Friendship songs in Western music recommended for high school students: world classics and popular hits
A roundup of Western friendship songs we recommend for high school students!
We’ve picked a wide range—from timeless classics to slightly lesser-known gems.
When you hear “friendship song,” what comes to mind?
An intense anthem that celebrates the strength of friendship?
Or a heartwarming, emotional piece?
This time, we’ve selected songs with various situations in mind.
We also chose a broad range of melodies, so you’re sure to find the perfect track for you!
Friendship songs in Western music recommended for high school students: World classics and popular tracks (1–10)
See You Again ft. Charlie PuthWiz Khalifa
It’s a smash hit single released in 2015 by popular rapper Wiz Khalifa, chosen as the theme song for the film Furious 7.
The track showcases Khalifa’s mellow and lyrical side, and the melody sung in Charlie Puth’s beautiful falsetto as a guest vocalist is truly wonderful.
It’s also important to know the song’s background: it was dedicated to actor Paul Walker, who died in a car accident before the film was completed.
Reading the lyrics—filled with grief, confusion, and boundless love for a friend lost so suddenly—will surely move you to tears.
It’s a masterpiece that reminds us anew of the importance of friendship and bonds.
You’ve Got a Friend in MeRandy Newman
Randy Newman is an American singer-songwriter known for his warm voice.
He first gained attention with his 1970 release “Mama Told Me Not To Come,” and has since focused mainly on theme songs and featured songs for Pixar films.
“You’ve Got a Friend in Me” is one of his signature works and served as the main theme for the movie Toy Story.
I think its lyrics, which depict the friendship between Woody and Buzz, are a perfect match for the spirit of high school youth.
Be sure to check it out.
Count on meBruno Mars
Bruno Mars is an indispensable figure when discussing the popular music scene since the 2010s and one of its top-selling artists.
While he’s strongly associated with a party-loving, high-energy image, Count on Me, included on his 2010 debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans, is a folk-tinged, tropical-sounding gem that showcases a wistful side and feels wonderfully soothing.
Its heartwarming lyrics to a cherished friend—saying, in essence, “You can count on me, just as I count on you”—really touch the heart.
Why not use this song to express your gratitude to a friend, something that can be hard to say out loud in everyday life?
We’re Going To Be FriendsThe White Stripes
The White Stripes are a U.
S.
duo known as a quintessential garage rock and blues rock group.
Their active years ran from 1997 to 2011—not especially long—but they left behind many classic songs over the course of their career.
“We’re Going To Be Friends” is celebrated as one of their signature tracks, crafted with nostalgic lyrics and melodies that capture the feelings of early childhood.
It’s a must-listen for high school students who want to reminisce about their elementary school days and sink into those delicate, wistful emotions.
With A Little Help From My FriendsThe Beatles
The Beatles are a band that had a major influence on modern pop music.
They’re so famous they even appear in textbooks, so I’m sure even high school students know them.
“With A Little Help From My Friends” is a track from the 1967 album Sgt.
Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and it became popular for its lyrics depicting reliance on friends.
The lyrics are provocative, but I imagine there are parts that high schoolers can relate to as well.
By the way, this song also carries another meaning.
If you swap “friends” for a certain ‘something else’…?
Live While We’re YoungOne Direction
One Direction, who were active in the 2010s, are singers still fresh in our memories.
These days, each member has gone on to a solo career.
Back when they were singing “Live While We’re Young,” you could still see a touch of boyish innocence in the group.
The song has the distinction of winning at the Teen Choice Awards.
It became a huge hit, so I think many of you have heard it! It’s a refreshing track—definitely give it a listen!
All My FriendsLCD Soundsystem
LCD Soundsystem is the solo project of James Murphy, known as a leading figure in the dance-punk genre.
Although a solo project, it takes a band format and produced numerous hit songs over the ten years from 2001 to 2011.
Among their hits, the friendship anthem All My Friends is especially famous.
Its heartfelt lyrics, written for a close friend, earned worldwide popularity.
If you’re a high school student looking to express gratitude to your friends, be sure to check it out.