From the early rock & roll to modern pop anthems, there have always been songs that capture the essence of friendship. Whether you want to reminisce about your past friendship or you need a new soundtrack for your next road trip with your best friends, this list of the top songs about friendship will help you out.
27 Songs About Friendship
1. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Strong friendships will feel like there will be no mountain, valley, or river that could ever come between you. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell share this exact kind of bond, making them the perfect fit to sing the 1966 hit single “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” This pop-soul song was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. It has also appeared in many movies and T.V. series that helped in the song’s longevity even decades later.
2. “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
“Stand by Me” was recorded in 1961 by American singer-songwriter Ben E. King. The song, inspired by the spiritual hymn “Lord Stand By Me,” has been reinterpreted countless times with covers from artists John Lennon and Muhammad Ali. In this hit, the singer invites a loved one to stand by him through thick and thin. This song about friendship can help remind a special person that you can rely on at all times.
3. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel
Another song about friendship inspired by a gospel hymn is Simon and Garfunkel’s signature tune, “Bridge Over Troubled Water. Like Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me”, this hit single has been covered by several artists, including Elvis Presley to Aretha Franklin. The timeless song is a fitting message for friends going through hard times. It tells how you comfort them as they experience pain and darkness. This song won five Grammy awards in 1971, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
4. “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen
The Queen song “You’re My Best Friend” is one of the most-played tracks on American radio. The song was penned by bass player John Deacon and is one of the band’s most emotional songs. Deacon wrote this song in 1975 for his wife. Though it was originally branded as a love song, it remains perfect to dedicate to a best friend. It can convey how much you appreciate them for sticking with you through thick and thin.
5. “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
If you have a friend who’s currently in a rough patch, this is the song you can send to them to show you’re willing to support them in carrying their worries and burdens. This song was written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Bill Withers in 1972. With its heartfelt lyrics and important message, this song about friendship was included in Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.
6. “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge
“We Are Family” is Sister Sledge’s signature song celebrating the vocal group’s family bond. It is often used as an anthem to signify solidarity among close friends. This song captures how you and your friends are very close together, supporting and caring for each other as if you had been born into the same family. In 2017, the National Recording Registry chose this song to preserve its cultural, artistic and historical importance.
7. “In My Life” by The Beatles
“In My Life” was recorded by the English rock band the Beatles from their 1965 album Rubber Soul. The lyrics tell about the person looking back on his life and acknowledging that although all his memories are good, he has more beautiful things to look forward to in the future. This is a perfect song about friendship and memories that you can play as you reminisce about the good times.
8. “You’ve Got A Friend” by Carole King
This touching song about friendship was composed in 1969 by Carole King. It was also included in her 1972 album, Tapestry. This song was King’s reflection on how important friends can be just as much as family. In the heartfelt lyrics, the singer tells a loved one how they can count on her “to brighten up even [their] darkest night.” James Taylor released his version of the song in 1971, which became a bigger hit.
9. “That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne & Friends
Although it was originally written and performed in 1982, that song became famous again when five legendary artists—Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder—recorded it in 1985 to help raise money for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFAR). The song raised over $3 million for its cause. It was also a massive hit, spending two weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning several awards.
10. “With a Little Help from My Friends” by The Beatles
Another song about friendship by the Beatles is “With a Little Help from My Friends” from their 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The song was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, sung by drummer Ringo Starr. The singer’s lover seems to have traveled away, which troubles him, so he leans on his friends to escape the stress of missing his lover. According to Rolling Stone, Starr sang this with help from his friends since it was his first time to provide the lead vocals for a track.
11. “Chiquitita” by ABBA
This 1979 song was one of ABBA’s biggest hits. Here, the narrator urges Chiquitita to elevate their spirits and recognize that there are positive aspects to life. This song is an excellent reminder for a friend to always root for positivity as you assure them that you will always be a shoulder to cry on. Chiquitita is a Spanish term of endearment for a woman meaning “little one.”
12. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” by Randy Newman
Randy Newman’s song “You’ve Got A Friend In Me,” the theme song of the Toy Story franchise, is about the unconditional nature of friendship. It’s based on the friendship of Woody and Buzz, who promise never to judge each other. This short and catchy song about friendship is familiar to all Disney fans. It’s also relatable to all generations, making it a perfect song to dedicate to a dear friend regardless of your age.
13. “True Colours” by Cyndi Lauper
“True Colors” is a song about looking past someone’s appearance so that you can see the truth of who they are. The song was performed in 1986 by American singer Cyndi Lauper. The singer had a friend who died of AIDS in mind while singing it. Eventually, the song represented hope and acceptance for the L.G.B.T. community.
14. “Waiting On A Friend” by the Rolling Stones
“Waiting on a Friend” features Mick Jagger singing about the value of friendship over relationships with women. It was released in 1981 for the album Tattoo You. Rather than the typical lustful innuendos his songs are known for, this track reveals Mick Jagger’s quest for true friendship, which he found in his bandmates. This song fits the “golden rule” of male friendships where you’re not supposed to abandon your friends over women.
15. “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts
‘I’ll Be There for You is the theme song of the American sitcom Friends. It was performed by the American pop-rock duo The Rembrandts. The song can be regarded as a heart-warming anthem about true friendship’s power in times of adversity. The lyrics are addressed to an unnamed friend who is going through a hard time, and the narrator assures them that the singer will always be there for this person.
16. “Rivers and Roads” by The Head and The Heart
The indie song “Rivers and Roads” refers to the experience of missing friends who have moved away. If you’ve been missing your friends terribly, this song about friendship and memories is a perfect song to remember them by. It captures how sometimes, you may be willing to travel great distances, following rivers and roads, just to be near your loved ones. This song is one of The Head and The Heart’s most popular ones, and it’s widely used throughout pop culture.
17. “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth sing in “See You Again” about the pain of losing a loved one while simultaneously anticipating their reunion in the afterlife. The song is a tribute to the late actor Paul Walker who died in a car crash in 2013. The lyrics recollect all the good and fun moments they shared that Walker’s friends had shared with him. Despite their pain over his death, they hope he is in heaven and looks forward to seeing him again.
18. “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars
“Count On Me” is one of Bruno Mars’ first hits from his 2010 album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans. It is a folk and tropically influenced song about the importance of friendship. The upbeat song conveys that when a friend is in pain, that person can count on you for comfort for support. Dedicate this song to a friend to show how you’re always ready to help them above anyone else.
19. “Castle On The Hill” by Ed Sheeran
“Castle on the Hill” is a song about growing up in Sheeran’s hometown of Suffolk, where he reminisces about his memorable moments. It’s where he had his first kiss, watched the beautiful sunset over the “castle on the hill”, found weekend jobs, and got drunk with his friends. The castle referred to in the song is Framlingham Castle in Sheeran’s home town. This song was released in 2017 as one of the lead singles from his studio album ÷.
20. “Good Old Days” by Macklemore ft. Kesha
“Good Old Days” is about taking advantage of the now and enjoying your experiences as they’re happening. It’s a perfect song to dedicate to your friends while you all try to live in the moment. Your good moments with your friends do not last forever, so it’s important to cherish them while you can. This song is an excellent reminder to make the most of those experiences so that you won’t have any regrets when you look back to your memories.
21.”Clique” by Kanye West ft. Big Sean & Jay-Z
American rappers Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Big Sean, teamed up for the song “Clique”, where they rap about the strength of their clique. It was featured in G.O.O.D. Music’s compilation album, Cruel Summer, was released in 2012. In Big Sean’s verse, he was about to mention the name of his clique but leaves it out because he doesn’t need to. Everyone’s heard of G.O.O.D. and their members.
22.”22″ by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s “22” is a song about being 22 years old and all the joys accompanying this age. It was included in her album Red which was released in 2012. This catchy song is one you and your friends would enjoy singing together as you celebrate the time in your lives when your worries are few, and your possibilities are endless. Don’t forget to shout the lyrics with a feeling of euphoria and freedom!
23. “We’re Going to be Friends” by The White Stripes
The White Blood Cells song “We’re Going to Be Friends” is about finding a new friend at the beginning of a school year. The lyrics feature a girl and boy who become friends while spending time together in and out of school. The youthful lyrics capture the peacefulness of having no responsibilities and worries. While listening, you will get a sense of nostalgia about your past friendships as you reminisce about your childhood memories.
24. “Keep Holding On” by Avril Lavigne
“Keep Holding On” is a song about friendship and love. In this emotional power ballad, Avril Lavigne sings to a person that they are not alone. They will get through any hardships they may face together. The lyrics sing about staying strong with a good friend even when things aren’t going well. Indeed, it’s nice to reassure a loved one through a song that they do not have to deal with sadness alone.
25. “All of My Friends” by LCD Soundsystem
“All My Friends” by American rock band LCD Soundsystem was released in 2007 from their album Sound of Silver. The song is about the highs and lows of friendship. As an adult, you might find yourself looking back to your childhood innocence and the silly, fun times you spent with friends. This song captures the nostalgia of missing your friends and the good times you had together when you were younger.
26. “Bros” by Wolf Alice
“Bros” is a song recorded by British alternative rock band Wolf Alice. Frontwoman Ellie Rowsell’s wrote the song about his early years growing up in North London with Sadie Cleary, former bass player of the band. Rowsell said that it was an ode to childhood imagination and friendship and all the charm that comes with it.
27. “Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C
After graduation, friends tend to drift apart. This is the sentiment of Vitamin C’s song “Graduation (Friends Forever)”, released in 1999. It’s the singer’s most famous hit to date. Although mostly played as a song about friends going their separate ways, this nostalgic tune also expresses the certainty that true friends will always last.
Conclusion
There are many songs about friendship out there from different genres. We hope you enjoy listening to some of them with your friends as you create your own list of the best songs that capture the bond you have with your friends.
