If you have a friend who cheers you on, pick you up when you fall, and celebrate your victories then you are lucky to have found a best friend. One of the most heartfelt ways to honor and cherish this bond of friendship is through songs. Songs can convey emotions that words alone cannot express. Through songs, you can show your gratitude to these great friends and reassure them of your love and support.
While there are countless ways to celebrate friendship. songs have a way of making it feel truly special and magical.
20 Best Songs for a Best Friend
1. Mariah Carey – “Any Time You Need a Friend”
- Artist: Mariah Carey
- Album: Music Box
- Released: May 24, 1994
- Songwriter(s): Mariah Carey, Walter Afanasieff
- Genre: Gospel, Pop, R&B
Best For:
This is the song that should come to your mind when your friend is going through a difficult time. It is a reminder that your friend can always count on you for support and comfort. The lyrics would comfort them and let them know that you are there for them no matter what and that they can lean on you whenever they need a friend.
Lyrics:
2. Andrew Gold “Thank You For Being a Friend”
- Artist: Andrew Gold
- Album: All This and Heaven Too
- Released: February 1978
- Songwriter(s): Andre Gold
- Genre: Soft Rock, Pop Rock
Best For:
This song should be used to show your appreciation for a friend who has been there for you through thick and thin. This song was re-recorded by Cynthia Fee as the theme song for the NBC sitcom “The Golden Girls,” and its spin-off “The Golden Palace” as a heartfelt tribute to the friends who have stood by your side and supported you through life’s ups and downs.
Even though Andrew Gold hinted that this heartfelt song only took him about an hour to write, the message it conveys is timeless and profound.
Lyrics:
3. Saweetie ft Doja Cat – “Best Friend”
- Artist: Saweetie ft Doja Cat
- Album: Pretty Bitch Music
- Released: 2021
- Songwriter(s): Diamonté Harper, Amala Dlamini, Asia Smith, Kaine, Lukasz Gottwald, Rocco Valdes, Theron Thomas
- Genre: Hip Hop, Pop-Rap
Best For:
This fun and upbeat friendship song is perfect for celebrating the special bond you share with your closest friend. The song explores the joy of having a best friend who is always there to make you laugh, cheer you up, and share in your adventures at any time.
Lyrics:
That my best friend, she a real bad bitchGot her own money, she ‘on’t need no nig’On the dance floor, she had two, three drinksNow she twerkin’, she throw it out and come back inThat’s my best friend, she a real bad bitchDrive her own car, she ‘on’t need no LyftIn the strip club, know my girl gon’ tipNow she twerkin’, she throw it out and come back in
4. Ben E. King – “Stand By Me”
- Artist: Ben E. King
- Album: Don’t Play That Song
- Released: April 24, 1961
- Songwriter(s): Ben E. King, Jerry Lieber, Mike Stoller
- Genre: Soul, R&B
Best For:
This friendship song has stood the test of time just like best friends. It should be used to appreciate your friends and their unwavering support and love despite life’s rough patches.
Lyrics:
5. Joe Cocker – “With a Little Help from My Friends”
- Artist: Joe Cocker
- Album: With a Little Help from My Friends
- Released: 1968
- Songwriter(s): Paul McCartney, John Lennon
- Genre: Blue Rock, Soul
Best For:
This upbeat and catchy tune is a great reminder of the strength and support that comes from having good friends by your side and how they support you.
Lyrics:
6. Bill Withers – “Lean on Me”
- Artist: Bill Withers
- Album: Still Bill
- Released: April 21, 1972
- Songwriter(s): Bill Withers
- Genre: Gospel, Soul
Best For:
It’s the perfect song to play when you need a shoulder to lean on or when you want to let your friend know that you’ll always be there for them.
Lyrics:
7. Young Thug – “That’s My Best Friend”
- Artist: Young Thug
- Album: Slime Season
- Released: November 20, 2015
- Songwriter(s): Jeffery Williams N., Cobey Ricky Harrell Jr, Rashad Deonte Simmons
- Genre: Hip Hop, Trap
Best For:
This is a great choice for those moments when you want to let loose and have a good time with your closest friend.
It’s a song that makes you cherish the special someone who knows you inside and out, the one you can always count on.
Lyrics:
8. LeAnn Rimes – “Good Friend and a Glass of Wine”
- Artist: LeAnn Rimes
- Album: Family
- Released: March 15, 2008
- Songwriter(s): LeAnn Rimes, Darell Brown, Blair Daly
- Genre: Country
Best For:
If you are thinking of a great way to celebrate a milestone with your best friend or simply want to say thank you, then this is the song to play. This song captures the essence of a true friendship. It is perfect for those quiet moments when you want to reflect on the bond you share with someone special.
Lyrics:
A good friend and a glass of wineSomeone to say it’s gonna be alrightA good friend and a glass of wineA little pick me up to get me through the nightWe talk trash n’ we laugh and cryThat kind of therapy money can’t buyEvery now and then, every now and thenEvery girl needs a good friend and a glass of wine
9. The Rolling Stone – “Waiting on a Friend”
- Artist: The Rolling Stone
- Album: Tatoo You
- Released: November 1981
- Songwriter(s): Jagger/Richards
- Genre: Pop Rock
Best For:
It’s a great song to play when you’re looking forward to reuniting with a friend after a long time apart.
Lyrics:
10. Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton – “You Can’t Make Old Friends”
- Artist: Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton
- Album: You Can’t Make Old Friends
- Released: November 4, 2013
- Songwriter(s): Ryan Hanna King, Don SchlitzCaitlyn Smith
- Genre: Country
Best For:
This best friends song celebrates the unique bond that comes from years of shared experiences and memories, and it’s perfect for those moments when you want to honor the friends who have been by your side through the good and bad times.
Lyrics:
11. Foo Fighters – “Friend of a Friend”
- Artist: Foo Fighters
- Album: In Your Honor
- Released: 1992, 1998, 2005, 2006
- Songwriter(s): Dave Grohl
- Genre: Acoustic Rock
Best For:
It’s a great choice for those times when you want to reflect on your social circle and how friendships can intersect and overlap.
Lyrics:
He plays an old guitarWith the coin found by the phoneIt was his friend’s guitarThat he playedMm-mm
12. DJ Khaled ft. Drake, Rick Ross, and Lil Wayne – “No New Friends”
- Artist: DJ Khaled ft. Drake, Rick Ross, and Lil Wayne
- Album: Suffering from Success
- Released: 2013
- Songwriter(s): Aubrey Graham, William Roberts II, Dwayne Carter, Jr., Khaled Khaled, Matthew Samuels, Noah Shebib, Anderson Hernandez
- Genre: Hip hop, Trap
Best For:
This song is best used to reaffirm the bonds you share with your existing friends and also remind them of your loyalty and trust in your friendship. In addition, this song is also a reminder to value and cherish the relationship you already have.
Lyrics:
No new friends, no new friends, no new friends, no, no new
Still here with my day one niggas, so you hear me say
No new friends, no new friends, no new friends, no, no new (Let’s ride)
I still ride with my day-one niggas, I don’t need
No new friends, no new friends, no new friends, no, no new
I stay down from day one so I say fuck all y’all niggas, except my niggas
Fuck all y’all niggas, except my niggas
One more time fuck all y’all niggas, except my niggas
F*k all y’all niggas, stay down from day one so I say
Read Also: 30 Best Sad Songs For Very Difficult Moments
13. The Beatles – “Two of Us”
- Artist: the Beatles
- Album: Let It Be
- Released: January 31, 1969
- Songwriter(s): Paul McCartney
- Genre: Folk Rock
Best For:
If you are thinking of honoring a best friend who is no longer here, then this is the best song to use. This song takes you on a journey where you’ll reflect on the moments and memories you shared.
Lyrics:
But you once told me “Don’t give up
You can do it day by day”
And diamonds, they don’t turn to dust or fade away
14. The Rembrandts – “I’ll Be There For You”
- Artist: the Rembrandts
- Album: L.P
- Released: May 23, 1995
- Songwriter(s): Michael Skloff
- Genre: Power pop, Alternative rock
Best For:
This is the best song to use when you want to remind your friends of your best friend that you’ll always be loyal and supportive regardless of anything that may show up.
Lyrics:
I’ll be there for you
These five words I swear to you
When you breathe, I wanna be the air for you
I’ll be there for you
I’d live and I’d die for you
I’d steal the sun from the sky for you
Words can’t say what love can do
I’ll be there for you
15. Randy Newman – “You Got a Friend In Me”
- Artist: Randy Newman
- Album: Toy Story
- Released: April 12, 1996
- Songwriter(s): Randy Newman
- Genre: Country, Pop
Best For:
The best way to express love and support to your friends is to always let them know that you’ll always be there for them no matter what and it sets the tone for a great day.
Lyrics:
You’ve got a friend in me
You’ve got a friend in me
If you’ve got troubles, I’ve got ’em too
There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you
We stick together and can see it through
Cause you’ve got a friend in me
You’ve got a friend in me
16. Rod Stewart – “That’s What Friends Are For”
- Artist: Rod Stewart
- Album: Night Shift
- Released: 1982
- Songwriter(s): Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager
- Genre: Pop
Best For:
True friendship never ends and if you are looking for the right song to express your gratitude towards your best friend, then this is the song to jump on.
Lyrics:
Keep smilin’, keep shinin’
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
17. Jimmie Davis – “You are my Sunshine”
- Artist: Jammie Davis
- Album:
- Released: 1940
- Genre: Country
Best For:
This timeless song is simply unique to celebrate the joy and happiness your best friend brings into your life. The lyrics of this song can simply brighten their day and also put a smile on their faces.
Lyrics:
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when the skies are grey
You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you
Please don’t take my sunshine away
18. Cyndi Lauper – “True Colors”
- Artist: Cyndi Lauper
- Album: True Colors
- Released: August 25, 1986
- Songwriter(s): Tom Kelly, Billy Steinberg
- Genre: Synth-rock
Best For:
It is only your best friend who can always see your best sides and beautiful colors despite your flaws. This song should be used when your friend is going through a tough time. It can serve as a reminder that they are loved and accepted just as they are.
Lyrics:
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
19. Kanye West – “Real Friends”
- Artist: Kanye West
- Album: The Life of Pablo
- Released: January 8, 2016
- Songwriter(s): Kanye West, Mike Dean, Adam Feeney, Tyrone Griffin, Jr., Jalil Hutchens, Darren King, Kejuan Muchita, Glenda Proby, Matthew Samuels, Lawrence Smith, Cydel Young, Rupert Thomas, Jr.
- Genre:
Best For:
This is the perfect song to celebrate your genuine friends who have always been there for you. The lyric of this song explores trust, loyalty, and authenticity in friendship.
Lyrics:
Lookin’ for real friends (real friends)
How many of us? How many of us are real friends
To real friends, to the real end
‘Til the wheels fall off, ’til the wheels (yeah) don’t spin
(Yeah, yeah) To three A.M., callin’
How many real friends?
Just to ask you a question
Just to see how you was feelin’
How many?
20. Bruno Mars – “Count on Me”
- Artist: Bruno Mars
- Album: Doo-Wops & Hooligans
- Released: November 7, 2011
- Songwriter(s): Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine
- Genre: Folk, tropical
Best For:
It’s not always easy to find someone you can count on. However, if you are lucky to have a best friend you can count on, then this country-tinged friendship song is a perfect reassurance that they can also count on you for support and love any time.
Lyrics:
You can count on me like 1, 2, 3
I’ll be there
And I know when I need it
I can count on you like 4, 3, 2
And you’ll be there
‘Cause that’s what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah
