20 Songs About Fake Friends

We’ve all been there. That gut-wrenching moment when you realize someone you trusted, someone you called a friend, wasn’t who they pretended to be. I know I have. Fake friends are like shadows – always there when things are bright, but nowhere to be found when darkness falls. 

As someone who’s experienced the sting of betrayal and the hollow feeling of fake friendships, I’ve often turned to music for solace and understanding. It’s amazing how artists can capture the complex emotions of dealing with fake friends in their lyrics and melodies. 

That’s why I’ve compiled this list of 20 songs that speak to the heart of anyone who’s ever felt the pain of a friendship that wasn’t real.

1. “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World

“The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World is a song from their fourth album, Bleed American (2001). Released in October 2001, it became a breakthrough hit for the band, reaching number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 and charting in several other countries. The song was written during a challenging period for the band after being dropped by Capitol Records. The lyrics convey a message of perseverance and self-acceptance, encouraging listeners not to “write yourself off yet” even when feeling left out or looked down upon. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody contrast with its deeper message of overcoming adversity and staying true to oneself despite external pressures.

2. “Real Friends” by Camila Cabello

“Real Friends” is a track from Camila Cabello’s debut studio album, Camila (2018). Released as a promotional single on December 7, 2017, the song features minimalist production with an acoustic guitar foundation and elements of reggae, Latin, and tropical music. The lyrics reflect Cabello’s feelings of loneliness and disillusionment while living in Los Angeles, where she struggled to find genuine friendships amidst a work-focused environment. The chorus poignantly captures her sentiment: “I’m just lookin’ for some real friends / All they ever do is let me down.” Critics praised the song for its acoustic sound and Cabello’s introspective lyrics, which resonate with anyone who has felt let down by those around them.

3. “Fake Friends” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

“Fake Friends” is a song by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts from their 1983 album. The song addresses the theme of insincere friendships, with lyrics that highlight the disappointment and betrayal felt when friends are only around during good times but disappear during tough moments. The chorus, “You don’t lose when you lose fake friends,” underscores the idea that shedding these false relationships is ultimately beneficial. The song’s rock sound, combined with Jett’s raw and powerful vocals, delivers a strong message about the importance of recognizing and moving on from toxic friendships.

4. “Best Thing I Never Had” by Beyoncé

“Best Thing I Never Had” is a song from Beyoncé’s fourth studio album, 4 (2011). Released on June 1, 2011, the song is a pop and R&B ballad that deals with themes of revenge and karma. The lyrics express the protagonist’s relief at having left a lover who failed to appreciate her worth, celebrating the fact that she avoided a potentially regretful relationship. The song’s empowering message is encapsulated in lines like “What goes around comes back around” and “I bet it sucks to be you right now.” The accompanying music video, directed by Diane Martel, features Beyoncé preparing for her wedding while reflecting on her ex-lover, further emphasizing the song’s theme of moving on from a failed relationship.

5. “Follow Your Arrow” by Kacey Musgraves

“Follow Your Arrow” by Kacey Musgraves is a country song from her debut album, Same Trailer Different Park (2013). Co-written by Musgraves, Brandy Clark, and Shane McAnally, the song encourages listeners to live authentically and make their own choices, despite societal judgments. The lyrics suggest that no matter what decisions you make, someone will always criticize you, so it’s best to stay true to yourself. While not explicitly about fake friends, the song’s message of self-acceptance and ignoring external negativity can resonate with those who have experienced insincere relationships. The song has been praised for its progressive themes and was named Song of the Year at the 2014 CMA Awards.

6. “Thank You” by Simple Plan

“Thank You” by Simple Plan, from their album Still Not Getting Any… (2004), deals with the aftermath of a friendship that has gone sour. Written by lead singer Pierre Bouvier and drummer Chuck Comeau, the song captures the feelings of betrayal and disillusionment when a close friend turns out to be untrustworthy. The lyrics express anger and sarcasm towards the former friend, highlighting the emotional impact of being let down by someone once considered a confidant. The energetic pop-punk sound underscores the song’s themes of frustration and resentment.

7. “Smiling Faces Sometimes” by The Undisputed Truth

“Smiling Faces Sometimes” by The Undisputed Truth is a psychedelic soul song released in 1971. Written by the renowned Motown songwriting team Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, the song addresses the duplicity of people who present a friendly facade while hiding their true, malicious intentions. The lyrics warn listeners to be wary of “smiling faces” that can be deceptive, emphasizing that not everyone who appears friendly can be trusted. The song’s dark, sophisticated arrangement complements its cautionary message, making it a timeless anthem about the dangers of fake friends.

8. “Lunchbox Friends” by Melanie Martinez

“Lunchbox Friends” by Melanie Martinez is featured on her sophomore album, K-12 (2019). The song critiques superficial friendships that are based on convenience rather than genuine connection. Martinez sings about her aversion to these “lunchbox friends” who only want to associate with her during school hours and gossip behind her back. The lyrics emphasize her desire for deeper, more meaningful relationships that extend beyond the shallow interactions typical of high school cliques. The song’s quirky pop sound and candid lyrics highlight the artist’s unique approach to addressing the theme of fake friendships.

9. “All My Friends Are Fake” by Tate McRae

“All My Friends Are Fake” by Tate McRae is a poignant track that delves into the feelings of isolation and disillusionment when surrounded by insincere friends. Released in 2019, the song features minimalist production, allowing McRae’s emotive vocals to take center stage. The lyrics express her frustration with friends who only seem to be around for superficial reasons, rather than genuine connection. Lines like “All my friends are fake, fake, fake, fake” underscore the artist’s realization that many of her relationships lack authenticity. The song resonates with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of betrayal and loneliness, making it a fitting addition to any playlist about fake friends.

10. “Complicated” by Avril Lavigne

“Complicated” by Avril Lavigne, released in 2002, became an anthem of teenage angst and the quest for authenticity. The song addresses the frustration of dealing with people who change their behavior to fit in with different crowds, losing their true selves in the process. Lavigne’s straightforward lyrics and skater-punk persona resonated with young audiences, capturing the essence of early 2000s pop-punk. The chorus questions why someone would make life more difficult by being insincere, emphasizing the ease and relief that come with being genuine. The song’s cultural impact was significant, as it highlighted the importance of staying true to oneself in a world often obsessed with image and conformity.

11. “Don’t” by Ed Sheeran

“Don’t” by Ed Sheeran, from his 2014 album × (Multiply), is a candid and raw exploration of betrayal in a romantic relationship. The song, believed to be about a real-life experience with another singer, details Sheeran’s frustration and anger upon discovering his partner’s infidelity. The lyrics recount the progression of the relationship and the eventual betrayal, with Sheeran expressing his hurt and disappointment through lines like “Don’t fuck with my love, that heart is so cold.” The song’s R&B influence and Sheeran’s emotive delivery make it a powerful narrative about the pain of being deceived by someone close.

12. “F.F.F.” by Bebe Rexha Ft. G-Eazy

“F.F.F.” (Fuck Fake Friends) by Bebe Rexha featuring G-Eazy is a bold and unapologetic anthem about cutting ties with insincere friends. Released in 2017 as part of Rexha’s EP All Your Fault: Pt. 1, the song captures the frustration of dealing with friendships that are transient and superficial. The lyrics express a deep dissatisfaction with the lack of genuine connections, particularly in the context of the Los Angeles social scene. The chorus, “Fuck fake friends, we don’t need ’em,” is a clear declaration of independence from toxic relationships. The collaboration with G-Eazy adds a dynamic element to the track, emphasizing the shared sentiment of valuing realness over pretense.

13. “Case of the Fake People” by TLC

“Case of the Fake People” by TLC is a track from their critically acclaimed 1994 album CrazySexyCool. The song addresses the theme of betrayal and insincerity among friends. The lyrics, delivered by T-Boz and Chilli, discuss the pain of realizing that people they thought were friends were actually envious and deceitful. The chorus, “Goodbye, goodbye to all the fake people in my life,” captures the sentiment of cutting ties with those who are not genuine. The song serves as a cautionary tale about being mindful of who you let into your inner circle, emphasizing that fake friends are only around when it benefits them and disappear during tough times.

14. “Everybody’s Fool” by Evanescence

“Everybody’s Fool” by Evanescence is from their debut studio album, Fallen (2003). The song critiques the facade that people often put up to appear perfect or successful, highlighting the emptiness and deceit behind such behavior. Amy Lee’s powerful vocals and the band’s intense instrumentation underscore the message of disillusionment with those who are not authentic. The lyrics, “Perfect by nature, icons of self-indulgence, just what we all need,” reflect the frustration with people who pretend to be something they are not, ultimately deceiving those around them. The song resonates with listeners who have felt betrayed by the false personas of those they once admired.

15. “People You Know” by Selena Gomez

“People You Know” by Selena Gomez is a track from her 2020 album Rare. The song explores the heartbreak of seeing someone close transform into a stranger. The lyrics, “Once they were people you know, now they’re just people you don’t,” poignantly capture the shift from familiarity to alienation. Gomez’s emotive delivery conveys the pain of realizing that someone you trusted has changed, becoming unrecognizable and distant. The song’s production, featuring a blend of pop and electronic elements, complements its introspective and melancholic tone, making it a relatable anthem for anyone who has experienced the loss of a close relationship due to betrayal or change.

16. “Backstabber” by Kesha

“Backstabber” by Kesha is from her debut album, Animal (2010). The song is a high-energy pop track that deals with the theme of betrayal by a close friend. Kesha’s lyrics are direct and confrontational, addressing a friend who has been spreading rumors and lies behind her back. The chorus, “Backstabber, backstabber,” is a blunt expression of her anger and disappointment. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody contrast with its serious subject matter, creating a juxtaposition that highlights the absurdity and frustration of dealing with fake friends. Kesha’s playful yet biting delivery makes this track a standout anthem for anyone who has dealt with deceitful friends.

17. “Careful” by Paramore

“Careful” by Paramore is a track from their third studio album, Brand New Eyes (2009). The song is characterized by its energetic rock sound and introspective lyrics. “Careful” addresses the theme of self-preservation in the face of betrayal and deceit. The lyrics, “You can’t be too careful anymore, when all that is waiting for you won’t come any closer,” reflect the band’s experiences with trust issues and the realization that not everyone has your best interests at heart. The song conveys a sense of caution and resilience, urging listeners to be vigilant about who they let into their lives. Hayley Williams’ powerful vocals and the band’s dynamic instrumentation create an anthemic feel, making it a standout track about navigating fake friendships.

18. “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele

“Rolling in the Deep” by Adele, from her second studio album 21 (2011), is a soulful anthem of heartbreak and betrayal. While the song primarily deals with the end of a romantic relationship, its themes of deceit and emotional pain resonate with the experience of fake friendships. The lyrics, “We could have had it all, rolling in the deep,” express the profound disappointment and anger felt when someone you trusted lets you down. Adele’s powerhouse vocals and the song’s dramatic arrangement emphasize the intensity of these emotions. The song’s universal appeal and raw honesty have made it a timeless classic, capturing the essence of betrayal in any form.

19. “FAB” by JoJo Ft. Remy Ma

“FAB” (Fake Ass Bitches) by JoJo featuring Remy Ma is a track from JoJo’s third studio album, Mad Love (2016). The song is a direct and unapologetic call-out of insincere and superficial people. With its mid-tempo pop and R&B influences, “FAB” combines catchy melodies with sharp lyrics that criticize those who pretend to be friends but act deceitfully. JoJo’s lyrics, “When they smile in your face, but behind you it ain’t well wishes,” highlight the duplicity of fake friends. Remy Ma’s verse adds an extra layer of intensity, reinforcing the song’s message of rejecting inauthentic relationships. The song received positive reviews for its bold content and relatable theme, making it a fitting anthem for anyone dealing with fake friends.

20. “Backstabber” by Eminem

“Backstabber” by Eminem is an unreleased track that has circulated among fans and is known for its raw and explicit content. The song delves into themes of betrayal and deceit, with Eminem’s characteristic aggressive delivery and sharp lyricism. In “Backstabber,” Eminem addresses the pain and anger of being betrayed by someone close, using vivid imagery and intense emotions to convey his message. The track’s production features a hard-hitting beat that complements the confrontational tone of the lyrics. Although not officially released, “Backstabber” showcases Eminem’s ability to articulate the complexities of trust and betrayal, making it a relevant addition to a playlist about fake friends.

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