35 Of The Best Songs About Best Friends

Written by Dan Farrant

Whoever said that true friends are great riches is right. When we find someone who becomes our best friend, we are truly blessed. That’s because they bring immense value to the friendship by offering unconditional love, support, and understanding.

We may possess material possessions, but these come and go. Unlike true friends, who stay with us no matter what. The emotional support and mutual respect they offer cannot be bought or sold.

Today, we present you with 35 of the best songs about best friends. So read on as we pay tribute to these wonderful people in our lives.

Table of Contents

1. “Count On Me” By Bruno Mars

One characteristic of a best friend is their reliability, as portrayed in Bruno Mars‘ “Count on Me.” This is one of the songs that beautifully captures the essence of true friendship.

The overarching theme of the song is the unwavering support and friendship between two individuals. They are loyal and reliable, someone who can be counted on in times of need. The line “You can count on me” is an assurance of being a source of support in any circumstance.

In addition, the song goes beyond surface-level friendship. “Count on Me” is about deeper connections where friends are partners who can rely on each other.

2. “Graduation (Friends Forever)” By Vitamin C

Best friends remain your best friends even when you transition to the next phase of life. “Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C depicts this sentiment.

The song is about the strong bond between friends and how that bond endures through significant life changes. It reflects the common experience of friends drifting apart after high school graduation. But the narrator promises that even if they’re apart, they “will still be friends forever.”

The tone of the song is both melancholy and celebratory. It acknowledges the excitement of moving forward. At the same time, it expresses sorrow for friendships that might change or fade with time. Despite the uncertainties, the song asserts that friendships will last.

3. “I’ll Be There For You” By The Rembrandts

Up next is “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts. This is the theme song for the popular TV show Friends. Lyrically, the song celebrates true and enduring friendship. Specifically, it revolves around themes of unwavering support, loyalty, and camaraderie.

The lines “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)” express mutual support and reliability. What this tells us is that true friends are there for each other even through tough times.

In addition, the song emphasizes the spirit of reciprocity in friendships. This is the idea that friendship is a two-way street. You’re there for each other through thick and thin.

4. “You’re My Best Friend” By Queen

In this next song with “best friend” in the title, the Queen sings about love, companionship, and deep affection. “You’re My Best Friend” was penned by bass player John Deacon. It was a tribute to his wife, presenting a unique take on the concept of best friends.

The song blurs the line between romantic love and friendship. This suggests that relationships sometimes encompass elements of both. In the lyrics, the narrator expresses his gratitude and appreciation for a person who has been a constant source of support and love.

At its core, the song supports the idea that love can exist in partnerships where the individuals are not just lovers but best friends as well. It captures the joy, comfort, and security that comes from being with someone who understands you better than anyone.

5. “That’s What Friends Are For” By Dionne Warwick & Friends

A very popular and timeless song celebrating friendship is “That’s What Friends Are For.” Dionne Warwick, along with Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder, covered it in 1985.

The essence of true friendship is what this song is all about. It speaks of the enduring bond between true friends and the support they provide for each other through all times, good or bad.

The song proved to be a smash hit. It won the Grammy Awards for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Song of the Year.

6. “Best Friend” By Saweetie Ft. Doja Cat

Female friendships are one of the strongest bonds out there. Saweetie and Doja Cat testify to this in their empowering song called “Best Friend.”

Quite simply, the song portrays the strong bond between two independent, confident women. Instead of competing against each other, they support and lift each other in all circumstances. They admire each other for being self-assured and unapologetically themselves.

At its core, this song with “best friend” in the lyrics celebrates the unique friendship between two women. It depicts friendship as a source of empowerment, mutual respect, and admiration.

7. “Best Friend” By Brandy

Singer-songwriter Brandy pays tribute to a best friend in this 1994 song. “Best Friend” revolves around the enduring connection between two individuals.

The song characterizes deep friendships, embodying sentiments of love, support, and reliance. The narrator expresses her gratitude for a friend who provides comfort during challenging times. She acknowledges that friends come and go. But if she’s sure of one thing, it’s that her friend remains her best friend no matter what.

At its core, “Best Friend” celebrates the emotional connection that defines a best friend relationship. It emphasizes the role of a best friend as a source of support and love.

8. “Lean On Me” By Bill Withers

Life is already hard as it is. But it makes a huge difference when you have a best friend you can lean on. Bill Withers sings about the power of friendship and mutual support in “Lean On Me.”

The song suggests that true friends are there to lean on during difficult times. This is conveyed in the lyrics “Lean on me / when you’re not strong / And I’ll be your friend / I’ll help you carry on …”

It bears a powerful message about friendships providing strength when one is going through a tough time. It signifies that a best friend is there, not just to share joys. But they also offer a shoulder to lean on when needed.

9. “No New Friends” By DJ Khaled Ft. Drake, Lil Wayne, And Rick Ross

Loyalty is one of the most important factors in maintaining long-lasting friendships. “No New Friends” by DJ Khaled, featuring Drake, Lil Wayne, and Rick Ross, is a song about it. It supports the idea of sticking with friends who have been there with you from the beginning.

In the music industry, friendships are sometimes influenced by fame and success. The song suggests that trust in friendships can be found in those who were there before the success. Hence, the narrator expresses wariness toward forming new relationships, as the title suggests.

However, the song is not against building new friendships. What it emphasizes is the importance of staying loyal to friends who have been with you through thick and thin.

10. “Anytime You Need A Friend” By Mariah Carey

There is no question about the presence of unwavering support and unconditional love in friendships that last. In “Anytime You Need A Friend,” Mariah Carey sings about being there for someone she cares about.

Between best friends exists a promise of constancy and resiliency, no matter how tough times get. These are key elements of the enduring nature of love and friendship.

At its core, the song is a reminder that in difficult times, we can turn to our best friends to find solace and comfort. It’s proof of the power of friendship and the role it plays in our lives.

11. “Always Be Together” By Little Mix

Constant and meaningful presence makes a friendship stronger. Little Mix‘s “Always Be Together” celebrates the enduring nature of true friendships. Released in 2012, the song recognizes the unbreakable bond between best friends.

In the lyrics, the narrator assures her friend that they’ll “always be together” even if they’re separated by distance. She promises to “always be by [her friend’s] side.” This suggests unwavering support, companionship, and a deep sense of loyalty.

Strong friendships last because friends are there for each other through life’s ups and downs. Not even distance or time apart can change that.

12. “What About Your Friends” By TLC

Without a doubt, our best friends have a significant role in our lives. In “What About Your Friends,” TLC encourages us to evaluate our relationships. They suggest making sure that friendships are built on trust and loyalty.

The song emphasizes the importance of having true friends who will stay with you no matter what. More importantly, it advises discerning who your real friends are, particularly in situations where betrayal might occur.

Despite the complexities of friendships, the song highlights the importance of having someone’s back. It reminds us to cherish our best friends who are “there with you through the thick and thin.”

13. “Thank You For Being A Friend” By Andrew Gold

Our best friends deserve our gratitude and appreciation. It doesn’t hurt to let them know how grateful we are for their presence in our lives. This is what Andrew Gold‘s “Thank You for Being a Friend” is all about.

Quite simply, this song is an ode to those special individuals who have chosen to walk the journey of life with us. And through ups and downs, they have provided us with support, love, and companionship.

If there’s one thing the song tells us, it’s that we must appreciate the value of our best friends. We must not take them for granted, for sometimes they are the cornerstones of our lives.

14. “Best Friend” By Young Thug

Released in 2015, Young Thug‘s “Best Friend” is an intriguing exploration of self-love. Here, the best friend refers to himself. This showcases a strong sense of self-esteem and individuality.

The song mentions “best friend” to symbolize the narrator’s relationship with himself. He is saying that he is his own best friend. This suggests self-reliance and self-confidence.

In essence, “Best Friend” delves into themes of self-empowerment, self-love, and confidence. It reminds us that the most important friendship we can have is with ourselves.

15. “Real Friends” By Kanye West

The introspective song “Real Friends” by Kanye West reflects the struggles of maintaining genuine friendships. This is particularly true in the music industry, where fame and success can bring you people who pretend to be your friends.

“Real Friends” shines light on the challenge of discerning who your real friends are when you’re in the public eye. You are surrounded by people who may be more interested in your status than your well-being.

The lyrics express the importance of honesty and loyalty in friendships. They also emphasize the difficulty of maintaining authenticity in friendships amid the superficiality often associated with fame.

16. “Best Friends” By Missy Elliott And Aaliyah

In 1997, Missy Elliott and Aaliyah collaborated on the song “Best Friends.” This track from Elliott’s Supa Dupa Fly album is a heartfelt tribute to the bond of friendship.

The lyrics reflect the fact that we rely heavily on our best friends for emotional support. This is directly addressed in the line, “My best friend say she sick of me cryin’ on the phone.” This depicts a situation where one friend is leaning on another for emotional support during difficult times.

At its core, “Best Friends” expresses the deep connection between two best friends. It shows that friends rely on each other all the time, offering a portrayal of the resilience found in such relationships.

17. “Girl” By Destiny’s Child

Sometimes, you and your girl besties are so close that you consider yourselves like sisters. But more than that, you support each other through the tough times. It is this friendship and sisterhood that Destiny’s Child pays tribute to in “Girl.”

The lyrics reflect the strong bond between friends, particularly women. The narrator is asking her girlfriend, who is going through a tough time, to open up to her. She encourages her friend to be honest if her lover is hurting her.

Some lines in the song stand out, such as “I’m your girl, you’re my girl, we your girls / Don’t you know that we love you.” This is a promise that you have a strong circle of friends to rely on.

18. “Best Friend” By Harry Nilsson

A simple song, “Best Friend” by Harry Nilsson is a celebration of the bond between friends. It was the theme song for the 1969 sitcom The Courtship of Eddie’s Father. It presents a loving father-son relationship, which can also be viewed as a representation of friendship.

The narrator sings about his best friend, whom he describes as “a warm-hearted person” who will love him forever. This is the essence of what a best friend should be — someone who offers unwavering love and loyalty.

In addition, the song is about the comfort and security a best friend gives. It reminds us that joy comes from sharing your life with a best friend who loves you unconditionally.

19. “True Colors” By Cyndi Lauper

What’s good about having a best friend is the chance for authenticity and acceptance. “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper supports this sentiment.

In relation to best friends, the song is about accepting a friend for who they truly are. It celebrates the idea of seeing and acknowledging the “true colors” of that friend. These include their thoughts, feelings, and character, even if they might be different from what others see or expect.

The song carries a message of encouragement and reassurance to a friend who’s going through difficult times. It speaks of the narrator’s unconditional love despite her friend’s flaws and imperfections.

20. “Hallelujah” By HAIM

Up next, we have a deeply emotional song that delves into themes of family, loss, and gratitude. “Hallelujah” by HAIM was inspired by the death of band member Alana Haim’s best friend, Sammi Kane Kraft.

The lyrics reflect the deep bond Alana shared with her best friend. Kraft’s sudden loss affected her significantly. The line “I had a best friend, but she has come to pass” directly addresses this tragic event.

Furthermore, the song highlights how Alana’s sisters supported her during the difficult time. This broadens the theme of friendship to encompass sibling relationships. 

21. “That’s My Best Friend” By Tokyo Vanity

In “That’s My Best Friend,” Tokyo Vanity captures the spirit of camaraderie and fierce loyalty between best friends. It celebrates best friends and their qualities.

The song is about having a best friend who is always there for you. They support you and listen to you as you share your life’s highs and lows. The recurring line “That’s my best friend, that’s my best friend” expresses the pride and affection the narrator has for her best friend.

In addition, the song is about the fun that comes with having a best friend. The upbeat tempo conveys a sense of joy and enthusiasm that reflects the fun-filled experiences shared between best friends.

22. “Good Friend And A Glass Of Wine” By LeAnn Rimes

According to LeAnn Rimes‘ “Good Friend and a Glass of Wine,” we can celebrate the simple pleasures of life. It’s about the comfort that comes from spending time with a good friend, along with a glass of wine.

The song underpins the importance of taking a break from stressors and finding solace in companionship. It suggests that having a good friend can provide relief and rejuvenation when life gets tough.

At its core, the song is about appreciating the moments of comfort that a best friend can offer. It’s a tribute to friends who provide us a haven from the daily hustle and bustle of life.

23. “Gift Of A Friend” By Demi Lovato

If you have true friends, then you’re more than lucky. These people, according to Demi Lovato‘s “Gift of a Friend,” are invaluable as they provide comfort and a helping hand through tough times.

In the lyrics, the narrator appreciates having someone “who knows when you’re lost, and you’re scared.” She appreciates these individuals who enrich our lives and make it more meaningful.

The song suggests that friendship is a precious gift, one that has a significant impact on our lives. Hence, it should be cherished and appreciated.

24. “Me & My Girls” By Selena Gomez

Another ode to female friendship is Selena Gomez‘s “Me & My Girls.” Released in 2015, it’s about the solidarity and strength that comes from such relationships.

The lyrics follow the narrator as she and her friends are presumably on their way to a bar or party. She sings about how their presence makes her life more enjoyable and meaningful. The lyric “I got my chicas by my side” underscores this theme.

In addition, the song highlights independence and strength in unity. It’s about standing together with friends, supporting each other, and drawing strength from one another.

25. “My Old Friend” By Tim McGraw

Country music singer-songwriter Tim McGraw pays tribute to the enduring bond of friendship with “My Old Friend.” The song is about cherishing the memories of a dear friend who has passed away.

The lyrics reflect on the good times the narrator spent with his friend and the deep connection they shared. It brings forth nostalgia as he reminisces about the times they had.

These memories are “hanging on [his] wall,” which suggests their preciousness. The narrator expresses his profound sense of loss and yearning. And in some ways, he feels regret, wishing he had spent more time with his friend.

26. “See You Again” By Wiz Khalifa

Like the previous song, “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa, featuring Charlie Puth, is a tribute to a friend who has passed away. It was penned as a soundtrack for the 2015 film Furious 7 and as a tribute to actor Paul Walker, who died in a car crash.

This song encapsulates the depth of emotions when one loses a close friend. It opens with the lines, “It’s been a long day without you, my friend / and I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again.” These set the tone for the rest of the song. They express a yearning to see a loved one again and share stories of life lived in their absence.

The term “when I see you again” emphasizes the desire to see, once more, the person they lost. This speaks to an enduring connection that transcends absence and death.

27. “My Best Friend” By Weezer

The rock band Weezer pays tribute to the power of friendship in “My Best Friend.” The song was released in 2005 from their album Make Believe. It’s about the love, comfort, and support that a best friend provides in times of trouble.

The narrator expresses his joy and happiness for having a friend who “brings light to all of my darkness.” The lyrics reflect his deep appreciation for his friend, who brings positivity to his life.

This underscores the role of a best friend as a source of comfort during difficult times. It also highlights the unconditional love between best friends.

28. “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” By Tracy Lawrence

Exploring the concept of friendship is “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” by Tracy Lawrence. It suggests that true friends are revealed when the going gets tough.

The lyrics portray scenarios where someone is in need. It’s in these moments that you discover the people who truly care about you. These are the friends who will “drop everything” and come to your rescue. They do not think about what they get in exchange for helping you. They show up for you because they care about you.

The song emphasizes the importance of reliability and loyalty. It suggests that best friends will always be there for you no matter what.

29. “FRIENDS” By The Carters

Throughout our lives, we form a close-knit circle of friends. The Carters, consisting of Jay-Z and Beyoncé, pay homage to the loyalty of their close friends.

This song emphasizes the importance of genuine friendships over superficial relationships. For the Carters, their friends are not just friends but are family. They are a support system that has stayed with them through ups and downs.

The song also highlights the idea that friends are there for each other no matter what. They show up when you need them, support you, and help you without expecting anything in return.

30. “I’m Only Me When I’m With You” By Taylor Swift

The upbeat song “I’m Only Me When I’m With You” by Taylor Swift is up next. This song is about Swift and her best friend Abigail. It highlights their deep understanding of each other and the comfort they find in each other’s company.

Through the lyrics, Swift shares how she is most herself in the company of her best friend. She can be her true, authentic self, without fear of being judged. This is embodied in the lines, “When I’m with anybody else / it’s so hard to be myself.”

What this means is that with a best friend, we can be completely open and genuine. With them, we can be free to fully express ourselves.

31. “You Can’t Make Old Friends” By Kenny Rogers

In this beautiful collaboration, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton sing about the enduring bond between best friends. “You Can’t Make Old Friends” celebrates their own long-standing friendship.

The song supports the idea that old friends, much like old wine, cannot be replaced or replicated. The years of shared experiences, including laughter and tears, make their friendship special and one-of-a-kind.

The song’s title refers to the idea that the bond you share with old friends is unique and irreplaceable. Your relationship with old friends has seen many ups and downs. Remaining friends through thick and thin is a testament to the strength of your friendship.

32. “22” By Taylor Swift

Another Taylor Swift song that celebrates friendship is “22.” Released in 2012, it’s about being young and sharing a special bond with her best friends.

While the song is about what it’s like to be 22, it also talks about the friendships that endure. The narrator references the shared experiences and adventures with her closest friends. The song captures the freedom, excitement, and joy of being in the company of people who understand and accept you.

At its core, “22” is a celebration of youth, friendship, and the unforgettable moments created with best friends.

33. “With A Little Help From My Friends” By The Beatles

From The Beatles‘ album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is a song about friendship and camaraderie. “With a Little Help from My Friends” is about how friends can be relied on in times of need.

Indeed, our best friends can lift our spirits. The lyrics “Are you sad because you’re on your own? / No, I get by with a little help from my friends” address this directly. This suggests that even in the most difficult moments, our friends can help us pull through.

In essence, this song is about the irreplaceable role best friends play in our lives. They encourage and support us and offer companionship.

34. “Jóga” By Björk

Icelandic singer-songwriter Björk immortalizes her best friend in her 1997 song “Jóga.” At the same time, the song is a tribute to her homeland, Iceland.

The lyrics show us the profound bond of friendship that Björk shares with Jóga. They reflect the comfort, understanding, and solace she finds in the relationship. For her, Jóga is that one friend she can call anytime and who understands her.

In essence, “Jóga” expresses the irreplaceable role a best friend plays in our lives. We can always count on them to support, understand, and provide companionship.

35. “You Got A Friend In Me” By Randy Newman

True friendship endures. Randy Newman celebrates the enduring bond of friendship in “You Got a Friend in Me.” This was the theme for the animated film Toy Story. It explores themes of loyalty and unwavering support.

The lyrics paint a picture of a friend who is always there. He’s ready to help and guide you whenever you need it. The song highlights the idea that your best friend will stand by your side no matter what. They will offer their unwavering support even when times are tough.

The lines “We stick together and we see it through / ’cause you’ve got a friend in me” beautifully encapsulate friendship. They suggest that a friendship is deep and unconditional, where best friends are willing to go to great lengths to help each other.

Summing Up Our List Of Best Friend Songs

Life becomes more meaningful when we have friends who love us and accept us for who we are. The songs above echo this sentiment perfectly.

We hope they inspire you to have more appreciation for the people we call best friends. It doesn’t hurt to tell them how much we love them and appreciate their presence in our lives.

Finally, if we’ve missed songs that should be included on the list, let us know and we’ll include them for you.

Photo of author

Dan Farrant, the founder of Hello Music Theory, has been teaching music for over 15 years, helping hundreds of thousands of students unlock the joy of music. He graduated from The Royal Academy of Music in 2012 and then launched Hello Music Theory in 2014. He plays the guitar, piano, bass guitar and double bass and loves teaching music theory.