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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. 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 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 on "Count On Me"

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 on "We're Going To Be Friends"

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 on "You've Got A Friend"

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 on "Brother"

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

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 on "Thank You for Being a Friend"

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 on "That's What Friends Are For"

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 on "Lean On Me"

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 on "I'll Be There For You"

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 on "I'll Stand By You"

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 on "Umbrella"

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 on "Stand By Me"

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

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 on "Graduation (Friends Forever)"

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 on "You've Got A Friend In Me"

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 on "My Best Friend"

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

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 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.

Essential Lyrics on "Song for a Friend"

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 on "In My Life"

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 on "Anytime You Need A Friend"

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 on "I'll Be There"

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)

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 on "This One's For the Girls"

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 on "Kind & Generous"

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 on "My Wish"

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

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 on "I Will Come To You"

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 on

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 on "I'll Be"

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 on "My Same"

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 on "I'm Only Me When I'm With You"

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 fellow friend as you help him (or her) get to a better place in life. Share a friend's load.

Essential Lyrics on "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother"

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 on "Find Out Who Your Friends Are"

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 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.

Essential Lyrics on "Girl"

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

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 on "True Colors"

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 on "One And The Same"

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 and
• believe in you.

Essential Lyrics on "True Friend"

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

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 on "Always Be Together"

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 on "Me and My Girls"

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 on "My Old Friend"

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 on "Gift Of A Friend"

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

Even More Songs About Friendship

© 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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