20 Songs About Friendship Ending

As someone who has been through the painful experience of a friendship ending, I know firsthand how devastating it can be. One day you’re inseparable, the next it’s like you never even knew each other. The bond you thought would last forever is suddenly severed, leaving you confused, hurt and wondering what went wrong.

In the aftermath of a friendship ending, it can be hard to put your feelings into words. That’s where music comes in. Over the years, artists have captured the heartbreak, anger and sense of loss that comes with a friendship falling apart. From pop anthems to gut-wrenching ballads, these songs speak to the universal experience of friendship ending.

Here, I’ve compiled a list of 20 powerful songs that perfectly capture the different stages of a friendship ending. Whether you’re dealing with a recent loss or still healing from one years later, I hope these songs will help you feel understood and not so alone in your pain.

1. “Real Friends” by Camila Cabello

“Real Friends” is a song by Camila Cabello from her debut studio album Camila (2018). Released on December 7, 2017, the song explores themes of loneliness and the search for genuine companionship. Cabello wrote the song while feeling isolated and disillusioned by the superficiality she encountered in Los Angeles. The lyrics reflect her longing for authentic relationships, as she sings about being let down by people she thought were friends. The song features minimalist production with an acoustic guitar foundation and elements of reggae, Latin, and tropical music. Critics praised its acoustic sound and Cabello’s vocal performance, and it resonated with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of betrayal and loneliness in friendships.

2. “Bad Friend” by Rina Sawayama

“Bad Friend” is a synth-pop ballad by Rina Sawayama from her debut album Sawayama (2020). Released on April 15, 2020, the song deals with the heartbreak of losing a close friendship and realizing that one’s own actions contributed to the breakdown. Inspired by a personal experience where Sawayama discovered through social media that a former close friend had a baby, the song reflects on the guilt and self-blame associated with the end of a friendship. The lyrics mention nostalgic moments, such as singing along to Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” in the summer of 2012, juxtaposed with the present reality of separation. The song’s production includes vocal manipulation and a choral bridge, adding emotional depth to the narrative.

3. “Feelings Fade” by Gnash ft. RKCB

“Feelings Fade” by Gnash, featuring RKCB, is a song from his 2015 album me. The song captures the emotional turmoil of a deteriorating relationship, emphasizing the inevitability of change and the pain it brings. The lyrics express feelings of betrayal and disillusionment when someone you once trusted changes, leaving you grappling with the remnants of what once was. Gnash highlights the exhaustion with insincerity, describing “fake friends” and “fake love” as significant wastes of time and life. The song also reflects on nostalgic memories of happier times, contrasting them with the current state of separation and heartache. Despite the pain, there is a glimmer of hope in the repeated assurance that “it’s gonna be okay,” suggesting a belief in healing and a better tomorrow.

4. “I Lost a Friend” by FINNEAS

“I Lost a Friend” by FINNEAS is a deeply personal song about the end of a long-term friendship. Released in 2019, the song describes a falling out with a close friend, capturing the emotional complexity of losing someone who was once an integral part of one’s life. FINNEAS aimed to avoid portraying himself as the hero of the narrative, instead offering a balanced perspective on the situation. The lyrics reflect on the common experience of replaying arguments and mistakes in one’s mind, highlighting the difficulty of moving on from such a significant loss. The song’s production features a synthesizer that adds a static-y radio frequency sound, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative. The song has resonated with many listeners who have experienced similar friend break-ups, making it a relatable and poignant track.

5. “Small Talk” by Katy Perry

“Small Talk” by Katy Perry, released on August 9, 2019, is a synth-pop track that delves into the awkwardness and emotional distance that can follow the end of a close relationship. Co-written by Perry, Charlie Puth, Jacob Kasher, and Johan Carlsson, the song captures the discomfort of running into an ex and realizing how the depth of past intimacy has been reduced to superficial conversations. The lyrics poignantly reflect this transition: “Isn’t it weird that you’ve seen me naked? We had conversations about forever, now it’s about the weather, okay” . The song’s production is characterized by its upbeat yet reflective tone, highlighting the contrast between past closeness and present detachment.

6. “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi

“Someone You Loved” is a heartfelt ballad by Lewis Capaldi, released on November 8, 2018. The song, which became a global hit, explores the pain of losing a significant relationship and the ensuing loneliness. Capaldi wrote the song about both a romantic breakup and the death of his grandmother, making it a deeply personal reflection on loss and grief . The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and longing, as Capaldi sings, “Now the day bleeds into nightfall, and you’re not here to get me through it all.” The song’s simple piano accompaniment and Capaldi’s emotive vocals have resonated with many, earning it critical acclaim and commercial success.

7. “Real Friends” by Kanye West ft. Ty Dolla Sign

“Real Friends” by Kanye West, featuring Ty Dolla Sign, is a track from West’s 2016 album The Life of Pablo. The song addresses themes of trust, loyalty, and betrayal within friendships and family relationships. West’s lyrics reflect his personal experiences with friends and relatives who have let him down, such as the line about his cousin stealing his laptop: “I had a cousin that stole my laptop that I was fuckin’ bitches on, paid that nigga 250 thousand just to get it from him” . The song’s introspective tone and minimalist production underscore the emotional weight of West’s reflections on the complexities of maintaining genuine relationships in the face of fame and fortune.

8. “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt

“Don’t Speak” by No Doubt, released in 1996, is a poignant song about the end of a romantic relationship, which can also be interpreted as the end of a deep friendship. Written by Gwen Stefani and her brother Eric Stefani, the song was inspired by Gwen’s breakup with bandmate Tony Kanal. The lyrics express the pain and sadness of realizing that a once-close relationship is over: “You and me, we used to be together, every day together, always. I really feel that I’m losing my best friend” . The song’s melancholic melody and Stefani’s emotive delivery have made it an enduring anthem for those experiencing the end of significant relationships.

9. “Judas” by Kelly Clarkson

“Judas” by Kelly Clarkson, from her 2007 album My December, is a powerful song about betrayal. The title references Judas Iscariot, the biblical figure who betrayed Jesus, symbolizing deep treachery. Clarkson uses this metaphor to express the pain and shock of being betrayed by someone close. The lyrics convey a sense of profound hurt and disillusionment, as she sings about the emotional impact of realizing a trusted friend has turned against her. The raw, rock-infused production complements the intense emotions conveyed in the song, making it a cathartic anthem for anyone who has experienced betrayal in a friendship.

10. “Dead to Me” by Kali Uchis

“Dead to Me” by Kali Uchis, from her 2018 debut album Isolation, is a bold declaration of cutting ties with someone who has proven to be toxic. The song’s lyrics are direct and unapologetic, as Uchis sings about no longer wanting any connection with a person who has caused her pain. The chorus, “You’re dead to me,” underscores the finality of her decision to move on. The upbeat, catchy production contrasts with the serious message, reflecting Uchis’s signature style of blending sweet and salty elements. This track resonates with listeners who have had to make the tough decision to end a harmful friendship.

11. “Old Friends” by Jasmine Thompson

“Old Friends” by Jasmine Thompson, from her 2017 EP Wonderland, is a nostalgic reflection on the loss of close friendships. The song captures the bittersweet feelings of missing old friends who truly understood and supported her. Thompson’s heartfelt lyrics express the longing for the familiarity and comfort of past relationships, contrasted with the realization that new friends, while good, don’t quite fill the same space. The gentle, acoustic production enhances the song’s introspective mood, making it a touching tribute to the irreplaceable nature of old friendships.

12. “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar

“Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift, featuring Kendrick Lamar, is a high-energy pop track from her 2014 album 1989. The song addresses the fallout from a significant betrayal by a close friend, with Swift’s lyrics detailing the anger and hurt that come with such a break. The collaboration with Kendrick Lamar adds a dynamic layer, with his verses providing additional context and intensity to the narrative. The song’s production, featuring hip-hop beats and anthemic hooks, underscores the defiant tone of moving on from a toxic relationship. “Bad Blood” became a commercial success and a cultural moment, with its star-studded music video further highlighting themes of betrayal and empowerment.

13. “Why We Ever” by Hayley Williams

“Why We Ever” by Hayley Williams is a deeply personal track from her solo project Petals for Armor, released in 2020. The song was born out of a period of intense sadness and self-reflection for Williams. Written during a low point in her life, the lyrics delve into the complexities of relationships and the pain of recognizing unhealthy patterns. Williams uses the song to express her journey towards self-awareness and growth, acknowledging her own role in the dissolution of friendships and romantic relationships. The track features a melancholic yet retro bass groove, adding a layer of emotional depth to the reflective lyrics.

14. “Backstabber” by Kesha

“Backstabber” by Kesha, from her debut album Animal (2010), is a high-energy pop song that addresses the pain and anger of being betrayed by a close friend. Kesha’s lyrics are blunt and confrontational, capturing the raw emotions of discovering that someone she trusted was secretly undermining her. The song’s catchy, upbeat production contrasts with the serious subject matter, creating a powerful anthem for anyone who has experienced the sting of betrayal. Kesha described the song as being about a “dumb b–ch” who pretended to be her friend while trying to bring her down.

15. “Fake Friends” by Bebe Rexha ft. G-Eazy

“Fake Friends” (often stylized as “F.F.F.”) by Bebe Rexha featuring G-Eazy is a bold declaration against insincere and superficial relationships. Released as part of Rexha’s 2017 EP All Your Fault: Pt. 1, the song’s lyrics are a defiant rejection of fake friends who only bring negativity. Rexha and G-Eazy emphasize the importance of surrounding oneself with genuine people, with a chorus that bluntly states, “Fuck fake friends, we don’t need ’em. Only thing they’re good for is leaving.” The song’s energetic production and catchy hook make it a powerful anthem for anyone who has had to cut ties with toxic individuals.

16. “It’s Time To Go” by Taylor Swift

“It’s Time To Go” by Taylor Swift is a reflective song from the deluxe edition of her 2020 album evermore. The track explores the difficult but necessary decision to walk away from relationships and situations that no longer serve one’s well-being. Swift’s lyrics touch on various forms of betrayal and disappointment, including professional and personal relationships. The song’s poignant message is encapsulated in lines like, “Sometimes giving up is the strong thing, sometimes to run is the brave thing,” highlighting the strength required to leave behind what is familiar but harmful. The song is widely interpreted to reference Swift’s own experiences with industry betrayals, adding a layer of personal authenticity to its universal themes.

17. “People You Know” by Selena Gomez

“People You Know” by Selena Gomez, from her 2020 album Rare, is a poignant reflection on the transformation of close relationships into distant memories. The song’s lyrics convey the pain of seeing someone who was once an integral part of your life become a stranger. Gomez sings, “We used to be close, but people can go from people you know to people you don’t,” highlighting the emotional distance that can grow between friends over time. The track’s production features a melancholic yet catchy melody, underscoring the bittersweet nature of the lyrics. The song resonates with anyone who has experienced the drifting apart of a once-close friendship.

18. “Fake Friends” by Sigrid

“Fake Friends” by Sigrid, from her debut EP Don’t Kill My Vibe (2017), tackles the theme of insincerity in relationships. The song’s lyrics express frustration and disappointment with friends who pretend to care but ultimately let you down. Sigrid’s powerful vocals and the song’s upbeat, pop production create a contrast that emphasizes the emotional weight of the message. The chorus, “Fake friends, they just pretend, they don’t care at all,” captures the essence of feeling betrayed by those who were supposed to be supportive. This track is a relatable anthem for anyone who has had to deal with disingenuous friendships.

19. “Breathe” by Taylor Swift

“Breathe” by Taylor Swift, featuring Colbie Caillat, is a track from her 2008 album Fearless. The song is about the heartbreak of ending a close relationship, whether it be a friendship or a romance. Swift’s lyrics convey a sense of sorrow and acceptance, as she sings, “And we know it’s never simple, never easy, never a clean break, no one here to save me.” The collaboration with Caillat adds a layer of emotional depth, with their harmonizing vocals enhancing the song’s melancholic tone. “Breathe” captures the difficulty of moving on from someone who was once a significant part of your life, making it a fitting addition to a playlist about friendship endings.

20. “We Used to Be Friends” by The Dandy Warhols

“We Used to Be Friends” by The Dandy Warhols, released in 2003 as the lead single from their album Welcome to the Monkey House, is an upbeat yet reflective song about the end of a close friendship. The lyrics, “A long time ago, we used to be friends, but I haven’t thought of you lately at all,” highlight the emotional distance that can develop over time. The song’s catchy, power-pop production and memorable chorus have made it a popular anthem for those reflecting on past friendships. It gained additional recognition as the theme song for the TV series Veronica Mars, further cementing its place in pop culture as a song about the fading of once-strong bonds.

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