Tear-jerking friendship songs in Western music: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks

Count on MeBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Count on Me (Official Lyric Video)

The ideal form of friendship is one where we can reach out and help each other when we’re in trouble.

That’s exactly the kind of friendship Bruno Mars sings about in his song “Count On Me.” The phrase “Count on me,” which is the song’s title and appears repeatedly in the lyrics, means “You can rely on me.” It carries a gentle message: “Whenever you’re having a hard time, I’ll be there, and it’s okay to lean on me.” It’s a song you’ll want to share with friends even if you’re far apart.

Started From The BottomDrake

Drake – Started From the Bottom

Drake, a Canadian rapper active since the 2000s, is known for his skillful rap technique and distinctive dance performances.

His 2013 release “Started From The Bottom” depicts his journey to stardom.

The track has a deep, exotic atmosphere.

It’s also recommended as an anthem to cheer on friends who have been striving together toward their dreams and goals.

Take in his powerful message, forged through overcoming many challenges.

GirlDestiny’s Child

Destiny’s Child – Girl (Official Music Video)

Destiny’s Child’s “Girl” sings about the strong bond between women.

When a female friend isn’t doing well in love or work, you can often just sense it, right? Even when something is hard to bring up, by proactively listening, you can ultimately help protect your friend from going through pain.

It’s a song that celebrates female friendship built on communication.

A perfect track to listen to with your close girlfriends.

CoolGwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani – Cool (Official Music Video)

Gwen Stefani, an American singer affectionately known in Japan as “Gwen-chan,” also draws attention for her modeling work that showcases her glamorous looks.

Her 2005 release “Cool” is a song overflowing with feelings for a former lover.

Its passionate band sound unfolds with a rhythmic tempo and leaves a strong impression.

Alongside the expansive synth tones, her girlish vocals ring out.

The lyrics beautifully capture the realistic relationship between a man and a woman who have gone back to being friends, making your heart skip a beat.

It’s a pop song that conveys a bittersweet yet warm sense of friendship.

Everybody HurtsR.E.M.

R.E.M. – Everybody Hurts (Official HD Music Video)

“Everyone gets hurt, and at times is tormented by loneliness.

” This is a gem of a ballad by the American rock band R.

E.

M.

that gently stays close to such universal suffering.

Its solemn tone, infused with gospel and soul influences, and the all-embracing vocals softly loosen the knots in the listener’s heart.

When life feels on the brink of despair, its message—that you are not alone—sounds exactly like the words you would offer a friend who’s feeling down, evoking a profound form of friendship.

Featured on the 1992 masterpiece Automatic for the People and released as a single in April 1993, the song’s powerful message even led to its adoption in a campaign by a UK suicide prevention organization.

It’s a track that shares tears with you on nights of unbearable loneliness and gives you the strength to step into tomorrow when a friend is hurting.

You’re My Best FriendQueen

Queen – You’re My Best Friend (Official Video)

Queen are a British rock band that deliver a one-of-a-kind sound beyond the boundaries of any music genre.

Their 1975 release “You’re My Best Friend” is a heartwarming track that lets you truly feel the beauty of friendship.

A lively, organ-like piano tone rings out, and the emotive guitar phrases by Brian May punctuate the melodic band sound.

Written and composed by bassist John Deacon, the song is a moving message dedicated to his wife, Veronica Tetzlaff—why not lend an ear to it?

I’ve Got A FriendMaggie Rogers

Maggie Rogers – I’ve Got A Friend (Official Visualizer)

Maggie Rogers is a powerhouse singer-songwriter who blends folk and electronic sounds, and has even been nominated for a Grammy.

She has a moving song that she wrote as a “love song for a friend,” a heartfelt ode to friendship.

In it, she expresses straightforward, profound gratitude to a best friend who stood by her during the hardest time in her life.

The unadorned lyrics and her raw, emotionally charged vocals are deeply affecting.

The track appears on her second album, Surrender, released in July 2022.

It’s lovely to hear the warm atmosphere created by the participation of her real-life friends in the recording.

Why not give it a listen when you want to be reminded of how precious your close friends are?