BFF Playlist: 43 Popular Songs About Best Friends and Friendship

If you have a few good friends, count yourself lucky. If you have even more than that, pinch yourself because you've hit life's jackpot. Friends provide more than someone to hang out with. They can

• improve your self-confidence and sense of belonging
• keep you accountable
• reduce stress and improve coping and
• assist you in practical ways.

If you appreciate your BFF, why not generate a customized playlist to show him or her just how much the relationship means to you? Here are some favorite rock, country, pop and soul songs about friends and friendship to get you started.

1. "Count On Me" by Bruno Mars

In this fun 2011 song, Bruno Mars reassures his friend that no matter what the hardship or struggle he will be there for support.

2. "We're Going To Be Friends" by White Stripes

Released in 2002, this song is a tribute to the innocence of childhood friendship, formed at the beginning of a new school year. Don't you wish it could always be this simple?

3. "You've Got A Friend" by James Taylor

When you feel sad or lonely, count yourself lucky if you have a friend who will drop everything to help you. That's the type of friendship that James Taylor celebrates in this 1971 classic.

4. "Brother" by Needtobreathe

Maybe your best bud is your brother or perhaps you're so close he just feels like family. This uplifting 2015 song by Christian rock band Needtobreathe conveys a friend's powerful promise to give shelter against life's storm.

5. "Thank You for Being a Friend" by Andrew Gold

Use this catchy, heartwarming song to tell your BFF "thank you" for everything he or she does. It was originally recorded in 1978, and like true friendship, has stood the test of time.

6. "That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne Warwick and Friends

Use this memorable song to remind your friend that you'll be there to support them during the high points and the low points. Released in 1985, this Grammy-winning tun was a collaboration among Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder. They sought to raise awareness and money for AIDS research.

7. "Lean On Me" by Bill Withers

This 1972 song is so distinctive that you should be able to identify it from the first few notes if you've ever heard it before. It's a reminder that we all have weak moments when we could use the help of others:

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
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on.

8. "I'll Be There For You" by The Rembrandts

Best known as the theme for the sitcom Friends (which aired from 1994 to 2004) this song featured this familiar refrain:

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).

9. "I'll Stand By You" by The Pretenders

This 1995 song by The Pretenders is a tribute to that one rock-solid BFF who is there regardless of what's going on in your life. Do you have someone like that in your life?

10. "Umbrella" by Rihanna

From an artist who has seen her share of conflict comes this 2007 song about a friend who promises to hang in there:

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'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 ... .

11. "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King

This soul song was a Top 10 hit in both 1961 and 1986. It reminds a friend that darkness could fall, the mountains could crumble to the sea, and the sky could fall, but everything will be okay as long as his friend is standing beside him.

12. "Graduation (Friends Forever)" by Vitamin C

Before money, jobs, and kids became your priorities, it was friendship that was at the center of your universe. And the older you get, the more you realize how much those youthful friendships mattered. In this 2000 song, high school friends remind one another that

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.

13. "You've Got A Friend In Me" by Randy Newman and Lyle Lovett

Friends don't have to be the biggest, strongest, or smartest to make you love them — just loyal. A theme song for Disney/Pixar's Toy Story movie series, this 1995 song reminds us all that the nature of friendship is about sticking together.

14. "My Best Friend" by Weezer

Alternative rock band Weezer released this Grammy-nominated song in 2005. It celebrates the BFF as that one blessing in your life who can bring you solace when everything is going wrong.

15. "Song for a Friend" by Jason Mraz

The lyrics of this 2005 song convey gratitude for all the things that a best friend provide: trust, perseverance, wisdom, and accountability. A best friend will call you out when you're wrong and have your back when you need them most.

16. "In My Life" by The Beatles

This 1965 song by The Beatles is one of Rolling Stone magazine's Greatest 500 Songs of All Time. It expresses beautifully that of all life's relationships, there is one who truly stands out as a best-loved friend.

17. "Anytime You Need A Friend" by Mariah Carey

A young Mariah Carey released this song way back in 1994 to remind her friend that no matter the geographical distance, she's there in friendship. If you have a friend that is miles apart, why not reach out today and let them know you're still here?

18. "I'll Be There" by Mariah Carey

What beautiful promises are made between friends in this 1970 soul classic, originally sung by The Jackson 5 and re-recorded by Mariah Carey two decades later. In it, a friend makes assurances that no matter the circumstances, all it takes is just calling their name and they will be there for comfort and strength.

19. "This One's For the Girls" by Martina McBride

Country singer Martina McBride is a friend to all women in this uplifting 2003 song. She celebrates women at every stage of their lives, from early teens to middle age and beyond because, "Yeah we're all the same inside, from one to ninety nine."

20. "Kind & Generous" by Natalie Merchant

This 1998 song is a show of love and gratitude for a friend's giving, unselfish nature. Friends can pull us through some dark times, lift us up and make us better people. If your BFF has done that for you, why not express your thanks today?

21. "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts

Wish your best friend everything positive that life has to offer with this 2006 song: opportunity, no regrets, cherished memories, fulfilled dreams, and all the best.

22. "I Will Come To You" by Hanson

This 1997 song from one friend to another promises support and understanding for years to come.

23. "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler

Leave it to a BFF to believe in you more than you believe in yourself. As you accomplish your life's dreams, your friend stands in your shadow urging you forward and inspiring you. This 1989 song is a tribute to all of the silent supporters such as BFFs. Don't forget to say "thank you."

24. "I'll Be" by Reba McEntire

From one friend to another, this 2000 country song makes a lot of heartfelt promises of support and encouragement because that's what friends are for:

When darkness falls upon your heart and soul
I'll be the light that shines for you
When you forget, how beautiful you are
I'll be there to remind you
When you can't find your way
I'll find my way to you
When troubles come around
I will come to you.

25. "My Same" by Adele

Adele wrote this 2008 jazz song after a conflict with her BFF. It recounts how sometimes friendship is based on complementary (or even opposite) characteristics.

26. "I'm Only Me When I'm With You" by Taylor Swift

If you have a BFF, then you know the feeling of being able to let your hair down and be your true self, of sharing both dreams and secrets, and being truly attached. This 2006 song is a Swift tribute to best friendship. May we all have someone we feel that close to.

27. "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" by The Hollies

This 1969 classic has been re-recorded by others and is an uplifting tribute to sharing in the burden of fellow friend as you help him (or her) get to a better place in life. Share a friend's load.

28. "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" by Tracy Lawrence

It's great to have friends during the good times, but a true friend will show up and stand up to help you out when your life is falling apart. Because that's where the rubber meets the road.

When the water's high
When the weather's not so fair
When the well runs dry
Who's gonna be there?

29. "Girl" by Destiny's Child

This 2005 song is about a woman's girlfriends urging the escape of an abuse relationship. She tries to hide it from her friends, but there are some things you just can't hide from people who love you and know you all too well.

30. "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper

If you're depressed and your world seems gray and glum, ultimate 80s fun girl Cyndi Lauper reminds you in this ballad to call a friend who will bring out the true colors of your rainbow soul. This 1986 hit earned her a Grammy nomination.

If this world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
You call me up
Because you know I'll be there.

31. "One And The Same" by Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato

Have you ever had that friend who is so similar that he or she is like twin, your reflection, your second self? This 2009 song celebrates the close kinship that best friends share.

32. "True Friend" by Hannah Montana

In 2007, when Miley Cyrus was still a Disney darling, she released this ode to BFFs that expressed appreciation for friends that

• have your back
• keep your feet on the ground
• pull you aside when something is wrong
• give you second chances and
• believe in you.

33. "Always Be Together" by Little Mix

In this upbeat 2012 hit, British pop group Little Mix promises to be friends for life, even if their paths diverge.

34. "My Old Friend" by Tim McGraw

This 2005 song reflects on the high value and soft sentiment we feel for old friends. Although it may have been years since you have connected with them, the shared love, laughter and tears are right there on the edge of your memory.

35. "Me and My Girls" by Fifth Harmony

Friends can help you cut loose and have a good time, forgetting all your worries. Go ahead and make duck face selfies and stay up all night long talking. This 2013 song captures the essence of fun with a group of girlfriends.

36. "Gift Of A Friend" by Demi Lovato

This 2009 song was released as a part of the soundtrack for the Disney movie "Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure." It's about the how friends help us as we pursue our dreams and deal with life's disappointments.