Top 115 Best Songs About Fake Friends

Friends are not always what they seem. It takes a long time to build up good and trusting friendships. The fact is that until you get to the point of strong and mutual trust, you have to be on the lookout for false friends. 

My playlist of the best songs about fake friends draws attention to some of the dangers of being too trusting. The songs also highlight what to be wary of so as not to be taken advantage of. Hopefully, this will never happen to you, but it’s always worth being a little guarded.

Let’s get to it with my first song about fake friends.

Top 115 Best Songs About Fake Friends

1

Jolene by Dolly Parton

“Jolene” was written by the legendary Country artist Dolly Parton and was released in 1973. It charted at #1 on the Country chart in the US. It was part of the album, also titled Jolene. The album, incidentally, included the smash hit “I Will Always Love You.”

Whitney Houston made a cover of “I Will Always Love You” in 1992. It was part of the original soundtrack for the movie “Bodyguard.” White Houston’s interpretation of this classic sold 20 million copies and became the best-selling single for a female artist. 

Now, back to “Jolene”…

The song is pure Country. It has a beautiful build-up, starting with a restrained drum beat and a single acoustic guitar. 

As the song and story unfold, the intensity builds, and with it, harmonies and strings are also cleverly introduced. It’s a wonderfully constructed song that deals with fake friends perfectly.

So, what’s it all about?

It’s essentially about the fear of the singer’s husband leaving her and going off with another woman. The other female in the song is a friend who works in her small-town local bank. Unfortunately, the teller is being over-friendly to her husband. She is openly flirtatious and is crossing the boundaries of what is acceptable. 

The emotions of the wife border on desperation as she pleads with the bank teller to leave her and her husband alone. It was written as an autobiographical experience which makes the feelings in the song all the more poignant.

In real life…

Thankfully, Dolly Parton had nothing to worry about. The flirtations stopped, and she is still married to her husband, Carl Thomas, after close to 60 years.

“Jolene” is a much-loved and much-covered Country classic. Although the original version will always be the best in my mind, the covers from Olivia Newton-John, Miley Cyrus, The White Stripes, and even The Sisters of Mercy are excellent. Of the three, I am continually blown away by Miley Cyrus’s “Jolene” cover.

A wonderful song about unreliable friends, regardless of who sings it. And it remains a testament to Dolly Parton’s incredible songwriting.

2

I Forgot That You Ever Existed by Taylor Swift

Tell us what you think, Taylor. She’s certainly not mincing her words in this one. Talk about bleeding your life into your music and giving it to people with both barrels. This song hits right between the eyes, for sure.

It’s likely a jab at either Calvin Harris or Kayne West, or Ye as he now prefers to be known. If it was Ye, then it all goes back to his tasteless and crass interruption of her acceptance speech at the 2009 VMA Awards. Frankly, the guy was an idiot and ruined her moment for his own narcissistic needs.

Following the incident… 

There has been a make-up, but then another apparent fallout. The latter was possibly fake and all part of a publicity stunt so that Taylor can play the victim.

Frankly, I couldn’t care less, it’s all rather boring and pointless nonsense. Although if true, it makes Taylor Swift the biggest phony and sociopath on the planet rather than one of the nicest people in the history of the world. Again, I honestly don’t care either way.

The song, on the other hand, is good enough to comment on…

Whatever the motivation, it’s a song about shrugging off the hate and vitriol from people who were once close to you. It’s about one day realizing that it doesn’t matter. 

A newer but less catchy version of “Shake It Off,” if you like. “I Forgot That You Ever Existed” was the first track on her 2019 album, Lover.

3

No Son of Mine by Foo Fighters

This is one of the best songs about fake friends from a Rock band. “No Son of Mine” was released in 2021 as the second single from Foo Fighters’ tenth album, Medicine at Midnight.

The single didn’t chart especially well, hanging around the Top 50 both in the US and the UK. The album didn’t do much better, making it to #3 on the US Billboard charts and #1 on the UK main charts.

I like the heavier feel of the song… 

But, it seems that fans felt it was too much of a deviation from the norm. Frankly, “No Son of Mine” is the hardest Rock song I’ve heard from the Foo Fighters. Not surprising when you know that David Grohl publicly stated that it’s a nod to “Ace of Spades” from the British Metal band, Motorhead. 

Sadly, the song was one of the last to feature drummer Taylor Hawkins. He passed away early in 2024, shortly after the song and album were released. He died of an overdose with heavy amounts of opiates and tranquilizers in his body.

So, what’s this track all about?

In a nutshell, it’s a song about two-faced friends, politicians, and leaders. It’s about the hypocrisy people openly display with no shame and no fear of accountability. 

The song is also about the fight from the father to prevent his son from being exposed to all the madness in the future. A noble but most likely futile fight.

4

Complicated by Avril Lavine

Avril Lavigne is a Canadian Pop/Punk and Post-Grunge princess. She broke into the music world as the goofy, regular girl that was happy to ride a bike or skateboard with the guys, rather than spend time with the girls. She was a breath of fresh air, and the public took to her immediately.

“Complicated” was released in 2002, and it is fair to say that it was the most important of her career. That’s because it was her debut single and also the lead song from her debut album, Let Go.

I’d wager that even in Avril Lavine’s wildest dreams, she could never have dreamed of the success “Complicated” would bring. It went to #2 on the US Billboard charts and sold over a million copies. 

It was also nominated for two Grammy awards…

The album again made it to #2 on the US Billboard charts and #1 in the UK. More impressively, it sold a staggering 16 million copies worldwide. An incredible performance for a debut album.

The Success of “Complicated” and Let Go not only marked the arrival of Avril but additionally paved the way for more female Pop/Punk and Grunge artists to enter the scene.

So, what’s the song about?

It’s about people acting differently depending on who they are with. Specifically, the song comments that when her boyfriend is alone with her, he’s great to be with. However, once his friends are around, he acts all fake and tries to be cool. 

This gets to the point that she becomes uncomfortable being with him. Frankly, it sounds like he needs to grow up.

5

So Called Friend by Porcupine Tree

Porcupine Tree is headed up by Steven Wilson. The band was formed in 1987 and has intermittently been together since then and up to the present day. The driving force for the band is Steven Wilson. He’s a brilliant musician and songwriter, and undoubtedly one of the most underrated artists of modern times.

One of the highlights of his career with Porcupine Tree includes the album, Deadwing, which was released in 2005, and is currently their best-selling album. Another highlight is Closure/Continuation, which was released in 2024 and is the band’s most recent album. 

Additionally, as a solo artist, standouts include “The Raven That Refused to Sing (And Other Stories),” released in 2013. Plus, his highest-charting album, To the Bone released in 2017.

“So Called Friend” was from their 2006 live album, Rockpalast… 

The single is only available on the album, which took much of its material from the studio albums In Absentia and Deadwing. “So Called Friend” was and still is only available as a digital download from the band’s website. However, you can, for whatever reason, download the single elsewhere. 

This is a song about the worst kind of friend and the worst kind of girlfriend you can imagine. The guy in the song splits up with his girlfriend, and subsequently, his so-called friend makes a move on his ex, and they start to go out with each other. Despicable.

These two people deserve each other, and the protagonist in the story is well to shut off both of them. The girl is a low-life piece of trash, and the fake friend is a snake. Better to find out their true character now than down the line. I sincerely hope this wasn’t autobiographical, Steven!

6

Liability by Lorde

Lorde is a New Zealand singer-songwriter. She was born in 1996 and shot to worldwide prominence at just 16 years old with her debut single, “Royals.” It went to #1 in New Zealand, the US, and the UK, as well as several other countries.

Her debut album, Pure Heroine, released in 2013, experienced similar levels of success. It also made it to #1 in several countries and sold six million copies globally. At only 16 years old, she had the world at her feet.

Four years later, and no longer a teenager, she released her second studio album, Melodrama. This contained the single “Liability,” which was released in the same year. She co-wrote the song with Jack Antonoff and first performed it on Saturday Night Live shortly after its release. 

What’s most impressive is the simplicity of the song… 

It’s Lorde singing with just a piano for accompaniment which is appropriately played by Jack Antonoff. It’s a great live performance, but if you listen to the studio recording, there honestly is not much difference. The vocals are a little sharper, but that’s all. 

“Liability” is a simply performed and arranged song with a very powerful message. Not surprisingly, after a few years in the business, Lorde became exposed to a lot of new so-called friends. Navigating through her new life and trying to form relationships with new people proved difficult. 

“Liability” shows her vulnerabilities and fears, which mostly involve people becoming bored of her, and discarding her on a personal and professional level. It’s a raw and emotional song about false friends.

7

Back Stabbers by The O’Jays

The O’Jays were formed in Philadelphia in 1958. Unbelievably, they are still together. Plus, two of the three members, Eddie Evert and Walter Williams, are founding members. The third member, Eric Grant, joined the band later in their journey.

The O’Jays are a Soul band that specializes in more progressive and upbeat music. They have a Motown feel to them, although they have never had an affiliation with the Motown label and its spin-offs.

“Back Stabbers” is a great way to finish off the list and is one of the best songs about fake friends I can think of. It was released in 1972 from the album of the same name. The single became their first to sell over a million copies. It went to #1 on the US R&B chart and #3 on the US Billboard chart. 

Given its title…

The song is about exactly what you’d expect. The theme is essentially about people hiding their true intentions and motives. 

It’s about people saying one thing with a smile on their faces, and then doing another and throwing you under the bus in the process. It’s a great song that, together with “Love Train,” has become one of their most popular songs. 

8

Smile by Lily Allen

9

Out of My Head by Fastball

10

Don’t Talk to Strangers by Rick Springfield

11

Copycat by Billie Eilish

12

A Song for the Dead by Queens of the Stone Age

13

Fly Away by Lenny Kravitz

14

Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drums by A Perfect Circle

15

How Do You Sleep? by Sam Smith

16

The Bad Touch by Bloodhound Gang

17

Shallow by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper

18

The Lonely by Christina Perri

19

Lying Is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off by Panic! at the Disco

20

Goodbye to You by Scandal

21

Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead

22

Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong by Spin Doctors

23

The Liar and the Lighter by You Me at Six

24

You’re a Lie by Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators

25

All the Small Things by blink-182

26

Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison

27

No New Friends by DJ Khaled ft. Drake, Rick Ross & Lil Wayne

28

Bad Blood by Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar

29

I Hope You’re Happy Now by Carly Pearce & Lee Brice

30

Say My Name by Destiny’s Child

31

Two-Faced by Eminem

32

The Best of Friends by Pearl Jam

33

Treat You Better by Shawn Mendes

34

Plastic Friends by DaniLeigh

35

Cynical Bastards by Corporation 187

36

Two Faced by DevilDriver

37

I’m Not Your Friend by Morrissey

38

Cracked Mirror by Ne-Yo

39

Friends Like You by Shawn Mendes

40

Deceived by Pain

41

Cutthroat by Kehlani

42

Poisonous Friends by The Psychedelic Furs

43

Be Careful – Cardi B

44

Fakes – Bebe Rexha

45

Apologize – OneRepublic

46

Meant to Be – Florida Georgia Line, featuring Bebe Rexha

47

Trust Issues – Drake

48

Trust Nobody – Cashmere Cat, featuring Selena Gomez and Tory Lanez

49

Don’t Trust Me – 3OH!3

50

Pity Party – Melanie Martinez

More 65 Best Songs About Fake Friends

51. 51. Friends by Ed Sheeran
    52. Betrayed by Lil Xan
    53. Poison by Alice Cooper
    54. Smooth Operator by Sade
    55. Mr. Brightside by The Killers
    56. Face to Face by Daft Punk
    57. The One That Got Away by Katy Perry
    58. Rich Friends by Portugal. The Man
    59. Beautiful People by Marilyn Manson
    60. Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe by Kendrick Lamar
    61. I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
    62. Everybody’s Fool by Evanescence
    63. Frenemies by Olivia Holt
    64. Stay With Me by Sam Smith
    65. Who Do You Trust? by Papa Roach
    66. Reputation by Taylor Swift
    67. Burn by Ellie Goulding
    68. Karma Chameleon by Culture Club
    69. Bullet With Butterfly Wings by The Smashing Pumpkins
    70. Judas by Lady Gaga
    71. You’re Not My Kind of Girl by New Edition
    72. Look What You Made Me Do by Taylor Swift
    73. Catch Myself by Demi Lovato
    74. She Loves Me Not by Papa Roach
    75. Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks
    76. Tearing Me Apart by Papa Roach
    77. Drama by Roy Woods
    78. Look Back at It by A Boogie wit da Hoodie
    79. I’m Gonna Find Another You by John Mayer
    80. Unfriend You by Greyson Chance
    81. Kicked to the Curb by LeAnn Rimes
    82. Down With The Sickness by Disturbed
    83. Leave Me Alone by Iamsu!
    84. Betrayal by Gang Starr
    85. You Ain’t No Family by Hed PE
    86. Fade Away by Logic
    87. The Great Pretender by The Platters
    88. Sorry Not Sorry – Demi Lovato
    89. Can’t Be Friends – Trey Songz
    90. Truth Hurts – Lizzo
    91. Money Longer – Lil Uzi Vert
    92. Thru Your Phone – Cardi B
    93. For My Own Good – Samantha Fox
    94. Friends With Benefits – Anne-Marie
    95. You Know I’m No Good – Amy Winehouse
    96. You Can’t Trust Nobody – Kevin Gates
    97. Loyalty – Kendrick Lamar, featuring Rihanna
    98. Busy Boy – Chloe x Halle
    99. Complicated – Rihanna
    100. Real Friends – Kanye West, featuring Ty Dolla $ign
    101. Doin’ It – LL Cool J
    102. Selfish – Future, featuring Rihanna
    103. Stop Your Fussin’ – Toni Childs
    104. Good As Hell – Lizzo
    105. Trust Issues / Act In – Drake and The Weeknd
    106. I’m Not Your Friend – Norah Jones
    107. Used To Love – Martin Garrix and Dean Lewis
    108. I Can’t Trust Myself – James Hunter Six
    109. It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay – Whitney Houston
    110. Ain’t My Fault – Zara Larsson
    111. Who Do You Love? – YG, featuring Drake
    112. I’m Not Friends With You – Dream Street
    113. Wearing A Smile – PJ Morton, featuring Chantae Cann
    114. Fuck Friends – Blackbear
    115. Bad Friend – Rina Sawayama

Need More Tunes About Dealing with Relationships?

Well, have a look at our detailed articles on the Best Songs About Lying and Liars, the Top Songs About Jealousy, the Best Goodbye Songs, the Top Songs about Trust, and the Top Songs About Letting Go of Someone You Love for more emotional song selections.

Best Songs About Fake Friends – Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. I hope you enjoyed my list of the greatest songs about fake friends. I also hope you’ve never had to suffer some of the poor excuses for friends that these singers have. 

If it does happen to you, then remember that it’s all on them and not you. You are the one that can still look at yourself in the mirror every morning with a clear conscience.

Until next time, happy listening.