BFF Playlist: 46 Popular Songs About Best Friends and Friendship
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Celebrate your best friend with a personalized playlist.
A True Friend Is a Treasure
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.
Friends Can...
- Improve your self-confidence and sense of belonging
- Keep you accountable
- Reduce stress and improve coping
- 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 of our favorite rock, country, pop, and soul songs about friends and friendship to get you started on building your playlist.
1. "Count On Me" by Bruno Mars
Album: Doo-Wops & Hooligans
Release Year: 2010
In this fun 2011 song, Bruno Mars reassures his friend that no matter what the hardship or struggle he will be there for support.
Essential Lyrics
You can count on me like one two three
I'll be there
And I know when I need it
I can count on you like four three two
You'll be there
'Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah
2. "We're Going to Be Friends" by White Stripes
Album: White Blood Cells
Release Year: 2001
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?
Essential Lyrics
Read More From Spinditty
Tonight I'll dream while I'm in bed
When silly thoughts go through my head
About the bugs and alphabet
And when I wake tomorrow I'll bet
That you and I will walk together again
I can tell that we are gonna be friends
Yes I can tell that we are gonna be friends.
3. "You've Got a Friend" by James Taylor
Album: Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon
Release Year: 1971
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.
Essential Lyrics
You just call out my name, and you know wherever I am
I'll come running, oh yeah baby, to see you again
Winter, spring, summer, or fall
All you got to do is call and I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah
You've got a friend
4. "Brother" by Needtobreathe
Album: Rivers in the Wasteland
Release Year: 2014
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.
Essential Lyrics
Brother let me be your shelter
Never leave you all alone
I can be the one you call
When you’re low
Brother let me be your fortress
When the night winds are driving on
Be the one to light the way
Bring you home
According to a Harvard research study, breast cancer patients with no friendship network were four times more likely to die than women with 10 or more friends.
Andrew Sweeney via Flickr, CC-BY-SA 2.0
5. "Thank You for Being a Friend" by Andrew Gold
Album: All This and Heaven Too
Release Year: 1978
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.
Essential Lyrics
If it's a car you lack
I'd surely buy you a Cadillac
Whatever you need any time of the day or night
I'm not ashamed to say
I hope it always will stay this way
My hat is off, won't you stand up
and take a bow
And when we both get older
With walking canes and hair of gray
Have no fear even though it's hard to hear
I will stand here close and say
Thank you for being a friend (I wanna thank you)
6. "That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne Warwick and Friends
Album: Friends
Release Year: 1985
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.
Essential Lyrics
Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for
7. "Lean On Me" by Bill Withers
Album: Still Bill
Release Year: 1972
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.
Essential Lyrics
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
Album: L.P.
Release Year: 1995
Best known as the theme for the sitcom Friends (which aired from 1994 to 2004) this song featured this familiar refrain.
Essential Lyrics
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
Album: Last of the Independents
Release Year: 1994
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?
Essential Lyrics
Oh, why you look so sad, the tears are in your eyes,
Come on and come to me now, and don't be ashamed to cry,
Let me see you through, 'cause I've seen the dark side too.
When the night falls on you, you don't know what to do,
Nothing you confess could make me love you less,
10. "Umbrella" by Rihanna
Album: Good Girl Gone Bad
Release Year: 2007
From an artist who has seen her share of conflict comes this 2007 song about a friend who promises to hang in there.
Essential Lyrics
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
Album: Don't Play That Song!
Release Year: 1962
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.
Essential Lyrics
If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Or the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry, no I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
If you want to make friends, get involved in your school or community to find others with common interests. Friendship can last a lifetime!
(C) by Donna Toone
12. "Graduation (Friends Forever)" by Vitamin C
Album: Vitamin C
Release Year: 1999
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 our lives change...we will still be friends forever."
Essential Lyrics
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
Album: Toy Story Soundtrack
Release Year: 1996
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.
Essential Lyrics
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
When the road looks rough ahead
And you're miles and miles
From your nice warm bed
You just remember what your old pal said
Boy, you've got a friend in me
Yeah, you've got a friend in me
14. "My Best Friend" by Weezer
Album: Make Believe
Release Year: 2005
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.
Essential Lyrics
There is no other one that can take your place
I feel happy inside when I see your face
I hope you believe me
Because I speak sincerely
and I mean it when I tell you I need you
The social support that friends provide can protect against dementia, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk for depression.
Alex via Flickr, CC-BY-SA 2.0
15. "Song for a Friend" by Jason Mraz
Album: Mr. A–Z
Release Year: 2005
The lyrics of this 2005 song convey gratitude for all the things that a best friend provides: 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.
Essential Lyrics
You say, you shouldn't mumble when you speak
But keep your tongue up in your cheek
And if you stumble on to something better
Remember that it's humble that you seek
You got all the skill you need
Individuality
You got something
They call it gumption
They call it anything you want
Because when you play the fool now
You're only fooling everyone else
You're learning to love yourself
16. "In My Life" by The Beatles
Album: Rubber Soul
Release Year: 1965
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.
Essential Lyrics
But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
17. "Anytime You Need a Friend" by Mariah Carey
Album: Music Box
Release Year: 1993
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?
Essential Lyrics
Anytime you need a friend
I will be here
You'll never be alone again
So don't you fear
Even if you're miles away
I'm by your side
So don't you ever be lonely
Love will make it alright
18. "I'll Be There" by Mariah Carey
Album: The Adventures of Mimi
Release Year: 2007
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.
Essential Lyrics
I'll be there with a love so strong,
I'll be your strength,
You know I'll keep holdin' on.
Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter,
Togetherness, well it's all I'm after,
Just call my name, and I'll be there. (I'll be there)
People tend to affiliate with others who are have perceived similarities. Want to make friends? Find what you have in common.
Chang'r via Flickr, CC-BY-SA 2.0
19. "This One's for the Girls" by Martina McBride
Album: Martina
Release Year: 2003
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."
Essential Lyrics
This one's for the girls,
Who've ever had a broken heart,
Who've wished upon a shooting star,
You're beautiful the way you are,
This one's for the girls,
Who love without holdin' back,
Who dream with everything they have,
All around the world,
This one's for the girls.
20. "Kind & Generous" by Natalie Merchant
Album: Ophelia
Release Year: 1998
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?
Essential Lyrics
Oh, I want to thank you for so many gifts you gave
The love, the tenderness, I want to thank you
I want to thank you for your generosity, the love
And the honesty that you gave me
I want to thank you show my gratitude
My love, and my respect for you, I want to thank you
Oh, I want to thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you
I want to thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you
21. "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts
Album: Me and My Gang
Release Year: 2006
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.
Essential Lyrics
I hope you never look back, but you never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you live,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And always give more than you take.
But more than anything, yeah, more than anything
Great Albums By These Artists
| Artist | Albums | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
Cyndi Lauper | "She's So Unusual" | 1983 |
Destiny's Child | "Survivor" | 2001 |
Demi Lavato | "Unbroken" | 2011 |
Rascal Flatts | "Melt" | 2002 |
Bette Midler | "Broken Blossom" | 1977 |
Natalie Merchant | "Ophelia" | 1998 |
Martina McBride | "Evolution" | 1997 |
Mariah Carey | "Daydream" | 1995 |
The Beatles | "Let It Be" | 1970 |
Tracy Lawerence | "Lessons Learned" | 2000 |
22. "I Will Come to You" by Hanson
Album: Middle of Nowhere
Release Year: 1997
This 1997 song from one friend to another promises support and understanding for years to come.
Essential Lyrics
When you have no light to guide you
And no one to walk to walk beside you
I will come to you
Oh I will come to you
When the night is dark and stormy
You won't have to reach out for me
I will come to you
Oh I will come to you
Sometimes when all your dreams may have seen better days
And you don't know how or why, but you've lost your way
Have no fear when your tears are fallin'
I will hear your spirit callin'
And I swear I'll be there come what may
23. "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler
Album: Beaches Soundtrack
Release Year: 1988
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."
Essential Lyrics
It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
But I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.
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.
24. "I'll Be" by Reba McEntire
Album: So Good Together
Release Year: 2000
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.
Essential Lyrics
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
Album: 19
Release Year: 2008
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.
Essential Lyrics
I thought I knew myself, somehow you know me more
I've never known this, never before
You're the first to make up whenever we argue
I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know you
You're so provocative, I'm so conservative
You're so adventurous, I'm so very cautious, combining
You think we would and we do,
But we do, but we do, but we do
26. "I'm Only Me When I'm With You" by Taylor Swift
Album: Taylor Swift
Release Year: 2006
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.
Essential Lyrics
I'm only up when you're not down
Don't wanna fly if you're still on the ground
It's like no matter what I do
Well, you drive me crazy half the time
The other half I'm only trying
To let you know that what I feel is true
And I'm only me when I'm with you
27. "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" by The Hollies
Album: Hollies Sing Hollies
Release Year: 1969
This 1969 classic has been re-recorded by others and is an uplifting tribute to sharing in the burden of a fellow friend as you help him (or her) get to a better place in life. Share a friend's load.
Essential Lyrics
So on we go
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
28. "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" by Tracy Lawrence
Album: For the Love
Release Year: 2007
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.
Essential Lyrics
You find out who your friends are
Somebody's gonna drop everything
Run out and crank up their car
Hit the gas get their fast
Never stop to think 'what's in it for me?' or 'it's way too far.'
They just show on up with their big old heart
You find out who you're friends are
29. "Girl" by Destiny's Child
Album: Destiny Fulfilled
Release Year: 2004
This 2005 song is about a woman's girlfriends urging her to escape from an abusive 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.
Essential Lyrics
Girl, I can tell you been crying
And you needing someone to talk to
Girl, I can tell he's been lying
And pretending that he's faithful and he loves you
Girl, you don't have to be hiding
Don't you be ashamed to say he hurt you
I'm your girl, you're my girl, we're your girls
Don't you know that we love you
Friends provide a sense of connection to others.
Pizza Machine via Flickr, CC-BY-SA 2.0
30. "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper
Album: True Colors
Release Year: 1986
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.
Essential Lyrics
But I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow
31. "One and the Same" by Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato
Album: Princess Protection Program Soundtrack
Release Year: 2009
Have you ever had that friend who is so similar that he or she is like a twin, your reflection, your second self? This 2009 song celebrates the close kinship that best friends share.
Essential Lyrics
And you can call me uncool
But it's a simple fact
I got your back
Yeah, yeah, yeah
'Cause we're one and the same
We're something more than ordinary
One and the same
I think we're almost legendary
You and me the perfect team
Chasing down the dream
We're one and the same
32. "True Friend" by Hannah Montana
Album: Hannah Montana TV Show
Release Year: 2007
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
- believe in you
Essential Lyrics
You're a true friend
You're here til the end
You pull me aside when somethin ain't right
Talk with me now and into the night
Til its alright again
You're a true friend
“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.” - Unknown
м Ħ ж via Flickr, CC-BY-SA 2.0
33. "Always Be Together" by Little Mix
Album: DNA
Release Year: 2012
In this upbeat 2012 hit, British pop group Little Mix promises to be friends for life, even if their paths diverge.
Essential Lyrics
I am here, find me, in the sky
Destine with the moon at night
Your heartbeat is disguised as my, lullaby
Be happy, and know that I'm
Watching you travel far and wide
Waiting for us to meet again
We'll always be together, don't you worry
I'll always be by your side, don't you worry
The circle will never end, just know that we'll meet again
And we'll always be together, forever, always
34. "Me and My Girls" by Fifth Harmony
Album: Reflection
Release Year: 2015
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.
Essential Lyrics
And we play our favorite songs
And we scream out all night long
Like ooh oh
When it's just me and my girls
And we dance like no one's watching
We crack up, booty poppin'
Like ooh oh
When it's just me and my girls
Watch me now.
35. "My Old Friend" by Tim McGraw
Album: Live Like You Were Dying
Release Year: 2004
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.
Essential Lyrics
My old friend, this song's for you
'Cause a few simple verses was the least that I could do
To tell the world that you were here
'Cause the love and the laughter
Will live on long after
All of the sadness and the tears
We'll meet again
My old friend...goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye
36. "Gift of a Friend" by Demi Lovato
Album: Here We Go Again
Release Year: 2009
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.
Essential Lyrics
Someone who knows when your lost and you're scared
There through the highs and the lows
Someone you can count on, someone who cares
Besides you where ever you go
You'll change inside
When you
Realize
The world comes to life
And everything's bright
From beginning to end
When you have a friend
By your side
"Friendship... is not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything." - Muhammad Ali
Pepe Pont via Flickr, CC-BY-SA 2.0
Even More Songs About Friendship
| Song | Artist | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
37. Wannabe | The Spice Girls | 1996 |
38. Best Friend | Brandy | 1995 |
39. Best Friend | Harry Nilsson | 1969 |
40. We Go Together | Olivia Newton-John | 1978 |
41. Oath | Cher Lloyd feat. Becky G. | 2012 |
42. One Call Away | Charlie Puth | 2015 |
43. Friends | Elton John | 1971 |
44. A Friend Like You | Andy Grammer | 2017 |
45. Friends | Marshmello & Anne-Marie | 2018 |
46. You're My Best Friend | Queen | 1976 |
"There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship." - Thomas Aquinas, Italian friar
© 2015 Governor's Academy for Engineering Studies
Comments
Governor's Academy for Engineering Studies (author) from Virginia on December 19, 2019:
Mitch-1 - Thanks for the song recommendation.
Mitch-1 on November 24, 2019:
How about The Kids Aren't Alright by Fall Out Boy?
Lyrics:
And in the end
I'd do it all again
I think you're my best friend
Don't you know that the kids aren't all, kids aren't alright
Tracey Holland on October 29, 2019:
Add best friend by The Guest and The Host!!
hp on March 18, 2019:
I think this article are great. Keep up the good work!
Governor's Academy for Engineering Studies (author) from Virginia on June 25, 2018:
Zafra Fuaiz - Thank you for the song suggestion. I'm adding it at #44. Have a great week with your BFF.
Zafra Fuaiz on June 24, 2018:
A friend like you - Song from Captain Underpants movie
Governor's Academy for Engineering Studies (author) from Virginia on January 06, 2018:
Thanks, aishah.
aishah on December 20, 2017:
nice
Governor's Academy for Engineering Studies (author) from Virginia on August 12, 2017:
Maria - THANK YOU!
maria on August 10, 2017:
these are amazing [very good] songs!
Governor's Academy for Engineering Studies (author) from Virginia on October 20, 2015:
pstraubie48 - Thank you for taking a look at this playlist and for sharing. And for the angels.
Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on October 19, 2015:
O yes....I have spent the last hour?? I guess it is enjoying these selections....you have assembled a collection that I am certain to return to ....
Angels are on the way to you this evening in Virginia....ps
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