Tear-jerking friendship songs in Western music: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
Friends who stay by your side when times are tough and when times are happy—when you need them most—are truly invaluable and irreplaceable.
In this article, we’re featuring a rich selection of “tear-jerking friendship songs in Western music” you’ll want to dedicate to your dear friends, as well as songs that celebrate friendships you hope will last forever—from timeless classics to recent hits.
Along with masterpieces that gently sing of the wonders of friendship, we’ll also bring you a refreshing lineup of encouraging songs you’ll want a struggling friend to hear, plus a few tracks with a slightly different flavor, offering plenty of variety.
Since the lyrics are key, be sure to listen while checking the Japanese translations.
Tear-jerking friendship songs in Western music: recommended classics and popular tracks (1–10)
Thank YouDido
The song Thank You, which propelled London-born singer Dido to the top as an artist, is a classic.
Her debut album No Angel, released in 1999 and featuring the track, became an extraordinary hit, selling 15 million copies worldwide.
It’s well known that Thank You was sampled in Eminem’s smash hit Stan, which helped boost its popularity.
While it’s a gentle, mid-tempo pop song, it also carries a ’90s trip-hop texture, making the sound far more than just beautiful or melodious—truly outstanding.
Unlike Stan, which centers on a stalker, the lyrics of Thank You express gratitude for having someone special by your side.
Though it’s a song for a lover, it’s also a timeless tune that feels just as pleasant when you think of it in the context of friendship.
fifteenTaylor Swift
Taylor Swift is a singer-songwriter who debuted with an album at the young age of 16 in 2006, grew from a young country star into a global pop icon, and continues to lead the scene even now in the 2020s.
While she’s often associated with being a master of love songs, the track introduced here, “Fifteen,” is included on her second album, Fearless, released in 2008.
It’s a classic she wrote as a message to a dear friend, reflecting on herself at 15.
With a fresh feel that sits between country and pop, it’s in simple songs like this that her true talent as a songwriter really shines through.
It’s a moving song that resonates with kids turning 15 and with adults who were 15 long ago.
By the way, the woman who appears in the music video is Abigail herself—Taylor’s best friend, who also appears in the song.
Stand By MeBen E. King
Ben E.
King’s signature song “Stand by Me,” released in 1961, is said to have been inspired by the African American spiritual “Lord, Stand by Me,” which existed even before gospel.
Chosen as the theme song for the film “Stand by Me,” which portrays the friendship of four boys, it became a worldwide hit.
Today, it’s loved as a classic everyone knows.
The phrase “stand by me” means “stay by my side,” and the song reminds us of the importance of supporting each other in difficult times.
See You Again ft. Charlie PuthWiz Khalifa
Here is one song I want to send to a friend I can no longer see: “See You Again.” It was written as the theme song for the hugely popular film in Japan, “Furious 7” (Wild Speed: SKY MISSION).
The beautiful vocals of Charlie Puth, who was a newcomer singer-songwriter at the time, left a strong impression.
During the film’s production, actor Paul Walker sadly passed away in an unexpected car accident.
Initially, a different song had been planned, but the filmmakers decided they wanted to dedicate the theme to Paul Walker, and they urgently asked Charlie Puth to create a new song.
Charlie himself had lost a friend in a car accident in the past.
Although he had no direct connection with Paul Walker, he wrote this song while thinking of his own friend.
It’s a gentle song to see off a friend you can no longer meet.
Friend Of MineAvicii
Avicii, a Swedish music producer who delivers moving songs themed around life and love to listeners, is also known in Japan as a catalyst for the EDM boom.
“Friend Of Mine,” included on his 2017 EP Without You, is a track that portrays romantic feelings for a friend within a friendship.
It’s an electro-pop piece with the refreshing sound of acoustic guitar.
You can enjoy it as passionate dance music that depicts friendship, or as an emotional love song that gently accompanies the heart.
Grigio GirlsLady Gaga
Singer-songwriter Lady Gaga is also known for her active social contribution work.
She stands out across a wide range of fields, including starring in globally renowned films.
Among her songs, the one that evokes warm friendship is “Grigio Girls.” It was included on her 2016 album Joanne.
The grand sound, underscored by her powerful vocals, is striking.
It’s a heartwarming track that portrays her relationships with real friends and relatives.
Give it a listen while thinking of your dearest friends.
Damn Good FriendsTyler Farr
A song that lets you express gratitude to a friend who’s always been by your side is “Damn Good Friends.” It’s included on singer Tyler Farr’s 2015 album Suffer in Peace—he’s an indispensable figure when talking about the country music scene of the 2010s.
The track features a refreshing band sound reminiscent of power pop, with the melancholic tones of acoustic guitar ringing out.
Farr’s vocals, which effortlessly navigate a wide range, are also a must-hear.
Give this heartfelt song a listen and feel the beauty of true friendship.