if not more, inspiring. It’s no surprise then that countless artists have channeled their affection for their platonic soulmates into song. Fortunately for us, this means there’s a vast collection of incredible tracks vying for the title of top friendship anthems.
Ready to celebrate your bestie and the unique bond you share? We’ve curated a list of iconic songs about friendship, packed with best friend lyrics that will resonate deeply with you and your ride-or-die. Get ready to say, “Been there!” and maybe even shed a tear or two (we won’t judge). And yes, of course, Taylor Swift’s friendship-themed masterpieces are included!
Listen to our ultimate best friend songs playlist on Spotify for non-stop appreciation for your bestie.
1. “True Blue,” boygenius
From their acclaimed 2023 album “the record,” boygenius – the supergroup featuring best friends Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus – delivered a collection of songs that are essentially an album-long tribute to platonic love. Among this treasure trove of best friend songs, “True Blue” arguably shines brightest. With poignant lyrics like, “And it feels good, to be known so well. I can’t hide from you like I hide from myself,” the song perfectly captures the comfort and vulnerability of true friendship, making it an instant classic for anyone cherishing deep connections.
2. “Goodbye Earl,” The Chicks
Imagine Thelma and Louise transformed into a country song. This is arguably the ultimate anthem for that best friend who would stand by you through thick and thin, perhaps even help you bury a body (hypothetically, of course!). Few BFF songs can tell a story as compelling and darkly humorous as this country murder ballad classic. It’s a testament to loyalty and the lengths best friends might go to for each other, even in the most extreme scenarios, making it a unique and unforgettable addition to any friendship playlist.
3. “I’ll Be There For You,” The Rembrandts
Famously known as the theme song for the beloved sitcom Friends, this tune perfectly encapsulates the unwavering loyalty and support that defines the best friendships. Like many songs about friendship, it may not be lyrically complex, but its simplicity is its strength. With iconic best friend lyrics such as: “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,” it’s a straightforward yet powerful declaration of commitment, instantly recognizable and universally relatable.
4. “Best Friend,” Harry Nilsson
If you’ve ever watched the iconic MTV show Rob & Big, you’re undoubtedly familiar with this song. Harry Nilsson’s “Best Friend” is a pure and heartfelt ode to that exceptional person in your life, a catchy and uplifting celebration of platonic affection. Its simple yet profound lyrics resonate with the genuine appreciation we feel for our closest companions, making it one of the most charming and enduring friendship songs ever created.
5. “You’re My Best Friend,” Queen
While this Queen classic might have been initially inspired by bassist John Deacon’s relationship with his wife, it has transcended its romantic origins to become a timeless bestie anthem. “You’re My Best Friend” boasts an infectious melody and heartwarming lyrics that celebrate the joy and comfort found in true friendship. Its universal appeal and uplifting spirit make it a perfect addition to any playlist dedicated to celebrating those invaluable platonic bonds.
6. “Thank You For Being a Friend,” Andrew Gold
Andrew Gold penned this heartfelt song in 1978 as a tribute to his musical collaborator, Brock Walsh. However, it’s Cynthia Fee’s cover version that has become iconic, forever associated as the theme song for the classic TV show The Golden Girls. “Thank You For Being a Friend” is the perfect soundtrack for sharing late-night cheesecake with your own group of amazing friends, reminiscent of Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia. Its gentle melody and sincere lyrics offer a warm and nostalgic embrace of cherished friendships.
7. “Anytime You Need a Friend,” Mariah Carey
Written during a period of personal loneliness and marital challenges in Mariah Carey’s life, “Anytime You Need a Friend” is a comforting and supportive track. This powerful ballad is the ideal song to send to a friend navigating a difficult time. Mariah’s soaring vocals and empathetic lyrics offer solace and reassurance, reminding us of the unwavering support that true friends provide, making it a deeply meaningful song for anyone needing to lend or receive comfort.
8. “That’s My Best Friend,” Tokyo Vanity
New Orleans rapper Tokyo Vanity created a viral sensation in 2015 with this incredibly catchy and Instagram and Vine-friendly hit. The tutu-filled music video further amplified its appeal, making many viewers aspire to be her best friend. “That’s My Best Friend” is a fun, energetic, and undeniably catchy track that celebrates the joy and exuberance of close friendships, perfect for sharing on social media and embodying the spirit of lighthearted camaraderie.
9. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
This Motown classic, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” stands as one of the most universally loved best friend songs. It’s an especially poignant choice for BFFs who are separated by distance. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s soulful duet conveys a powerful message of unwavering devotion and commitment, emphasizing that no obstacle is too great to overcome for true friendship. Its timeless appeal and heartfelt lyrics make it a perfect anthem for long-distance besties.
10. “Wannabe,” Spice Girls
Remember the days of choreographing playground dances to “Wannabe” and playfully arguing over who got to embody Baby Spice? This iconic Spice Girls hit is pure 90s friendship nostalgia. It’s an energetic and empowering anthem about female friendship and having each other’s backs, instantly transporting you back to carefree days of youthful camaraderie and making you want to gather your girl gang for a Spice Girls dance party.
11. “Best Friends,” Missy Elliott (feat. Aaliyah)
Missy Elliott’s “Best Friends,” featuring Aaliyah, delivers best friend lyrics that resonate with anyone who has ever wished for their BFF to break free from a toxic relationship. The song is a supportive and empowering message to a friend deserving better, highlighting the protective and caring nature of true friendship. Its smooth R&B vibes and relatable lyrics make it a powerful anthem for offering encouragement and standing by your bestie through relationship struggles.
12. “Heroes,” David Bowie
While the inspiration behind David Bowie’s “Heroes” might have been a romantic moment – his producer kissing his girlfriend against the Berlin Wall – its powerful message of overcoming obstacles and standing strong together translates perfectly into a friendship anthem. It adds a triumphant and uplifting note to any BFF playlist. Plus, it’s impossible not to think of that iconic scene from The Perks of Being a Wallflower, further cementing its status as a song about facing the world with your friends by your side.
13. “Best Friend,” Brandy
Brandy dedicated this song from her self-titled debut album to her younger brother and fellow singer, Ray J. This personal touch makes “Best Friend” an even sweeter and more heartfelt BFF anthem, especially for best friends who are also siblings or consider each other family. Its smooth R&B melody and sincere lyrics celebrate the unique bond and lifelong connection shared between best friends who are also family.
14. “In My Life,” The Beatles
Yes, “With a Little Help From My Friends” is another fantastic Beatles friendship song, and you might have expected it. However, “In My Life” offers a different, more tender perspective on friendship that’s simply too beautiful to overlook. This classic Beatles track reflects on the enduring impact of friendships and the way they enrich our lives, making it a deeply moving and timeless addition to any best friend songs collection, showcasing the sentimental side of platonic love.
15. “Where You Lead,” Carole King
Even without its association as the theme song for the beloved Gilmore Girls, Carole King’s “Where You Lead” is a powerful and devoted song about unwavering support. The Gilmore Girls connection, however, adds an extra layer of sentimental charm, evoking images of enduring mother-daughter (and best friend) relationships. Its heartfelt lyrics about following someone anywhere resonate deeply with the loyalty and commitment inherent in true friendship.
16. “You’ve Got a Friend,” James Taylor
While Carole King originally wrote and recorded “You’ve Got a Friend,” James Taylor’s rendition possesses a uniquely soothing quality. There’s something particularly comforting about Taylor’s gentle voice as he sings, “Winter, spring, summer or fall, All you have to do is call, And I’ll be there, yes, I will.” His version emphasizes the reassuring and dependable nature of true friendship, offering a musical embrace and solidifying its place as a quintessential song about being there for your friends, no matter what.
17. “Best Friend,” Saweetie (feat. Doja Cat)
The first 30 seconds of Saweetie and Doja Cat’s “Best Friend” music video alone are enough to solidify its place on any fun friends song list. The scene where these real-life pals read each other’s thoughts while a man condescendingly explains objectification to them is iconic. Featuring the truly excellent line: “Bitch, please, that kind of crass virtue-signaling is nothing but a less overtly nefarious form of toxic masculinity,” the song is a celebration of female empowerment, confidence, and the unbreakable bond between best girlfriends.
18. “Graduation (Friends Forever),” Vitamin C
For anyone who grew up in the late 90s and early 2000s, Vitamin C’s “Graduation (Friends Forever)” is an instantly recognizable anthem of friendship and nostalgia. It perfectly captures the bittersweet emotions of graduating and moving on to new chapters while cherishing the friendships forged along the way. This song is a sentimental journey back to youthful memories and the enduring power of friendships that withstand the test of time and distance.
19. “We’re Going to Be Friends,” The White Stripes
With its elementary school-appropriate rhyme scheme and simple, charming melody, The White Stripes’ “We’re Going to Be Friends” is a nostalgic nod to the innocent beginnings of some of our earliest and most formative friendships. It evokes the simple joys of childhood connections and the excitement of forming new bonds, making it a sweet and heartwarming addition to any playlist celebrating the purity and simplicity of early friendships.
20. “I’m Only Me When I’m With You,” Taylor Swift
From her self-titled debut album, Taylor Swift’s “I’m Only Me When I’m With You” was inspired by her real-life best friend, Abigail Anderson. (Keep an eye out for Abigail in the music video!). This upbeat and relatable song celebrates the feeling of being completely yourself and truly comfortable in the presence of your best friend. It’s a testament to the authenticity and acceptance found in true friendships, capturing the joy of simply being yourself around your closest confidante.
21. “You Can’t Make Old Friends,” Kenny Rogers (feat. Dolly Parton)
Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, who have described themselves as “soul partners,” share a 30-year friendship that began when they teamed up for the karaoke classic “Islands in the Stream.” “You Can’t Make Old Friends” beautifully reflects on the irreplaceable value of long-lasting friendships. It’s a poignant reminder that while new friends are wonderful, there’s a unique depth and history to be cherished in those friendships that have stood the test of time, making it a touching tribute to enduring platonic bonds.
22. “Umbrella,” Rihanna
“When the sun shines, we’ll shine together.” While Rihanna’s “Umbrella” uses weather as an analogy, this lyric perfectly encapsulates the essence of true friendship. It’s a promise of unwavering support, through good times and bad. The song’s powerful message of sticking together and weathering any storm makes it a surprisingly touching and resilient anthem for best friends, emphasizing the strength and solidarity found in platonic partnerships.
23. “Waiting on a Friend,” The Rolling Stones
Despite the well-documented tensions between Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, The Rolling Stones’ “Waiting on a Friend” is a tender reflection on the brighter days of their friendship. This mellow and nostalgic track looks back on the easier, more carefree times of their bond, offering a glimpse into the evolution of friendship over time. Its gentle melody and reflective lyrics make it a poignant reminder that even complex friendships have moments of warmth and connection worth cherishing.
24. “God Only Knows,” The Beach Boys
You might have expected “Friends” from The Beach Boys’ catalog, but “God Only Knows” offers a more profound and universally resonant message of unconditional love, which extends beautifully to deep friendships. This Beach Boys masterpiece, with its intricate harmonies and heartfelt lyrics, transcends romantic love to encompass the profound affection and unwavering devotion found in the strongest platonic bonds, making it a surprisingly fitting and deeply moving friendship song.
25. “Super Trouper,” ABBA
Putting ABBA’s “Super Trouper” on with your best buds might just inspire you to form your own girl band, Donna and the Dynamos-style! This energetic and uplifting track celebrates the joy of performing together and sharing the spotlight with your friends. Its infectious energy and themes of camaraderie and shared dreams make it a fun and empowering anthem for groups of friends who inspire and support each other’s passions.
26. “Friends in Low Places,” Garth Brooks
Blame it on your roots, but when Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” comes on at that Nashville bar you might find yourself in for a bachelorette party, you and your crew will inevitably sing along at the top of your lungs. This country anthem, while often interpreted as a rebellious drinking song, also celebrates the camaraderie and loyalty found in your chosen family of friends, making it a fun and boisterous singalong for any group of close-knit pals ready to let loose and have a good time together.
27. “Cheetah Sisters,” The Cheetah Girls
“Cheetah Sisters” by The Cheetah Girls represents an iconic moment for coordinated headbands and tracksuits, embodying the fun and fashionable side of friendship. This catchy and energetic song celebrates sisterhood and the power of female friendship, instantly bringing to mind images of matching outfits, synchronized dance moves, and unwavering support among girlfriends. It’s a nostalgic and upbeat anthem for celebrating the stylish and spirited bonds of sisterhood.
28. “Hold On,” Wilson Phillips
Okay, Wilson Phillips’ “Hold On” might primarily be a best friend song because of its unforgettable use in the movie Bridesmaids. But honestly, that’s reason enough! The Bridesmaids association has cemented its status as an anthem of female friendship and support, particularly during challenging times. Its message of perseverance and leaning on your friends for strength resonates deeply, making it a powerful and humorous reminder of the importance of having your girls by your side, through thick and thin.
29. “Old Friends,” Simon & Garfunkel
“Old Friends” by Simon & Garfunkel carries a bittersweet tone. In it, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel sing, “Can you imagine us years from today, sharing a park bench quietly? How terribly strange to be 70.” At the time, the songwriting duo considered themselves “really best friends,” but their friendship began to fracture a few years later during the creation of their next album. This song is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the changing dynamics of friendship, tinged with both nostalgia and a sense of melancholy, reminding us that even the closest friendships can evolve and face challenges over the years.
30. “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” Simon & Garfunkel
Just a couple of years after “Old Friends,” Simon & Garfunkel’s friendship was significantly strained. Yet, for the title song of their final studio album, Simon penned the lyrics to “Bridge Over Troubled Water”: “When you’re weary, Feeling small, When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all, I’m on your side, When times get rough, And friends just can’t be found.” Whether intentionally or not, these words can be interpreted as a message about the enduring commitment to be there for someone, regardless of the difficulties a friendship may encounter. It’s a powerful testament to forgiveness, resilience, and the enduring strength of platonic love even amidst conflict.
31. “Time After Time,” Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” proves that it’s not only romantic partners who deserve moody keyboard-synth chords and heartfelt devotion! Lauper’s equally iconic “True Colors” could also easily grace a BFF songs playlist. “Time After Time” is a tender and enduring ballad about unwavering support and being there for someone through thick and thin. Its timeless melody and sincere lyrics resonate deeply with the commitment and constancy found in true friendship, making it a beautiful and versatile anthem for platonic love in all its forms.
