A friend’s song in Western music
From the many Western songs themed around friendship, our studio staff introduces their recommended friend songs.
It’s a playlist you’ll want to listen to while thinking of your friends.
Friends' Songs in Western Music (1–10)
I’ve Got A FriendMaggie Rogers
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?
Show UpSamia
Samia, a singer-songwriter gaining attention in New York’s indie scene.
Born into an acting family, her poetic and emotional style has captured the hearts of many music fans.
One track on her EP “Scout,” released in June 2021, is a hidden gem that digs into the core of friendship.
It rides an energetic, driving sound to sing about the kind of friend whose mere presence can save you—and the firm resolve that it’s your turn to rush to their side.
Made the year after her acclaimed album “The Baby,” this record showcases her deeply expressive vocals that resonate in your chest.
It’s the kind of song that will warm your heart when you miss a dear friend or on a sentimental night.
Friend Song311
311, a mixture rock band known for their unique style fusing reggae and funk.
This track is a gently heart-soothing number included on their album “Full Bloom,” released in October 2024.
Born from experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, the song delivers a straightforward message that friendship is more precious than anything, carried by a melancholic mood and a slow tempo.
Its hopeful assurance—that even in difficult times, you are never truly alone—wraps listeners in warmth.
The airy, floating guitar tones are also striking, making it perfect for those quiet moments when you want to immerse yourself in music while thinking of a dear friend.
You’ve Got a FriendCarole King
This is a song included on the historic masterpiece Tapestry, released in 1971 by Carol King, a singer-songwriter who represents the United States.
There’s an anecdote that it was written as a response to the loneliness expressed by her friend James Taylor, and its theme is unconditional love and friendship—“Whenever you feel alone, I’ll be by your side.” The work earned King a Grammy Award, and Taylor’s cover also became a major hit.
When we face hardships and pain, we may find ourselves doubting our own worth.
At such times, this warm song of friendship powerfully affirms your presence right beside you, saying, “You are not alone.” It is a song that offers hope for life.
Let me stay your friend.Todd Rundgren
A song released in 1978 by Todd Rundgren, who has been active as a multi-instrumentalist since the 1970s.
It features a beautifully contoured melody line and Todd’s wistful vocals that sound like he’s pleading for something.
It’s also highly regarded by other musicians and has been covered many times.
ArmyEllie Goulding
A track released as a digital download in 2016 by Ellie Goulding.
It was written for her best friend, Hannah, whom she met at university.
The black-and-white music video was directed by British photographer Conor McDonnell.
Best FriendsSophia Grace
Sophia Grace Brownlee gained attention at the age of eight when she performed Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” with her five-year-old cousin Rosie McClelland on the TV show The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
This track was released in 2015 and reached No.
87 on the U.
S.
charts.