What do you get the friend who has everything? I have a suggestion: Instead of looking for gift ideas on TikTok or looking for an unexpected bestie gift, maybe you should consider going back in time. That's right: it's time to get into your mixtape era with these songs about friendship.
Obviously, when making a playlist, you want to add some personal faves that have significance in your relationship, but if you wanted to round out the mix with some songs about friendship, I've got just the ones. These songs about friendship are all about celebrating your relationship, and they're upbeat, so you won't have to worry about bursting into tears mid-sing-along. This BFF playlist is good vibes only.
"It's Nice to Have a Friend" by Taylor Swift
Love or hate Taylor Swift, you can't deny that when she's right, she's right! It is awfully nice to have a friend.
"Home" by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
When that whistle tone kicks in, you know you're listening to "Home," a song that is somehow everywhere, all the time. The song might be a little overplayed, but you just can't beat "Home is wherever I'm with you."
"Grrrls" by Lizzo
When it comes to empowering songs about friendship, there’s feel good music, and then there’s Lizzo music. The singer is known for her positive, upbeat songs and her unabashed pursuit of a good time. “Grrls,” a song about celebrating non-problematic codependent friendships, does not disappoint. Women with especially protective friendships will 100% feel seen.
"Do It" by Chlöe and Halle
Another great addition to you and your BFF’s GRWM playlist, “Do It” will give you all the fun, sexy vibes you need to conquer a night out with your bestie.
"You've Got A Friend" by Carole King
Carole King’s iconic “You’ve Got A Friend” is about as pure of a friendship song as you can get. Honestly, if your BFF wouldn’t “come runnin’” when you really need them, as the song states, you should think about downgrading them to just a regular 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.
"Friends (친구)" by BTS
This BTS song is 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.
"Raise Your Glass" by Pink
Pink has always been a champion for those on the outskirts who don’t always feel celebrated by mainstream pop music. With “Raise Your Glass,” she created the perfect party anthem for all the people who feel “wrong” or different. Try listening to this with your bestie and not screaming through the chorus. I dare you.
"22" by Taylor Swift
Is it wrong to rock out to “22” with your BFFs even after you’ve all left your 20s behind? If it is, I don’t want to be right. Taylor Swift’s birthday celebration song is about so much more than just being young—it’s about friendship and having fun without any drama or romantic entanglements. It’s my dream life, TBH.
"We're All in This Together" from High School Musical
The perfect song for when you need to be reminded that friends don’t let friends turn down the lead role in a musical just so they can “stick to the status quo” and play basketball forever.
"Boy Problems" by Carly Rae Jepsen
As a friend, I like to think that I would never tell my BFF to stop bitching about romantic problems. But… sometimes, you just need to give your friend a reality check. Enter: Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Boy Problems,” an upbeat, catchy tune about girlfriends begging each other to stop talking about their boy problems and just have fun already!
"Royals" by Lorde
Not only is “Royals,” Lorde’s breakthrough single, a true modern classic, it’s also a rare gem about partying with your friends that’s ~actually~ relatable. Sure, it’s fun to pretend that you and your bestie are living a luxury lifestyle, but for most of us that's just not the case. We’ll never be royals, and that’s cool.
"Cheetah Sisters" from The Cheetah Girls
Face it: no one does a friendship bop quite like the Disney Channel. I didn’t expect one of the most catchy songs about friendship to be sung by a fictional girl group from 2003 either, but there’s just no denying the power of the Cheetah Girls — aka Raven Symoné, Sabrina Bryan, Kiely Williams, and Adrienne Bailon.
"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, which will obviously lead to instant friendships.
"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.
"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 of a girl band's (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~.
"We Should Be Friends" by Miranda Lambert
I love a good country song that *isn't* about ladies, trucks, and beers. And apparently, all it takes to be friends with Miranda Lambert is for your white t-shirts to have stains in them (check), your days full of dreaming and your nights full of drinking (check and check), and for you to you borrow dresses like you borrow time (CHECK).
"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!
"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, even if one of you is convinced that they are an intergalactic explorer and not, you know, a toy—I mean normal human.
"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. Also, diamonds. But mostly besties.
"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!
"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.
"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.
"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!
