The best songs about friendship

There’s nothing better in the world than a good friend — except, perhaps, a good song about friendship. A theme that spans all genres — from pop and rap to electronic and country — musical artists have been pondering and praising friendship since time immemorial. Alas, we don’t have recordings of ancient Etruscan or Sumerian odes to friendship, but we do have some other dope tracks on this Spotify playlist, by everyone from Biz Markie to Bette Midler. Grab a friend and take a listen to the best songs about friendship.

Deep Fried Frenz by MF Doom (2004) [Amazon, iTunes]

Deep Fried Frenz, the fifth track off of MF Doom‘s food-related 2004 album Mm.. Food, samples an old-school rap song by Whodini called Friends, so you’re kinda getting two friendship-themed songs in one. If you’re friends with the masked rapper, don’t worry: He doesn’t really want to deep fry you. He does, however, want to know who his real friends are. Hip-hop can be a tough game, but it’s made better with some quality pals.

Just A Friend by Biz Markie (1989) [Amazon, iTunes]

Poor Biz Markie can’t catch a break in this 1989 lamentation of forlorn groupie love, in which the Clown Prince of Hip-Hop meets a girl while on concert and, after trying to date her, discovers she already has a man — who she insists is “just a friend.” This single was a one-hit wonder and Biz Markie hasn’t been able to climb the charts since (appearing on reality shows and Men In Black II instead), but what a wonderful hit it is. Just A Friend is now a dance floor sing-along staple and a reminder that friendship can be bittersweet.

You’ve Got A Friend In Me by Randy Newman & Lyle Lovett (1996) [Amazon, iTunes]

The Toy Story franchise and its theme song, You’ve Got A Friend In Me offers another bittersweet take on friendship. The song — written by Randy Newman and performed as a duet by Newman and Lyle Lovett — is a perfect tribute to friends helping each other when times get tough.

I’ll Be There For You by The Rembrandts (1995) [Amazon, iTunes]

We go from bittersweet to syrupy with I’ll Be There For You by The Rembrandts, best known as the irritating yet catchy theme song for the TV show Friends, making it a begrudgingly suitable track on this playlist. We’re really sorry. It has some nice and appropriate sentiments about friendship though, we promise!

I’ll Be There by The Jackson 5 (1970) [Amazon, iTunes]

I’ll Be There, The Jackson 5‘s soul song about soul mates catapulted the quintet beyond the realm of mere bubblegum pop into the stratosphere, according to no less an authority than Michael Jackson himself. If you want more I’ll Be There in your listening life, check out Mariah Carey’s equally- powerful MTV Unplugged rendition.

You’re My Best Friend by Queen (1975) [Amazon, iTunes]

So far, our songs about friendship are pretty straightforward and You’re My Best Friend by Queen is no exception. Written by the band’s bassist John Deacon — who also provides those Wurlitzer piano notes — it’s a catchy pop ballad about Deacon’s relationship with his wife and the joys of a friendship that evolves into marriage.

Stand By Me by Ben E. King (1961) [Amazon, iTunes]

Ben E King‘s R&B classic has scaled the Billboard charts twice: First when it was released in 1961, then in 1986 when it was re-released, coinciding with the blockbuster coming-of-age film of the same name, demonstrating the song’s timeless appeal. Both versions of Stand By Me serve as anthemic monuments to childhood camaraderie.

Lean On Me by Bill Withers (1972) [Amazon, iTunes]

A friend in need is a friend indeed, as the saying goes, and Lean On Me by Bill Withers is a stirring expression of that sentiment. This song topped the Billboard charts twice: The Withers original went number one in 1972, then the Club Nouveau cover reach the top spot in 1987, also winning the Grammy for Best R&B Song.

With A Little Help From My Friends by Joe Cocker (1968) [Amazon, iTunes]

With A Little Help From My Friends was first recorded by this British band called The Beatles — maybe you’ve heard of them. In this case though, we went with the Joe Cocker rendition, which is a friendship-themed classic in its own right, slower and bluesier than the poppy Beatles version. This version of With A Little Help From My Friends also found new life 20 years after its release as the theme song of the nostalgic series The Wonder Years.

Umbrella by Rihanna (2007) [Amazon, iTunes]

“When the sun shines, we’ll shine together/Told you I’ll be here forever/Said I’ll always be a friend/Took an oath I’mma stick it out til the end.” Is there a better expression of friendship than that? Rihanna had a string of early successes before Umbrella, but this 2007 single was her breakthrough hit, turning her into the chart-topping titan she is today. It’s also an affecting and danceable tune about the everlasting bond between friends.

I Will Remember You by Sarah McLachlan (1995) [Amazon, iTunes]

Friendship is all about being honest with someone. For example, hypothetically, suppose you thought Sarah McLachlan‘s I Will Remember You was super schmaltzy and corny, but cried every time they played it under those “In Memoriam” tributes at award shows, or every time they played it at graduation ceremonies. You’d want to be honest with your friend about that. Hypothetically, of course. “Weep not for the memories.” We’ll try, Sarah!

Thank You For Being A Friend by Andrew Gold (1978) [Amazon, iTunes]

Never take a good friend for granted. Always thank them for being a friend, as the 1978 Andrew Gold song reminds us. Later re-recorded by Cynthia Fee as the theme song of the NBC series The Golden Girls, this tune includes such heartwarming notes of friendship as, “If it’s a car you lack/I’d surely buy you a Cadillac,” and some weirder lines like, “And when we die/And float away/Into the night/The Milky Way/You’ll hear me call.” Best friends forever, indeed.

You’ve Got A Friend by James Taylor (1971) [Amazon, iTunes]

The writing and recording of You’ve Got A Friend was an exercise in friendship. Written by Carole King, it was then recorded simultaneously for both her album, Tapestry, and James Taylor‘s Mud Slide Slim, with King and Taylor sharing the same backing musicians. The two were married for a few years, and even after they divorced, still remained close. Now that’s a beautiful friendship.

The Boys Are Back In Town by Thin Lizzy (1976) [Amazon, iTunes]

So, you and your best buds are reuniting at a bar a few years after graduation. What’s the song you’re going to have the jukebox (if the bar even has one) play over and over? The Boys Are Back In Town by Thin Lizzy, of course. As you guys knock back some beers and reminisce about the old days, this rock classic will provide the perfect soundtrack.

That’s What Friends Are For by Dionne Warwick & Friends (1985) [Amazon, iTunes]

What are friends for? Listen to this touching song by Dionne Warwick & Friends to find out. The “& Friends” refers to Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder, which is a superb group of super friends if there ever was one. Alas, they gathered to record the single — co-written by Burt Bacharach — under less than cheerful auspices. The mid-1980s was the height of the AIDS epidemic, and That’s What Friends Are For was recorded to raise money for the American Foundation for AIDS Research. On the bright side, Dionne Warwick and her powerhouse pals raised over $3 million for the cause.

I’ll Be Missing You by Puff Daddy, Faith Evans & 112 (1997) [Amazon, iTunes]

Released only two months after the murder of famed rapper The Notorious B.I.G., I’ll Be Missing You by Puff Daddy, Faith Evans, and 112 is a fitting tribute to their fallen friend and colleague. The track — which went on to be one of the best-selling singles of all time — samples The Police’s Every Breath You Take and because the producers never thought to get the sampling rights beforehand, Sting rakes in 100 percent of the publishing royalties.

Angel by Shaggy & Rayvon (2001) [Amazon, iTunes]

“Closer than my peeps you are to me, baby.” Damn, that’s beautiful. Angel is a love letter to that special girl in your life who’s also your best friend, someone who’s by your side through thick and thin. To paraphrase Shaggy himself, show the nation your appreciation of your own “darling angel” and crank this tune up.

Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine by The Killers (2004) [Amazon, iTunes]

This is probably the darkest song on the playlist since it’s about a murder. Sung from the point of view of a boy who’s been taken in for questioning about the murder of the titular Jenny, the juxtaposition of the Duran Duran-y bass lines with lyrics like “There ain’t no motive for this crime/Jenny was a friend of mine,” is haunting.

Best Friend by 50 Cent (2006) [Amazon, iTunes]

In Best Friend, 50 Cent calls back to an earlier entry on this list, Biz Markie’s Just A Friend, when he begs his best (girl) friend, “Please say he’s just a friend.” You see, 50’s got a problem: He’s worried that he’s been put in the friend zone, locked up in Palcatraz, and he sure as hell doesn’t want to be. He lays out (in explicit detail) why he and this girl should be more than friends. Best of luck, Mr. Cent.

Graduation (Friends Forever) by Vitamin C (1999) [Amazon, iTunes]

Here’s a high-school graduation staple. It’s about moving on and growing up and getting the “big jobs” and “big money,” but still being friends with the people you palled around with in school. It’s both nostalgic about the past and excited for the future. And it’s based on Pachelbel’s Canon in D, so it’s timeless.

No New Friends by DJ Khaled, Drake, Rick Ross & Lil Wayne (2013) [Amazon, iTunes]

Friendship is very important to rappers. It’s so important, in fact, that they tend to be a little hesitant about making new friends, hence this collaborative track by DJ Khaled, Drake, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne. Sure, they might seem menacing and hard in the paint at first, but below the surface, they’re just a bunch of softies who love their friends. As long as they’re not new ones.

Count On Me by Bruno Mars (2011) [Amazon, iTunes]

What are friends supposed to do? Just ask Bruno Mars. “You can count on me like 1, 2, 3/I’ll be there/And I know when I need it/I can count on you like 4, 3, 2.” Good friends can count on each other in times of need, as this single from Bruno Mars‘ debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, reaffirms.

Waiting On A Friend by The Rolling Stones (1981) [Amazon, iTunes]

The members of The Rolling Stones, especially Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, must know a thing or two about friendship. After all, they’ve all been friends (or at least colleagues) for like half a century now. So, you can trust their words when Jagger sings, “I’m not waiting on a lady/I’m just waiting on a friend,” in this 1981 classic. By then, Jagger and Richards had mellowed out a bit, and were stopping to appreciate the finer things in life, like their partnership and friendship.

Internet Friends by Knife Party (2011) [Amazon, iTunes]

“Be careful of who you befriend on the internet” is basically the message of this electro house/brostep dance track. That girl you try to pick up online might go crazy — especially if you block her on Facebook — and break into your house. Pump up the volume on this one and let the crunchy synths overwhelm you, bro.

All My Friends by LCD Soundsystem (2007) [Amazon, iTunes]

Another dance song about friendship, except this one doesn’t sound like your cat knocking all the pots and pans off the counter. Instead, All My Friends by LCD Soundsystem sounds like The Killers listened to a lot of Krautfunk, then decided to make a club banger, with some piano chords thrown in for good measure. The lyrics themselves are pretty great too, tracing the rise and fall of a friendship, with lines like, “It comes apart/The way it does in bad films.” Perfect for a melancholic dance party.

Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler (1989) [Amazon, iTunes]

This 1989 hit, first recorded by Bette Midler for the movie Beaches, takes friendship appreciation to a whole ‘nother level. Midler sings: “Did you ever know that you’re my hero/You’re everything I wish I could be/I could fly higher than an eagle/For you are the wind beneath my wings.” That’s some high praise.

My Best Friend by Weezer (2005) [Amazon, iTunes]

Weezer has never really been known for their subtlety. They tell you straight up what they’re all about and there’s something refreshing about that. They keep that straightforward style for My Best Friend, with a chorus that goes, “You are my best friend/and I love you, and I love you/Yes I do.” That’s just great, Weezer. Thanks a ton.

We’re Going To Be Friends by The White Stripes (2002) [Amazon, iTunes]

Remember when you were young and all you cared about was the first day of school and making new friends. We’re Going To Be Friends, off The White Stripes‘ third album White Blood Cells, captures that childhood anxiety and excitement perfectly. The lyrical and musical composition are simple, like a lullaby, and by the song’s end, you’re fully transported back to those early school and friendship days.

Happy Together by The Turtles (1967) [Amazon, iTunes]

Okay, listening to this sunshine-pop oldie is a bit like chugging maple syrup, but whatever, it’s a cute and catchy song about love and friendship. When you and your friend are so happy that “the skies’ll be blue” when you’re together, you know you’ve got a good thing going on.

Wannabe by Spice Girls (1996) [Amazon, iTunes]

“If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends.” Say what, Spice Girls? If you insist. Wannabe was an anthem of the Girl Power philosopher the pop group espoused, a song about female friendship and empowerment. It was written in less than 30 minutes, which just shows how creatively inspiring friendship can be.

Clique by Kanye West, Jay-Z & Big Sean (2012) [Amazon, iTunes]

Big Sean would like to remind you that no group of friends comes close to his group of friends, which includes members of GOOD Music (like Big Sean and Pusha T), Jay-Z and label head Kanye West. If you and your friends want to feel like the GOOD Music clique, turn on and turn up Clique. Ain’t nobody fresher.

Big Brother by Kanye West (2007) [Amazon, iTunes]

Kanye West again. From his 2007 album Graduation, Big Brother is a touching tribute to his mentor and friend, Jay-Z. In the song, Kanye discusses how Jay-Z inspired him in the early days, giving him a shot at producing and rapping, then how a friendly sibling rivalry pushed Kanye to develop as an artist. Big Brother is a rare thing: A quality, heartfelt rap song about brotherly love.

Friends by Elton John (1971) [Amazon, iTunes]

Friends was the only single off the album Friends, the soundtrack to an obscure film called Friends. So, if you were wondering what it’s about, wonder no more. Recorded shortly before Elton John and collaborator Bernie Taupin made it big in the U.S., Friends is a short and sweet salute to friendship.

Stay Free by The Clash (1978) [Amazon, iTunes]

You don’t expect a snarling, snarky punk outfit like The Clash to record a typical song about friendship, and don’t worry, they didn’t. In Stay Free, they detail a childhood friendship full of causing mischief during and after school, playing pool and smoking cigarettes. Then one of the friends punches the wrong guy and goes to jail. The song’s ending is both ominous and hopeful: “Go easy … step lightly … stay free.”

Never Had A Friend Like Me by 2Pac (1997) [Amazon, iTunes]

Rappers are a boastful lot. Swagger’s just something that comes with the territory. However, usually they brag about how many cars or gold chains they have, not about how great and unique a friend they are. In Never Had A Friend Like Me, 2Pac does the latter. Allegedly, he wrote it for his close friend and boss at Death Row Records, Suge Knight.

New Friends by Pinegrove (2016) [Amazon, iTunes]

As we get older, it can be harder and harder to make new friends. Pinegrove‘s excellent track on the subject is the solution to that problem, a new social beginning that starts with a resolution to meet new people. As the song says, “What’s the worst that could happen?”

Real Friends by Kanye West (2016) [Amazon, iTunes]

When you ascend to any form of success, it can be hard to tell who your true friends are. The subject of Kanye’s classic-era-sounding new single is the kind of friendship where one party actually cares about the other’s feelings and emotions, not about what they can get from them.

Summer Friends by Chance The Rapper (2016) [Amazon, iTunes]

Chance The Rapper‘s song highlights the fleeting nature of warm-weather friendships, where people meet on the street, interacting in a happy universe that seems to disappear come fall.

To You by Andy Shauf (2016) [Amazon, iTunes]

A song about a disagreement between two pals at a party that leads to a cathartic late-night smoking session, To You is a pleasant-sounding and somewhat corny love letter to friendship which perfectly encapsulates the emotionally awkward person inside each of us.

Thank You Friends by Big Star (1978) [Amazon, iTunes]

It’s never the wrong time to thank your friends for aiding in your successes, and that’s just what iconic classic rockers Big Star do here. A rocking jam which highlights all the people responsible for their good times, this song is the perfect thing to put on when you are surrounded by the ones you love, but just don’t quite have the right words.

Friends (Feat. Bon Iver) by Francis and the Lights (2013) [Amazon, iTunes]

Friendship can transcend distance and bad deeds, as explained by songwriter Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) on his guest verse for Francis and the Lights‘ Friends. “Don’t wanna know if you made mistakes/I’m still waiting on your sunshine,” sings the Wisconsin-based vocalist on the track, an anthemic cut worthy of a late night campfire.

Why Can’t We Be Friends by War (1975) [Amazon, iTunes]

Ironic as it is, the band called War wrote one of the most iconic songs about coming together in peace and friendship. A reggae-influenced single about embracing each other regardless of nationality, creed, or color, the song reminds us that as long as you are capable of forgiveness and empathy, there’s no real reason why you can’t get along with anyone.

Just Friends by Amy Winehouse (2006) [Amazon, iTunes]

When you get along really well with someone you’re attracted to, it can be hard to be just friends — even when you want to be. This is the conundrum explored by legendary soul singer Amy Winehouse in Just Friends, a single about the deep desire for friendship in the face of strong emotions.

My Friends by The Red Hot Chili Peppers (1995) [Amazon, iTunes]

Real friends support each other, even in their darkest moments. On My Friends, the Red Hot Chili Peppers focus on the deep love that holds important friendships together, even when things like depression — and a little jail time — get in the way.

Friendship Test by Tenacious D (2001) [Amazon, iTunes]

Sometimes you need to make sure your best friends aren’t romantically interested in you, and that’s just what comedian Jack Black does on this short skit track from his band Tenacious D. Remember: Real friends will always pass the test.

Friendship by Chris Stapleton (2017) Amazon, iTunes

Country singer Chris Stapleton wrote this soulful tune about the kind of friendships that last through thick and thin. Whether lending someone money, food, or a shoulder to cry on, the best friends offer each other what they need when they need it, regardless of the circumstances.

All My Friends by Jacob Sartorius (2017)  Amazon, iTunes

There’s nothing better than hanging out at a party with your best friends until the break of dawn, and that is the central theme of this pop anthem from Jacob Sartorious, which encourages young friends to stay up together until the break of dawn.

All My Rowdy Friends (Have Settled Down) by Hank Williams, Jr. (1981) Amazon, iTunes

Friendships go through many stages over the years, from the rowdy party days of youth to the porch-swinging days of retirement. Country hero Hank Williams, Jr. addresses this on his fun and rambling anthem, singing, “Nobody wants to get drunk and get loud/All my rowdy friends have settled down.”

Friends by Meaghan Trainor (2016) Amazon, iTunes

“I know we about to have a good time/cause I got all my friends with me,” sings Meaghan Trainor to open up this soulful pop jam, a vocal-driven single about how your closest friends will lift you up even when times get hard.

Reunion of Friends by John Williams (2002) Amazon, iTunes

There may not be any lyrics inside this 5-minute orchestral number from legendary film composer John Williams, but that doesn’t mean that the cathartic feeling of friendship doesn’t abound throughout. Written for the Harry Potter franchise, Reunion of Friends is a gentle and hopeful composition that offers the perfect soundtrack for a get-together with your best and oldest partners in life.

Looking for more great music to get you through the day? Be sure to check out our lists of the best songs to work to, best songs about money, catchiest songs of all time, best new songs to stream, and albums of the year.

Updated 12-18-2017 by Parker Hall: Added five new songs to the list.

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