Friendship Songs: Spice Girls, Bruno Mars, & More

Friendships can be treasured and, at times, complicated relationships. Research suggests that healthy social relationships in general can be an important component of overall health, so finding ways to strengthen and celebrate your bonds with your friends can be positive. Read on for a list of 22 songs whose lyrics speak about friendship, from pop hits that celebrate your BFF to indie tunes that speak to the more nuanced aspects of platonic connections.

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“Wannabe” by the Spice Girls

“Wannabe” is the first on this list of friendship songs, with lyrics that remind listeners that while romantic love can come and go, friendships may stand the test of time. It’s common for friendships to change when those involved enter into romantic relationships, but this song emphasizes the importance of keeping them strong nevertheless.

Best lyrics from this Spice Girls song

“If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends” is a key lyric about friendship from this song. It can be interpreted as a statement about the importance of a person’s friends and their romantic partner getting along and being equally prioritized.

“With a Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles

This hit lives on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list. The Beatles themselves were a group of friends, so you can imagine that they spoke from experience when penning these iconic lyrics.

Best lyrics from “With a Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles

The lyrics from this song that get at its core message are: “How do I feel by the end of the day? Are you sad because you’re on your own? No, I get by with a little help from my friends.” They point out how close friendships can help combat loneliness and provide inspiration and support.

“I’ll Be There For You” by the Rembrandts 

Written specifically as the theme song for the NBC sitcom Friends, “I’ll Be There For You” is the perfect anthem for a tight-knit friend group who has seen it all together. It talks about showing up for your friends and being there for them, especially when they’re having a tough time.

Best lyrics from this Rembrandts song

“Even at my worst, I’m best with you” is a lyric from this song that sums up its main point. The song is about the fact that life inevitably comes with challenges and bad days, but that having supportive friends in your corner can make these times a bit brighter.

“Thank You For Being a Friend” by Andrew Gold

Who is a better testament to the lifelong need for deep friendship than four senior ladies sharing their day-to-day lives? This theme song for The Golden Girls reminds us that whether we’re eight or 88, we need true friends with whom we can share life and its joys.

Best lyrics from this Andrew Gold song

The lyrics of this friendship song are unique because they talk about the importance of friendships that can support us at every phase of life, including older adulthood. Consider the lines: “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 real close and say thank you for being a friend.”

“You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King

This song celebrates those friends who are always there when you need them. Whether you enjoy the Carole King or James Taylor version, the lyrics of this song shine a spotlight on dependable, reliable, supportive friends.

Best lyrics from this Carole King song

A key lyric from this song talks about how it’s understood that the singer will be there for their friends in their time of need: “You just call out my name, and you know wherever I am, I’ll come running to see you again.” Knowing that you have connections like these to rely on can make handling the challenges of life that much easier.

“That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne Warwick

Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder join Dionne Warwick in this number-one single of 1986, “That’s What Friends Are For.” Not only do the lyrics of this song speak to the value of friendship, but the results of this song were a powerful beacon of support as well. Warwick ended up donating proceeds from the song to the American Foundation for AIDS Research, raising approximately $3 million for the organization.

Best lyrics from this Dionne Warwick song

A core theme of this song is the unconditional nature of deep friendships. Many such connections are characterized by unwavering support and always showing up when they’re needed. As Warwick sings: “In good times, in bad times, I’ll be on your side forever more. Oh, that’s what friends are for.”

“Old Friends” by Ben Rector

This song speaks to the nostalgia many feel when reminiscing about childhood friendships and the memories made growing up together. As many as 67% of US respondents in a 2021 survey report remaining close to at least one childhood friend, suggesting the importance of these formative relationships. 

Best lyrics from this Ben Rector song

The lyrics of this song are about how special and unique childhood friendships can be. For example, consider the line: “And I’ve got some good friends now, but I’ve never seen their parents’ back porch.”

“Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks

This go-to for country karaoke may not exactly be an ode to your friends, but it can be a fun addition to any friendship-themed playlist. It can also be interpreted as expressing appreciation for friends who stand by you even as romantic relationships come and go.

Best lyrics from this Garth Brooks song

The most fulfilling types of friendships are often those in which you can be yourself. Garth Brooks may be alluding to this with his lyric: “Oh, I’ve got friends in low places.”

“Fall Back Down” by Rancid

An ode to the people who always have your back, this song was written after one of the band members experienced a divorce. Whether you’re going through a breakup or just want to honor the support you have from your closest friends in general, you might want to add this song to your playlist.

Best lyrics from this Rancid song

“Fall Back Down” is another song on this list that relates to enduring platonic friendships that outlast even some romantic relationships. In it, the band members sing: “I’m very lucky to have my crew. They stood by me when she flew.”

“Best Day Of My Life” by American Authors

If there was ever an anthem for those long summer days and nights spent with friends, this might be it. The lyrics of “Best Day Of My Life” can be viewed as a way to honor adventures with friends and the bonds that were made.

Best lyrics from this American Authors song

The singer mentions friends in this lyric: “I howled at the moon with friends, and then the sun came crashing in.” It implies that they were out all night making memories together and living in the moment with each other.

“Army” by Ellie Goulding

Ellie shared her inspiration behind this song on her Instagram, writing, “I realized that I had focused a lot of writing on past relationships and it hit me I had never written about my best friend. The person I met in college over ten years ago. The person who was at my very first gig.” She went on to detail a decade of memories with this friend, writing with a warmth and fondness that many may be able to relate to.

Best lyrics from this Ellie Goulding song

Goulding’s lyrics are a powerful testament to the rich emotional support that even one close friend can provide. She sings: “When I’m with you, I’m standing with an army.”

“Bros” by Wolf Alice

Wolf Alice lead singer Ellie Rosewell wrote this song about her childhood friendship with former bandmate Sadie Cleary. In an interview, Roswell shared: “It’s an ode to childhood imagination and friendship and all the charm that comes with that.”

Best lyrics from this Wolf Alice song

The lyrics of this song express appreciation for having found such a close relationship with a friend. One line goes: “Oh, I'm so lucky, you are my best friend. Oh, there's no one, there's no one who knows me like you do.”

“Whenever You Remember” by Carrie Underwood

This lesser-known track from American Idol winner Carrie Underwood captures the nostalgia of former friendships that are filled with sweet memories. It’s another song speaking to just how formative early platonic relationships can be.

Best lyrics from this Carrie Underwood song

As with many songs on this list, Underwood’s “Whenever You Remember” is about the steadfastness and solidarity of true friends. She seems to speak from the heart when she sings: “Know that through the good and through the bad, I was on your side when nobody could hold us down.”

“Happy New Year” by pop duo Let’s Eat Grandma

One half of the pop duo “Let’s Eat Grandma” Rosa Walton shared that she wrote this song after experiencing a rift in her relationship with long-time friend and bandmate Jenny Hillingsworth. It speaks about a bond that is strong enough to last through turmoil and how the friends used the new year as a chance for a fresh start.

Best lyrics from this Let’s Eat Grandma song

While friendships can be a long-lasting source of support, that doesn’t mean that they won’t sometimes undergo changes and conflicts. This “Happy New Year” lyric talks about a friendship’s strong foundation helping those involved heal from a conflict: “Nothing that was broken can touch how much I care for you.”

“Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C

Many children of the 1990s will instantly recognize this classic. As cheesy as the lyrics may sound, they remind listeners of the potential power of school-age friendships. Though no one knows what the future can bring, this song expresses hope for platonic connections that last.

Best lyrics from this Vitamin C song

Some of the best lyrics from this song about friendship are: “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.” It invites close friends to commit to keeping their relationship strong over the coming years, no matter what life may bring. 

“Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper

While this track was originally inspired by challenges in a romantic relationship, that shouldn’t stop you from belting out the lyrics as you proclaim your devotion to your best buds. This song is all about reliability and showing up for those you love, again and again.

Best lyrics from this Cyndi Lauper song

Cyndi Lauper sings in this song: “If you fall I will catch you, I’ll be waiting time after time.” This sentiment can apply to anyone you love and feel close to, from romantic partners to family members to your closest friends.

“Count On Me” by Bruno Mars

Friendships are all about reciprocity. The healthiest connections usually involve all parties making an effort, providing support, and working to keep the bond strong. This song is Bruno Mars’ way of expressing that he’s committed to offering this to his closest friends.

Best lyrics from this Bruno Mars song

Celebrate your closest connections as you sing these lyrics: “You’ll always have my shoulder when you cry. I’ll never let go, never say good-bye.” Counting on each other in this way is often a key characteristic of true friends.

“I’m Only Me When I’m With You” by Taylor Swift

This Taylor Swift song is another tune on this list that can apply to a romantic partner or a best friend. It’s about this person creating a space where you can feel safe and at ease in being and expressing your authentic self.

Best lyrics from this pop song by Taylor Swift

In this song, Swift sings: “When I’m with anybody else it’s so hard to be myself.” Close friendships often have this effect: making you feel like your truest self.

“True Blue” by boygenius

While many of the songs on this list are upbeat celebrations of friendship, some—like this one—also acknowledge that conflict can and does affect platonic relationships. That said, it also suggests that with a close bond, friends may be able to work through almost any type of conflict together and come out stronger on the other side.

Best lyrics from this boygenius song

“True Blue” emphasizes the power of a loyal friendship. Consider these lyrics: “You’ve never done me wrong except for that one time that we don’t talk about, because it doesn’t matter anymore.” 

“Please Stay” by Lucy Dacus

It can be painful to watch your friends go through a hard time. Dacus has shared that she wrote this song about attempts to convince a friend to not consider suicide. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or other mental health challenges, reach out for support immediately.

Best lyrics from this Lucy Dacus song

Dacus sings about doing everything possible to be there for a friend who is experiencing mental health challenges. Some of the lyrics include: “Begin, be done. Break a vow, make a new one. Call me if you need a friend, or never talk to me again. But please stay.”

“We Are Going to Be Friends” by The White Stripes

Sometimes, you meet someone new and the two of you just click. This song is a simple ode to a promising new connection made at the start of a new school year.

Best lyrics from this White Stripes song

“We Are Going to Be Friends” is another song that relates to the nostalgia of childhood friendships. It talks about instant connections and the promise for the future they can make one feel, with lyrics like: “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.”

“You’ve Got a Friend In Me” by Randy Newman

What friendship playlist would be complete without the Toy Story anthem? “You’ve Got a Friend In Me” honors the dependability of a true friend.

Best lyrics from “You’ve Got a Friend In Me”

It’s easy to understand the key message of this song through lyrics like: “If you’ve got troubles, I’ve got ‘em too. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you.” Appearing in a movie about unlikely friendships, this song is about being there for the people you care about.

Is your life lacking the friendship you crave?

Find support from a licensed therapist

The relationship between friendship, music, and overall health

If loneliness, anxiety, or other mental health challenges are keeping you from building the friendships you desire in your life, therapy may help. By working with a therapist, you may be able to develop healthy coping strategies for mental health symptoms and build self-confidence and communication skills that can help you forge strong connections. 

That said, it may take time to find a therapist you connect with—especially if you have to wait months for local providers to have an opening in their schedule. In cases like these, online therapy might be a more convenient option. With online platforms such as BetterHelp, you’re often able to schedule your first therapy appointment within days of signing up, and you can switch therapists at any time for no added cost.

Due to the rise of online therapy over the past few years, a growing number of studies have examined the efficacy of meeting with a therapist over the phone or computer. The majority have suggested a similar takeaway: Online therapy may be just as effective as face-to-face therapy in many cases. For example, one meta-analysis looked at more than 100 studies, with findings suggesting that video-delivered psychotherapy may be no less effective as in-person therapy, especially when clinicians utilize cognitive behavioral therapy methods with their clients.