Best 80s Songs About Friendship
The 1980s was a decade filled with vibrant music and unforgettable hits that captured the essence of friendship and camaraderie. From catchy pop anthems to heartfelt ballads, the era was rich with songs that celebrated the bonds between friends. These tunes not only topped the charts but also became soundtracks for countless memories and experiences.
Whether reminiscing about the past or embracing the timeless message of friendship, these songs continue to resonate with listeners today. Each track reflects the joy and support friends offer one another, making them perfect choices for anyone looking to celebrate those cherished relationships.
1. ‘That’s What Friends Are For’ by Dionne Warwick
“That’s What Friends Are For” is one of the defining friendship songs of the 1980s. It was performed by Dionne Warwick along with legendary artists Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Gladys Knight. This song became a huge hit, topping the charts and bringing people together with its heartfelt message.
- Song Name: That’s What Friends Are For
- Album: Friends
- Release Date: 1985
Why we included this song on the list
The collaboration of such iconic singers makes this song a standout. Its uplifting message about friendship and support resonates with everyone. The song’s popularity and continued relevance also highlight its lasting impact on music and culture.
Interesting or fun facts about the song
The song was originally recorded by Rod Stewart in 1982 for the movie “Night Shift.” Dionne Warwick’s version, however, became more famous, largely thanks to the superstar lineup. Additionally, “That’s What Friends Are For” was released as a charity single to support AIDS research and prevention, raising over $3 million and increasing awareness of the cause.
2. “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
“Lean on Me” by Bill Withers is an iconic song about friendship. Released in 1972, it was a chart-topping hit on both the soul and Billboard Hot 100 charts. This song remains timeless because of its heartfelt message and soulful melody.
- Song Name: “Lean on Me”
- Album: Still Bill
- Release Date: April 1972
Why we included this song on the list
“Lean on Me” embodies the spirit of friendship through its lyrics, which speak about supporting one another during tough times. It’s a reminder that leaning on friends is an essential part of life. Its strong emotional appeal helped the song become a beloved anthem for generations.
Interesting or fun facts about the song
The song was written during a period when Withers moved to a new community. Inspired by the sense of togetherness he found, Withers captured this feeling perfectly in “Lean on Me.” It was even performed live in Chicago at Jesse Jackson’s Operation PUSH Expo, emphasizing its wide-reaching impact.
3. ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’ by Joe Cocker
- Song Name: With a Little Help from My Friends
- Album: With a Little Help from My Friends
- Release Date: 1969
Joe Cocker’s version of “With a Little Help from My Friends” stands out as a unique interpretation of the original song by The Beatles. Released in 1969, this track quickly became one of Cocker’s signature songs.
The song showcases Cocker’s soulful and gritty voice, turning it into a powerful anthem about friendship. His performance at Woodstock in 1969 is particularly memorable, capturing the emotion and energy the song conveys.
Why we included this song on the list
This song represents the spirit of friendship through its heartfelt lyrics and Cocker’s passionate delivery. It’s about how friends can help each other through difficult times, which resonates with many listeners. The universal theme and memorable performance make it a lasting favorite.
Interesting or fun facts about the song
Joe Cocker’s rendition of the song is a radical re-arrangement from the original by The Beatles. At the re-release of the album in 1972, it charted in the UK as part of a double pack with his second album. “With a Little Help from My Friends” has been featured prominently in various media, further cementing its status as an iconic song.
4. “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts
- Song Name: I’ll Be There for You
- Album Name: L.P.
- Release Date: 1995
Why we included this song on the list:
“I’ll Be There for You” is an iconic track by The Rembrandts. The song gained immense popularity as the theme song for the popular TV show “Friends.” Its catchy tune and lyrics resonate with the themes of loyalty and support, making it a perfect anthem for friendship. It embodies the essence of always being there for friends.
Interesting or fun facts about the song:
This song was crafted by the show’s creators, including David Crane and Marta Kauffman, alongside Michael Skloff and Allee Willis. It was intended to capture the spirit of camaraderie among the characters on “Friends.” Initially, another band, R.E.M., was considered for the theme song, but The Rembrandts’ version became unforgettable, reaching the top ten in various countries. Read more about it here.
5. ‘You’re My Best Friend’ by Queen
“You’re My Best Friend” by the iconic rock band Queen celebrates the joy and loyalty of friendship. Written by John Deacon, the band’s bass player, the song was a tribute to his wife.
- Song name: You’re My Best Friend
- Album name: A Night at the Opera
- Release date: 1975
Why we included this song on the list
This song stands out because it captures the essence of true friendship with heartfelt lyrics and a catchy melody. Its upbeat rhythm and positive message make it a timeless anthem of camaraderie. The song has resonated with listeners for decades, making it a staple in friendship-themed playlists.
Interesting or fun facts about the song
John Deacon composed the song using a Wurlitzer electric piano, which gives it that distinctive sound. It became a hit single and was also featured on the album “Live Killers.” The song’s heartfelt theme was about Deacon’s admiration for his wife, which adds a personal touch to its universal message of friendship.
6. ‘Friends Will Be Friends’ by Queen
“Friends Will Be Friends” is a celebrated song by Queen from the 1986 album A Kind of Magic. This song highlights the power of friendship, emphasizing the importance of being there for one another.
- Song name: Friends Will Be Friends
- Album name: A Kind of Magic
- Release date: 1986
Why we included this song on the list
“Friends Will Be Friends” captures the essence of sticking together through tough times. The lyrics encourage loyalty and support, making it a timeless anthem of friendship. Its uplifting message and catchy melody have resonated with listeners, making it a classic choice for celebrating friendships. This song is perfect for showcasing the deep bonds between friends.
Interesting or fun facts about the song
This song was a collaboration between the legendary Freddie Mercury and bassist John Deacon. Its music video features the band performing in front of a large crowd, capturing the energetic atmosphere Queen was known for. “Friends Will Be Friends” was a staple during Queen’s live performances, often leading to audience sing-alongs due to its relatable theme and engaging tune.
7. ‘Count on Me’ by Whitney Houston
“Count on Me” is a song recorded by Whitney Houston and CeCe Winans. It was released in 1996 and featured on the soundtrack for the movie Waiting to Exhale. This song is known for its touching theme about friendship and support.
- Song name: Count on Me
- Album name: Waiting to Exhale Soundtrack
- Release date: 1996
Why we included this song on the list
“Count on Me” is a classic song that celebrates the strength and trust shared between friends. Its powerful message emphasizes relying on each other during tough times, making it an essential addition to any list about friendship songs from the 80s and 90s. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and soulful performance are timeless.
Interesting or fun facts about the song
The song was produced by Babyface and co-written by Whitney Houston with her brother Michael. “Count on Me” became a hit, climbing the music charts to become a beloved anthem of friendship. It showcases Whitney Houston’s stunning vocal range and ability to convey deep emotions in her performances. For more about the song, visit the Wikipedia page.
8. ‘Thank You for Being a Friend’ by Andrew Gold
- Song Name: Thank You for Being a Friend
- Album: All This and Heaven Too
- Release Date: 1978
Why we included this song on the list
“Thank You for Being a Friend” by Andrew Gold is a heartfelt tribute to friendship. The song praises the enduring qualities of good friends. With its warm and catchy melody, it captures the essence of gratitude. It became widely recognized for its sincere message about appreciating and valuing the people who are always there for us.
Interesting or fun facts about the song
Andrew Gold considered the song a simple creation, yet it became a significant hit. It reached number 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. A cover by Cynthia Fee was used as the theme song for the popular TV show The Golden Girls. This cover further cemented its place in popular culture as an anthem of friendship.
9. ‘Stand by Me’ by Ben E. King
- Song name: Stand by Me
- Album name: Don’t Play That Song!
- Release date: 1961
Why we included this song on the list
“Stand by Me” is a timeless classic that speaks to the power of friendship and support. Its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics convey a message of standing together during difficult times. The song’s enduring popularity makes it a perfect addition to any list celebrating songs about friendship.
Interesting or fun facts about the song
“Stand by Me” became a hit twice, first in 1961 and again in 1986, thanks in part to the movie of the same name. The song is inspired by an early 20th-century gospel hymn by Charles Albert Tindley, which is based on Psalm 46. Ben E. King co-wrote the song with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, creating a piece that would be ranked 122nd on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs.
10. ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ by Bette Midler
- Song Name: Wind Beneath My Wings
- Album: Beaches
- Release Date: 1988
Why we included this song on the list:
‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ is a powerful ballad about gratitude and appreciation, qualities central to genuine friendship. The song’s heartfelt lyrics express admiration and thankfulness, making it a perfect anthem for celebrating an unsung hero in one’s life. Its emotional depth and universal theme of recognizing those who support us resonate with listeners across generations.
Interesting or fun facts about the song:
The song was a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989. It was part of the soundtrack for the film Beaches, where Bette Midler performed it with great emotion. Interestingly, ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ wasn’t the original choice as a lead single from the soundtrack, but it became iconic once released.
Cultural Impact of 80s Friendship Songs
Friendship songs from the 80s have had a significant effect on pop culture, shaping how bonds and camaraderie are perceived. The lyrics and themes of these songs provided a soundtrack to many lives, illustrating the importance of connections with friends.
Influence on Pop Culture
The 1980s was a decade marked by vibrant musical innovation. Friendship-themed songs played a crucial role in defining the era’s cultural landscape. These songs often found their way into films and television, reinforcing their messages of loyalty and support. For example, the hit movie “Stand by Me” featured the iconic song of the same name, highlighting friendship as a central theme.
Groups like Queen and artists like Michael W. Smith contributed memorable tracks such as “You’re My Best Friend”. These works helped to celebrate friendships, bonding listeners together through shared experiences.
Lyrics and Themes
The lyrics in 80s friendship songs often centered around trust, loyalty, and timeless connections. Songs like Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me” emphasized the idea of being there for one another, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual support.
Meanwhile, tracks such as “Friends” by Michael W. Smith tackled the power of companionship with heartfelt sincerity. This kind of emotional connection resonated deeply, illustrating the universal need for reliable friendships.
These themes continue to inspire artists today, highlighting their enduring relevance in expressing timeless human experiences.
Artists Behind the Music
The 1980s were a vibrant era for music, producing unforgettable songs about friendship. These tracks were crafted by talented songwriters and performers, with some artists collaborating within bands or across genres to create timeless hits.
Notable Songwriters and Performers
Many 80s friendship songs owe their success to skilled songwriters and performers. For instance, Queen’s iconic track “You’re My Best Friend” features the legendary vocals of Freddie Mercury and was penned by their bassist, John Deacon.
Michael W. Smith delivered heartfelt lyrics in the song “Friends,” capturing the essence of enduring relationships. Meanwhile, Joe Cocker’s rendition of “With a Little Help from My Friends,” originally by The Beatles, stands out for his powerful interpretation and emotive style. These artists brought their unique talents to the forefront, contributing to the songs’ lasting appeal.
Collaborations and Band Dynamics
The era also saw notable collaborations and band dynamics that enriched the sound of friendship-themed tracks. Bands like Queen harnessed the collective creativity of their members, exemplified by their extensive teamwork on “You’re My Best Friend.” This song emerged from a shared vision, yet showcased individual contributions that highlighted each member’s strengths.
In addition, artists such as Elton John and Dionne Warwick joined forces for the collaborative hit “That’s What Friends Are For,” bringing together their distinct voices in a harmonious blend. These partnerships and collaborative efforts enhanced the music’s emotional depth and created a diverse range of styles reflective of the era’s spirit.
