10 Essential Rock Songs About Friends

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Last night, I went to a bar called Millers on Long Island to hang out with friends and watch the Packers play the Eagles. These were friends that I had known since high school. In the 1970s, we went to concerts, cut out of class, and hung out everywhere together. That was almost 50 years ago, and here we were, still hanging out after raising families and going through many careers, and… it seemed nothing had changed. We still had the same camaraderie in our 60s that we had in our teens. That’s friendship. Never take it for granted. It gets you through the hard stuff and helps you celebrate the good stuff. It inspired me to write this article this morning. Of course, many great ones are missing, but some excellent ones are included as well. That is all that matters…..

# 10 – Waiting On A Friend – The Rolling Stones

“Waiting on a Friend” by The Rolling Stones, the opening track on our list of “10 Essential Rock Songs About Friends,” encapsulates friendship’s deep, enduring nature through its reflective lyrics and mellow groove. This song, the final track on their 1981 album Tattoo You, was recorded in sessions spanning from 1972 to 1981, illustrating a period of evolution for the band both musically and personally. Produced by The Glimmer Twins (Mick Jagger and Keith Richards) along with Chris Kimsey, the song features a relaxed, reggae-influenced rhythm and poignant saxophone solos by jazz musician Sonny Rollins, setting it apart from the Stones’ typically robust rock tracks.

# 9 – Thank You Friends – Big Star

“Thank You Friends” by Big Star, from their third album, Third/Sister Lovers, is often noted for its complex emotional layer that masks the surface of its seemingly straightforward lyrics. Recorded in the mid-1970s and released in 1978, the song was produced in an era filled with personal and professional turmoil for the band, particularly for the lead vocalist and writer, Alex Chilton. The song’s lyrics might initially seem like genuine appreciation for friends and supporters: “Thank you, friends / Wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.” However, many listeners and critics have interpreted the song as heavy with sarcasm, reflecting Chilton’s disillusionment with the music industry and perhaps even his own band’s lack of commercial success.

This sarcastic interpretation is supported by Chilton’s vocal delivery, which comes across as weary and sardonic rather than purely grateful. This nuanced understanding of “Thank You Friends” highlights its place in the rock canon not just as a song about friendship but as a commentary on the music industry’s impact on personal relationships and artistic integrity. This interpretation invites listeners to consider the complexities behind the lyrics and the reality faced by artists in the commercial music sphere.

# 8 – Friends – The Police

Okay, come on now, have a sense of humor. “Friends” by The Police, from their album Flexible Strategies, stands out for its darkly humorous, macabre lyrics, which starkly contrast with the more straightforward rock and reggae influences that permeate the rest of the album. The song explores themes of cannibalism and existentialism through a lens that is at once disturbing and satirically sharp. Unlike many of their other songs, “Friends” delves into a grotesque narrative, showcasing the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different lyrical themes and moods.

Read More: 10 Most Underrated Police Songs

# 7 -Fake Friends -Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

“Fake Friends” by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, a track from their 1983 album Album, serves as a potent critique of superficial relationships, particularly in the context of fame and the music industry. The song underscores the challenges of discerning genuine friendships from deceitful ones, mainly when success attracts fair-weather companions. With its driving guitar riffs and Joan Jett’s unmistakable, gritty vocals, the track is a quintessential anthem of defiance and self-awareness.

Read More: Our 10 Favorite Joan Jett Songs

# 6 – Best Friend – Harry Nilsson

“Best Friend” by Harry Nilsson is more than just a standalone song; it’s celebrated for its role as the theme song of the beloved American sitcom The Courtship of Eddie’s Father. Initially adapted from Nilsson’s earlier track “Girlfriend,” the song was reconfigured with new lyrics to fit the show’s narrative, which aired from 1969 to 1972. The series, focusing on the life of a widower, Tom Corbett, played by Bill Bixby, and his son Eddie, as portrayed by Brandon Cruz, explores themes of family, love, and the bonds between father and son as Eddie attempts to find a new partner for his father.

# 5 – I’ll Be Your Mirror – The Velvet Underground

“I’ll Be Your Mirror” by The Velvet Underground, featuring the ethereal vocals of Nico, is a seminal track from their 1967 debut album, The Velvet Underground & Nico. Recorded in 1966 at Scepter Studios in New York City and produced by Andy Warhol and Tom Wilson, this song stands out for its poignant lyrics and minimalist instrumentation, which marked a significant departure from the psychedelic rock that dominated the era. The song’s introspective lyrics and gentle, melodic backing create a stark contrast to the band’s more experimental and abrasive tracks, showcasing their versatility and depth.

# 4 – Friends – Led Zeppelin

“Friends,” a track from Led Zeppelin’s third album, Led Zeppelin III, released in 1970, explores the nuances of friendship through a blend of folk influences and rock dynamics. This song marks a distinct shift from the heavy, blues-driven sound that characterized much of Led Zeppelin’s earlier work, showcasing the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles. Recorded at various locations including Olympic Studios in London and Headley Grange in Hampshire, the song was produced by guitarist Jimmy Page, who also contributed to its distinctive acoustic and string arrangements.

# 3 – You’re My Best Friend – Queen

“You’re My Best Friend,” a track from Queen’s 1975 album A Night at the Opera, stands as one of the most heartwarming and widely celebrated odes to friendship in rock music. Composed by the band’s bassist, John Deacon, who also played the electric piano on the track, the song was a marked departure from Queen’s usual complex, operatic soundscapes, featuring instead a more straightforward, upbeat pop melody. Recorded at various studios including Sarm East Studios in London and produced by Queen alongside Roy Thomas Baker, the song encapsulates the joy and unconditional support found in true friendship.

# 2 – Friends – Elton John

Elton John & Friends - Limited Marble White & Violet Colored Vinyl

Elton John’s 1971 track “Friends,” from the soundtrack of the film bearing the same name, explores the profound impact of friendship through its thoughtful lyrics and Elton’s signature melodic piano. Recorded at Trident Studios in London and produced by Gus Dudgeon, the song stands out as a reflective piece on the importance of companionship in navigating life’s journey. Bernie Taupin’s evocative lyrics, paired with John’s emotive piano arrangements, provide a heartfelt exploration of friendship’s comforting presence in life’s many travels.

# 1 – With A Little Help From My Friends – The Beatles

Sgt. Pepper s Lonely Hearts Club Band [LP] [2017 Stereo Mix]

“With a Little Help from My Friends,” the second track from The Beatles’ iconic 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is a masterful celebration of friendship and mutual support, encapsulating the themes of camaraderie and connection. Recorded in March 1967 at Abbey Road Studios in London and produced by George Martin, this song showcases a significant evolution in the band’s musical style and lyrical depth. It features Ringo Starr on lead vocals, adopting the persona of “Billy Shears,” adding a communal and inclusive element to the album’s narrative structure.

Read More: Top 10 Beatles Albums