From childhood best friends to the people who show up at 2 a.m., these are the songs that put friendship into words. The list runs from old soul classics to recent singalongs.
Updated 2026
You've Got a Friend by Carole King 1971
The promise to show up whenever a friend calls, set to a warm piano.
Lean on Me by Bill Withers 1972
A plain offer of support that has comforted people for fifty years.
With a Little Help from My Friends by The Beatles 1967
Ringo asks the question everyone wonders, and the answer is friendship.
I'll Be There for You by The Rembrandts 1995
The Friends theme, and the sound of a whole decade hanging out.
Stand by Me by Ben E. King 1961
Loyalty when the night comes and the sky falls. Few songs say it cleaner.
Count on Me by Bruno Mars 2010
A modern campfire singalong about being there at 2 a.m.
That's What Friends Are For by Dionne Warwick 1985
Good times and bad times, and a chorus built to be sung together.
Wannabe by Spice Girls 1996
Friendship over a fling, shouted from the rooftops.
Thank You for Being a Friend by Andrew Gold 1978
A bright thank-you note that later became a sitcom theme.
We're Going to Be Friends by The White Stripes 2001
First day of school, a new friend, told in small gentle details.
Hey Jude by The Beatles 1968
Paul wrote it to steady a young friend going through a hard time.
Read the meaning behind the songUmbrella by Rihanna 2007
Loyalty in the storm, an umbrella held over someone else.
For the friends who are gone, and the ones who drifted away.
See You Again by Wiz Khalifa 2015
Written to honor a friend who passed. A tribute that crossed the world.
Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton 1992
Grief made quiet and unbearably gentle.
Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd 1975
A letter to a friend who slipped out of reach.
You're My Best Friend by Queen 1975
A love song that doubles as the highest compliment a friend can get.
Best Friend by Rex Orange County 2017
Soft and modern, the sound of telling someone they matter.
My Best Friend by Tim McGraw 1999
Country radio calling a partner the best friend of all.
Easy picks for a maid of honor, a best man, or a slideshow.
Forever Young by Rod Stewart 1988
A blessing for someone you want to keep close for life.
Time of Your Life by Green Day 1997
The graduation and goodbye song, gentle and a little sad.
I'll Stand by You by The Pretenders 1994
A steady promise that lands in any room.