Hi, We Made This Friendship Playlist to Celebrate You and Your Besties
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Music plays a crucial role in just about any relationship and defines certain ~eras~ of life, from the songs you listened to in college to the ones you cried to while going through a breakup. This means you and your bestie probably already have go-to songs that are special to you. But if it’s time to add fresh tunes to said friendship playlist, I gotchu. Whether you want a song to get hyped for a girls' night out, a song that’ll make you weepy, or a song about fake friends and how annoying they are (you know, so you can tell which ones are worthwhile!), we're rounding up all the best songs about friendship.
We’ve got bops about having fun with your crew and songs that are perfect for when you're missing your bestie who just got in a relationship. There's also (sniff) a song about a man's wife being his best friend (weep) along with being his partner and spouse (full-on sobs). While friendships ebb and flow and, sadly, don't always last, no matter what’s going on in your friend circle, there’s sure to be a song here that’s fit for any mood or occasion.
And if you’re trying to make the perfect road trip playlist for the next time you visit your best friend IRL, these songs about friendship should definitely land somewhere in the rotation. Or, you could always make an ~aspirational~ playlist and plan a trip in the next few months. BFFs 4eva!
"For Good" by Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel
Wicked fans assemble. Few duets can tug at the heartstrings quite like "For Good," the penultimate song from the beloved Broadway musical. The original cast featured Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda and Idina Menzel as Elphaba, and the two stars reunited six years ago to record the incredibly moving (read: tear-inducing) version above. Be warned: You'll likely start ugly crying around the one-minute mark, so have those tissues nearby!
"Where You Lead I Will Follow" by Carole King
"Where you leeeeeeead..." Oh, the feels! Most millennials of a certain age will recognize this catchy tune as the intro song that plays over the credits of Gilmore Girls. But this one isn't just for Lorelai and Rory—it's for you and your BFF, natch. And like any Carole King classic, no matter how many times you listen, it just keeps getting better with time.
"Lean on Me" by Bill Withers
Another oldie but a goodie! Whenever your friend is having a bad day, send 'em this song, so they know you've got their back and are here to literally lean on if needed. Plus, should you also happen to deliver cupcakes or another kind of baked good to their doorstep, that's pretty much the ultimate winning friendship combo right there.
"Young Dumb & Broke" by Khalid
I mean, the title kinda speaks for itself. No matter how old you are, feeling young, dumb, and broke is practically a rite of passage. And TBH, you can't get through those tough times without equally young, dumb, and broke friends. At least you'll all be stressed and burned out together!!
"We Are Young" by Fun ft. Janelle Monáe
Let me just say, this song really hits at 5 p.m. on a Friday night after a loooooooong week. Whether you're planning a big party or hosting a couple friends for a casual weekend hang, you absolutely positively must have this feel-good song on your playlist.
"Single Ladies" by Beyoncé
Even if everyone in your crew isn't technically single, nobody can deny the power of this literal anthem by none other than Queen Bey. Press play at practically any function, and you're guaranteed to get at least 2-3 people singing along and busting out those iconic music video moves.
"Without You" by David Guetta ft. Usher
Speaking of party anthems, anything by David Guetta is usually a win, though "Without You" has the makings of a true friendship banger. With lyrics like, "I won't run, I won't fly / I will never make it by without you," get ready to dance and pour your heart out, all at the same. damn. time.
"I'll Be There" by Jess Glynne
One of the markers of a strong friendship? When that person is there for you through the high highs and the low lows. Give these lyrics a listen, and you'll see what I mean—they're kinda like a series of promises that we make to loved ones, all set against an upbeat, totally danceable melody.
"True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper
The '80s bestowed upon us many blessings, from acid wash jeans (don't hate) to neon everything to the gloriousness that is Cyndi Lauper. When she's not singing about how girls just wanna have fun, she's getting into allllllll our feels with this timeless ballad.
"Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler
OK, if I had to narrow this list down to, say, the top 5 friendship songs of all time, this Bette Midler classic is a no-brainer. When someone tells you that you're their hero and the reason they can basically do anything, there simply isn't a stronger proclamation of friendship and love, IMHO. Though, fair warning, listening to this song on repeat will likely cause several crying sessions.
"Umbrella" by Rihanna ft. Jay-Z
"Said I'll always be your friend / took an oath, Ima stick it out 'till the end!" I mean. It doesn't get any better than Rihanna telling us she wants to be our shelter from the storm *quite literally*. Love ya, RiRi, please give us more music!
"Famous 5eva" by Girls5eva
Tag yourself, I'm Summer! This hilarious satire about a girl band with a (ridiculous, nonsensical) hit is also...a genuine bop about friendship and Maseratis? Either way, I'm gonna be singing along and explaining to all my friends who's who in the girl band we're about to start.
"Hey Girl" by Lady Gaga & Florence Welch
Two of my favorite ladies explain why you totally should lift each other up instead of one-upping and competing against each other. Which is, like, adorable for two female artists and also ~in life in general~. "If you lose your way, just know that I got you." (cries happy tears)
"See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
I mean. In addition to being a sweet ode to a long-distance friendship, it's also the song in Furious 7 that was a loving sendoff to the late Paul Walker. I double dog dare you not to cry at the end of the movie (or even at the end of this music video). There's a reason this video has over 5.5 billion (!!) views.
"We Should Be Friends" by Miranda Lambert
I love a good country song that *isn't* about ladies and trucks and beers. And apparently, all it takes to be friends with Miranda Lambert is that your white t-shirts should have stains in them (check), you should dream all day and drink all night (check and check), and you borrow dresses like you borrow time (CHECK).
"A True True Friend" (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic)
Dear lord, but this is the catchiest song of all time?? Some of these 57 million views of this YouTube video have to be adults who can't stop singing this in their heads, right? And no, I'm not just talking about Bronies, but people who just like sharing these nonsense lyrics: "A friend will be there to help you see / A true true friend helps a friend in need / to see the light that shines from a true true friend."
"Best Friend" by Saweetie ft. Doja Cat
The beginning of this music video where Saweetie and Doja Cat communicate their thoughts just by looking at each other while some guy tries to mansplain objectification to them is basically the most accurate portrayal of female friendship ever seen on screen. And ofc, your best friend *is* a real bad bitch.
"Fellowship" by serpentwithfeet
"I'm thankful for the love I share with my friends" really says it all. But this song is also sprinkled with tender personal memories like "The canon of Baltimore tales" and "The silly face you make when I say 'hello'" that's sure to remind you of the things you love about your own buds.
"hope ur ok" by Olivia Rodrigo
This sweet, sad song is reportedly one that Olivia Rodrigo wrote about experiences her friends have lived through — kind of. She explained in an interview, "['Hope Ur Ok,'] is written from the perspective of my friends. I don’t actually know some of the people that I talk about in the song. But there are stories [in it] that I had accumulated from different friends." Basically, if you have any childhood friends who you aren't really in touch with anymore and you've always wondered what ended up happening to them, this one cuts deep.
"Friends (친구)" by BTS
This BTS song was featured in Marvel's Eternals movie, so you know it's playing everywhere. It's about BTS members Jimin and V's friendship, from their meeting at Korea Arts High School to becoming internationally famous. But they promise to each other that they'll stay friends for eternity, even when the cheers die down. How sweet is that?
"Best Friends" by Missy Elliott ft Aaliyah
Because you and your best friend are always there for each other in your time of need...even if you really, really don't like her partner.
"7 Rings" by Ariana Grande
I also want to "spoil all my friends with my riches," but unlike Ari I do not have "buy matching diamonds for six of my bitches" money. A girl can dream!
"Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper
Sing this one at karaoke with your bestie and there won't be a dry eye in the house, I promise.
"That's My Best Friend" by Tokyo Vanity
What is friendship if not dressing up in tutus and hyping up your bestie's dance moves?
"You’ve Got a Friend in Me" by Randy Newman
Though Toy Story might have put this song on your radar way back when, it's fitting no matter how old you are. Everyone can use a reminder that their closest buds will be there for them in the dark times.
"That’s What Friends Are For" by Dionne Warwick
It's scientifically impossible to make it through this song without wanting to grab your best friend around the shoulders and sway side to side. Just try it!
"Wannabe" by Spice Girls
The Spice Girls said it best: Anyone who wants to get with you is going to have to get with your friends first. Let's be real—romantic relationships come and go but besties are forever.
"With a Little Help from My Friends" by The Beatles
Just imagine trying to do life without your ride-or-dies there to support you. Terrifying, right? Clearly, The Beatles knew what was up from day one.
"What About Your Friends" by TLC
The sad truth is that sometimes the people you think are your friends won't be there when the going gets tough, and TLC just wants to be real with you about that.
"My Best Friend" by Weezer
Your friends are the ones who will make you feel better when you're lost, and that's exactly what this song is about.
"Friends" by The Carters
Take it straight from the lips of Beyoncé and Jay Z, your real friends should be there to "pull you up" and not "let you down." God, the things I would do to be part of Bey and Jay's crew...
"You’re My Best Friend" by Queen
Sweet/fun fact: this song was very written for the wife of bass player John Deacon. If the person you're in a relationship with happens to be your best friend, well, that's kind of the dream!
"Graduation (Friends Forever)" by Vitamin C
The flashback to middle school graduation that you didn't know you needed! Okay, fine, maybe you didn't stay friends with everyone "forever," but you're still in touch with some people from 8th grade...right?
"The Boys Are Back in Town" by Thin Lizzy
Not to be a jerk, but you can really only appreciate this song once you and your friends have all moved away to different cities and then you come back to your hometown for Thanksgiving or whatever and dive right back into your old shenanigans. Sigh.
"Real Friends" by Kanye West
Here, Kanye explores the dark side of certain friendships, specifically the people who pretend to be in your circle but who are really just fake, jealous, and there for themselves. Sucks, but on the bright side, I really love this song?
"Girl" by Destiny’s Child
This lesser-known Destiny's Child single was written as a plea from Beyoncé and Michelle to Kelly, asking her to leave the abusive relationship she was in. Intense and emotional, this song reminds you that your friends want to make sure you know your worth.
"Friends in Low Places" by Garth Brooks
Aww, bless Garth Brooks' sense of humor. This song is a *hit* at karaoke, and I say that from experience.
"Started From the Bottom" by Drake
What's that? You all just got paid, and now you're pre-gaming at your friend's apartment, about to go out and splurge on overpriced drinks? Yeah, you know this Drake bop is on the speaker.
"I’ll Be There for You" by The Rembrandts
Splashing around in a fountain with your friends while listening to this song is not required, but it's definitely encouraged.
"Thank You for Being a Friend" by Andrew Gold
All about the things you would do for your friend simply because they've always been there for you. I know what you're thinking—yes, this is the Golden Girls theme song, duh!
"Count on Me" by Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars cannot make a bad song. No further questions at this time.
"On the Ride" by Aly and AJ
If you can just look at your bestie and know exactly what they're thinking without having to say anything, this song is for you.
"No New Friends" by DJ Khaled
If you've had the same crew since day one, then you know exactly what DJ Khaled is talking about here.
"I’m Only Me When I’m With You" by Taylor Swift
If I know one thing to be true, it's that Taylor Swift really knows how to write an emotional heart-wrenching banger.
"Best Friend" by Pharrell Williams
Pharrell launched his music career with his childhood his best friend (and N.E.R.D. bandmate) Chad Hugo. The more you know!
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