[Best Friend] Western friendship songs for women — classic tracks to dedicate to your cherished friends

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?

You’ve got a friend in me – Randy Newman –TOY STORY

Toy Story – You’ve got a friend in me – Randy Newman – Lyrics

A friendship song that’s easy to recommend even for young children.

Written by singer-songwriter Randy Newman as the theme song for the 1995 animated film Toy Story, it expresses a straightforward sentiment of “You’ve got a friend in me!” The lyrics clearly reflect the film’s story.

Because it’s so well-known, it might be perfect as BGM for a surprise video for Disney fans or friends who love Toy Story.

You’ve Got a FriendCarole King

Carole King – You’ve Got a Friend (Official Audio)

Released in 1971 by Carole King—an iconic American singer-songwriter beloved worldwide—“You’ve Got a Friend” won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year the following year and became a global hit.

It has been covered by numerous artists, with the Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway version also being well known.

It’s a song to dedicate to a friend when you’re feeling down or going through tough times, one that lifts the spirits.

Say My NameDestiny’s Child

Destiny’s Child – Say My Name (Official Video)

Destiny’s Child, the R&B group also known for having Beyoncé as a member.

Their 1999 smash-hit classic, The Writing’s on the Wall, features not only songs that celebrate the sparkle of friendship, but also tracks that explore its fragility.

This particular piece portrays the tense emotions of a woman who, sensing suspicious behavior from the person on the other end of the phone, becomes convinced that their bond is slipping away.

Doesn’t that searing doubt also echo the feelings you have when confronted with a trusted friend’s betrayal? The innovative beats and the relentless interplay of vocals are stunning, and in 2001 the song won two Grammy Awards.

If you want to touch on the more complex side of human relationships—something a bit different from glittering friendship anthems—listening to this might lead to new discoveries.

FriendsMeghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor – Friends (Lyrics)

Speaking of Meghan Trainor, she’s a prodigiously talented artist who signed a publishing and songwriting deal as a teenager and became a popular singer-songwriter with her smash 2014 debut single “All About That Bass.” With a glittering résumé that includes a Grammy win, she released her second album Thank You in 2016, and today I’d like to introduce a track included on its deluxe edition.

Characterized by the oldies-inspired sound and nostalgic melody she excels at, this moving number expresses gratitude—saying it’s okay because friends are there for you even in tough times.

It’s during difficult periods that we truly realize the value of friends, isn’t it? This wonderful classic has a timeless appeal that reminds us of just that.

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I’ll be there for youThe Rembrandts

The Rembrandts- I’ll be there for you (official video)

Released in 1995, this single by The Rembrandts was also included on their third album, LP, released in May of the same year.

It’s widely known as the theme song for the popular TV drama Friends, which aired in the United States from 1994 to 2004 and was also broadcast in Japan.

The song celebrates friendship, featuring a bright, pop sound—perfect for September when the summer heat still lingers.

Its catchy melody sticks in your head after just one listen, delivering an addictive, fast-paced rush.

Originally only one chorus long, it was later recorded in full length as the show’s popularity grew.

It may also feel familiar in Japan, as it has been used as background music on talk shows and other programs.

Stand By MeBen E. King

Ben E. King – Stand By Me (Official Audio)

One of the soul music songs well-known in Japan, Stand by Me, is truly a classic: its simple message—“I want you by my side”—has been embraced by all generations.

It’s also fun to compare different versions, as many musicians, including John Lennon, have covered it.