Friendship is a timeless theme in music. It connects people and tells stories about loyalty, support, and shared experiences. Many modern songs celebrate friendship with heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies. This article explores 18 modern songs about friendship. Each song is described with facts and background to help you understand its meaning and impact.
18 Modern Songs About Friendship You Need on Your Playlist
1. “Count on Me” – Bruno Mars
Background and Meaning
“Count on Me” was released in 2010 as part of Bruno Mars’ debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans. The song is an uplifting anthem about being there for friends through thick and thin. Bruno Mars uses simple words to express loyalty and trust. The melody is easy to sing along, making it popular for celebrations of friendship.
Lyrics and Style
The lyrics include the famous line, “You can count on me like one, two, three.” The song blends pop with a light reggae feel. Its simplicity makes it accessible for all ages. It has been used in movies and commercials emphasizing friendship and support.
2. “Lean on Me” – Club Nouveau (Cover)
Modern Take on a Classic
Originally written by Bill Withers in 1972, “Lean on Me” was famously covered by Club Nouveau in 1987. This modern version keeps the core message of friendship strong: offering support during hard times. The 1980s cover adds an upbeat, R&B touch that helped it reach a new audience.
Impact and Legacy
The song remains a staple for school events and charity concerts. Its message is universal, teaching listeners that friends help us overcome challenges. The chorus is particularly memorable for its encouragement to “lean on me, when you’re not strong.”
3. “Best Friend” – Saweetie featuring Doja Cat
Celebrating Female Friendship
Released in 2021, “Best Friend” is a hip-hop anthem celebrating female friendship and empowerment. Saweetie and Doja Cat combine catchy beats with playful lyrics about loyalty and fun. This song highlights the modern dynamic of friendships among women who support each other fiercely.
Musical Elements
The beat is energetic and perfect for parties. The lyrics focus on trust, confidence, and celebrating friends as important parts of life. The song’s success on social media platforms like TikTok helped spread its message widely.
4. “I’ll Be There for You” – The Rembrandts
Iconic TV Theme
This song gained fame as the theme for the TV show Friends. Released in 1995, it quickly became a symbol of friendship worldwide. The upbeat rock tune emphasizes standing by friends no matter what happens.
Lyrics and Popularity
The chorus “I’ll be there for you” repeats with strong emotion. It captures the essence of friendship support. The song’s popularity continues decades later, often played at reunions and friend gatherings.
5. “Good Friends” – Alex G
Indie Perspective on Friendship
Released in 2019, “Good Friends” by Alex G offers a more introspective take on friendship. The indie rock track explores the complexities of relationships and the comfort friends provide during confusing times.
Emotional Depth
Alex G uses simple but emotional lyrics. The song reflects on how friends sometimes help us find ourselves. It resonates with listeners who appreciate honest and nuanced portrayals of friendship.
6. “No New Friends” – DJ Khaled featuring Drake, Rick Ross & Lil Wayne
Friendship and Trust in Hip-Hop
This 2013 hip-hop song discusses the importance of loyal friends and avoiding fake ones. DJ Khaled and featured artists emphasize trust and the value of long-term friendships over new acquaintances.
The Message
The phrase “No new friends” became a popular saying to express preference for quality over quantity in friendships. The song mixes hard-hitting beats with messages about staying true to trusted friends.
7. “Friends” – Marshmello & Anne-Marie
A Twist on Friendship
Released in 2018, “Friends” by Marshmello and Anne-Marie challenges the classic friendship theme. The song is about the frustration when one person wants more than friendship but the other does not.
Catchy and Clear
The song’s catchy chorus “We’re just friends” has made it a popular anthem for setting boundaries. Its clear, simple lyrics and electronic pop sound appeal to a wide audience.
8. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” – Randy Newman (Modern Covers)
From Classic to Modern
Originally from the 1995 movie Toy Story, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” has been covered by many artists in modern times. The song celebrates steadfast friendship with warm and reassuring lyrics.
Why It Lasts
The melody is cheerful and nostalgic. Modern covers add different musical styles, such as pop or jazz, keeping the song fresh for new listeners. Its theme of loyalty fits all ages.
9. “True Friends” – Bring Me The Horizon
Modern Rock View on Friendship
Released in 2019, this rock song examines the idea of friendship with honesty about betrayal and support. Bring Me The Horizon mixes heavy instruments with clear lyrics that question who true friends really are.
Emotional and Raw
The song explores both good and bad sides of friendship. It connects with listeners who have experienced pain but still believe in genuine friendship.
10. “Good Old Friends” – Lucy Dacus
Indie Reflection on Long-Lasting Friendships
Lucy Dacus’ 2018 song “Good Old Friends” honors the comfort and familiarity of longtime friendships. The indie style features soft vocals and reflective lyrics.
Relatable and Warm
The song reminds listeners that old friends offer stability and acceptance. It has been praised for its honest and heartfelt portrayal of friendship.
11. “Friends” – Ed Sheeran
Simple Message in Pop Form
Ed Sheeran’s 2019 track “Friends” talks about a friendship that avoids romantic complications. The song uses direct and simple language to describe the boundaries between friends.
Pop Appeal
The upbeat rhythm and relatable lyrics make it easy for listeners to connect. The song captures a common experience of wanting to keep a friendship clear and drama-free.
12. “My Best Friend” – Weezer
Rock Celebration of Friendship
From Weezer’s 2016 album The White Album, “My Best Friend” is a catchy rock tune celebrating close friendship. The song is full of energy and positivity.
Fun and Uplifting
The lyrics express gratitude and joy for having a best friend. It is often used at events where friends gather to celebrate their bond.
13. “Friends” – Justin Bieber & BloodPop®
Modern Pop on Relationship Boundaries
This 2017 song explores the line between friendship and romantic interest. Justin Bieber and BloodPop® use electronic pop sounds and catchy beats to tell a story about staying just friends.
Clear and Catchy
The song’s chorus makes the message unmistakable: some friendships are meant to stay purely platonic. Its beat and melody helped it chart worldwide.
14. “Best Friend” – Rex Orange County
Indie Pop About Support
Released in 2017, Rex Orange County’s “Best Friend” celebrates the comfort and support true friends offer. The indie pop style combines smooth vocals with a relaxed beat.
Warm and Genuine
The lyrics speak honestly about the value of friendship in hard times. The song is beloved by many for its sincerity and warmth.
15. “Good Friends Are Hard to Find” – Sufjan Stevens
Poetic Reflection
Sufjan Stevens’ 2015 song is a gentle and poetic exploration of the difficulty of finding true friends. The folk style supports the thoughtful lyrics.
Thoughtful and Introspective
The song encourages listeners to appreciate real friendship. It appeals to those who value deep and meaningful connections.
16. “Real Friends” – Kanye West
Hip-Hop’s Honest Look
Kanye West’s 2016 track “Real Friends” explores the struggle to find genuine friends amid fame and success. The tone is reflective and sometimes somber.
Complex Friendship Themes
The song discusses mistrust and disappointment but also hopes for true connection. It offers a raw look at friendship in a challenging world.
17. “Friends” – The Weeknd
Modern R&B on Complicated Relationships
The Weeknd’s 2016 song “Friends” explores the blurry lines between friendship and romance. The moody R&B style fits the complicated emotions in the lyrics.
Dark and Emotional
The song portrays how friendship can sometimes be confusing. It’s popular among fans who relate to complicated personal relationships.
18. “Friend Like Me” – Will Smith (Aladdin Soundtrack Modern Version)
Fun and Energetic Celebration
Will Smith’s 2019 version of “Friend Like Me” from the Aladdin soundtrack brings a modern twist to this classic. It’s lively and full of humor, celebrating friendship with flair.
Timeless Message
The song emphasizes loyalty, fun, and the magic of having a great friend. Its upbeat tempo makes it popular with all ages.
SEE ALSO: 30 Songs About Reuniting with Friends After Years Apart
Conclusion
These 18 modern songs about friendship show how music continues to celebrate and explore the importance of friends. From upbeat pop anthems to introspective indie ballads, the theme of friendship connects listeners worldwide. The lyrics often focus on loyalty, trust, support, and sometimes the complexity of boundaries.
Friendship is a universal human experience, and these songs help us express it in different ways. Whether through simple, catchy choruses or deep emotional reflections, modern songs about friendship remain relevant and cherished.
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