Songs are wonderful creations. They can lift you up, keep you company during a difficult time and help bring life to a dull occasion. Music is something that, in some way, helps us stay connected to the realities of life. And that’s definitely a need for songs about friendship and memories.
Here we present 21 songs about friendship and memories that you’ll want to keep in mind. If you ever plan a surprise birthday party for a close friend, some of these songs might just suit your slideshow project perfectly.
1. "You've Got A Friend In Me" by Randy Newman
Anyone who has seen Toy Story would immediately recognise this feel-good tune, and it’s probably one of the best songs that can teach little kids about the meaning of friendship — how it's all about sticking it out with good friends through thick and thin. Friendship means having someone else’s back and them having yours.
You've got a friend in me
When the road looks rough ahead
And you're miles and miles
From your nice warm bed
You just remember what your old pal said
Boy, you've got a friend in me
2. "Graduation (Friends Forever)" by Vitamin C
What makes this song special is the bittersweet message it carries. Yes, there’s a lot of excitement when you graduate from high school or college. You’re looking forward to bigger and brighter things that aren’t too far away. But then again, aren’t you going to miss all the friends you’ve made as you all go your separate ways? As the lyrics show, this is the time to remember that true friends’ bonds won’t be broken, even if you no longer spend every day together.
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
3. "I'll Be There For You" by The Rembrandts
We all know this soundtrack from Friends, famously played in the opening credits for each of the 240-plus episodes in the series. But outside of the show, the meaning behind it shouldn’t be neglected. Because indeed, true friends are those who will always “be there for you” come what may.
I'll be there for you
(When the rain starts to pour)
I'll be there for you
(Like I've been there before)
I'll be there for you
('Cause you're there for me too)
4. "Friends" by The Beach Boys
Most friendships you go through aren’t "butterflies and rainbows" all the time. There are challenges, hardships and moments when one needs some space and the other feels powerless in trying to help. But by going through those, your friendships are strengthened, and the good times with friends become even sweeter in your memories.
We've been friends now for so many years
We've been together through the good times and the tears
Turned each other on to the good things that life has to give
5. "Anytime You Need A Friend" by Mariah Carey
The legendary “Hero” songstress has her own masterpiece on the topic of friendship. So while you can’t help but admire her vocal skill throughout this song, it’s also important to listen to the message behind it. If you’re feeling lonely, don’t hesitate to seek the comfort and company of a true friend who you know will make time for you.
Anytime you need a friend
I will be here
You'll never be alone again
So don't you fear
Even if you're miles away
I'm by your side
So don't you ever be lonely
6. "You’re My Best Friend" by Queen
Queen’s lyrics are always poetic genius, and this song is no exception. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve already heard this one on TV, as it really captures the gratitude one has for their loyal, long-time friend.
Oh, you're the best friend that I ever had
I've been with you such a long time
You're my sunshine and I want you to know
That my feelings are true
I really love you
Oh, you're my best friend
7. "That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne Warwick
Fake friends may come and go, turning their back on you when you need them most because they have nothing to gain by helping you. But true friends are the opposite, as Dionne Warwick perfectly expresses in this song.
Keep smiling, keep shining
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
8. "My Old Friend" by Tim McGraw
As you grow old with your long-time friends, it becomes more of an event to sit down and recall memories of all the crazy, fun times you’ve had together. Some memories will make you laugh, while others might make you cry. But as the song suggests, they’re all priceless either way.
My old friend, I recall
The times we had
Ganging on my wall
I wouldn't trade them for gold
'Cause they laugh and they cry me
9. "You’ve Got A Friend" by Carole King
Old is gold, and this is certainly one of the timeless classics that will always be relevant for future generations. Much like “You’ve Got A Friend In Me”, this similarly titled song is about dropping everything to be there for that friend who means so much to you.
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running, to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend
10. "Lean On Me" by Bill Withers
Another vintage song on the list, “Lean On Me” proves that everybody deserves to have someone they can lean onto for support when at their most vulnerable. Even if it’s just to get some reassurance and comforting words, there’s nothing wrong with needing a friend to speak with. No person is an island, after all.
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
11. "Good Friend and a Glass of Wine" by LeAnn Rimes
Seriously, what could be better than a combination of a truly special friend and a fine glass of wine? Often, it’s not about how special the occasion is, but how special you make each other feel — even when there’s nothing in particular to feel good about at that moment.
A good friend and a glass of wine
Someone to say it's gonna be alright
A good friend and a glass of wine
A little pick me up to get me through the night
12. "What About Your Friends" by TLC
In order to reveal true friends in life, there comes a point where you’ve got to weed out fake friends. Your real friends will end up meaning so much more, as they’ll be the ones to help you be your best you. That’s the message of this song.
Don't you know when times got rough
I was standing on my own
I'll never let another get that close to me
You see I've grown a lot smarter now
Sometimes you have to choose and then you'll see
If your friend is true then they'll be there with you
13. "All My Friends" by LCD Soundsystem
There are times you might be falling behind on the things you mapped out for your life, and that can be a real letdown. But during those times, it's important to remember the close friends who’ll be by your side no matter what. Life is unpredictable. Friendship shouldn’t be.
You spent the first five years trying to get with the plan
And the next five years trying to be with your friends again
14. "Always Be Together" by Little Mix
It can be a burden to feel like you’re losing a friend via physical distance, as either you or they have to move away. But if you’re truly there for each other, those miles ultimately do not matter, as this song explains.
We'll always be together
Don't you worry
I'll always be by your side
Don't you worry
The circle will never end
Just know that we'll meet again
And we'll always be together
Forever, always
15. "I'll Be There" by Jackson 5
Comfort, understanding, words of encouragement. Those are the simplest yet most valuable, genuine things that true friends can provide when you’re in need of them. That message is beautifully conveyed in this hit song.
I'll reach out my hand to you
I'll have faith in all you do
Just call my name and I'll be there
And oh, I'll be there to comfort you
Build my world of dreams around you
I'm so glad that I found you
16. "I Turn To You" by Christina Aguilera
When it seems like there’s no escape from the pain and suffering — and there’s no avoiding that in life, really — it’s amazing what a difference it makes to have a loyal friend to turn to. They’ll help you regain the will-power and inner strength to keep pushing ahead. That’s why this song is very heartwarming.
For a shield from the storm
For a friend
For a love to keep me safe and warm
I turn to you
For the strength to be strong
For the will to carry on
For everything you do
For everything that's true
I turn to you
17. "Count On Me" by Bruno Mars
Probably one of the catchiest tracks on this list, Bruno Mars’s “Count On Me” clearly sounds like the perfect tune to sing along with your besties, whether you’re driving out of town or sitting around a campfire.
You can count on me
Like one two three
I'll be there
And I know when I need it
I can count on you
Like four three two
And you'll be there
'Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah
18. "I’m Only Me When I’m With You" by Taylor Swift
Best friends who consider themselves to be partners in crime will relate to the meaning behind this song. Because really, who else might know you better than you know yourself?
And you know everything about me
You say that you can't live without me
I'm only up when you're not down
Don't wanna fly if you're still on the ground
19. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel
This song is massively uplifting, as it describes the value of having friends to pull you out of the darkest of places you may find yourself in. And while friends don’t always have the power to make a problem disappear, they’ll at least provide the comfort and reassurance that indeed, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I'll take your part, oh, when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
20. "Gift Of A Friend" by Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato’s song expresses how the bright side of life comes from having the company of your dearest, truest friends: people who know you well, who acknowledge the best things about you and motivate you to better yourself every day.
You'll change inside
When you realize
The world comes to life
And everything's bright
From beginning to end
When you have a friend
21. "I'll Stand By You" by The Pretenders
Finally, here’s an ageless classic which can also double as a romantic song. It illustrates the heart and soul of friendship, which is truly being there for one another no matter what, even in the toughest of times. People who don’t abandon their friends in crisis are everyday heroes.
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Baby, even to your darkest hour
And I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you
So now you’ve seen our list of amazing songs about friendship and memories. Speaking of memories, have you tried Memories to preserve and digitize pictures from all your old photo albums? It’s easy to use Memories on your desktop browser or through the mobile app (available on iOS and Android). Use Memories to create Timelines of all those special events and activities that you can share as throwbacks with your good friends. Click here to register for a Memories account today.