Friends, how many of us have them? Friendship can be one of the most wonderful things a person can have especially when the love, respect, and consideration are mutual. Friends are those special people who are there for you through thick and thin, in your happy moments and not-so-happy moments.
However, humans have the ability to be quite flawed. Even more so, there are people who don’t always have our best intentions in mind. As such, a fake friend might show up as a one-sided relationship where the person is only concerned about what you can provide them rather than what they can give to you.
In such a case, “friends” like these can come across as manipulative, jealous, envious, selfish, vindictive, and honestly quite fake. As much as it hurts to discover when a friend is fake, there are many songs that encapsulate the emotion of dealing with such foes. Here are the 20 best songs about fake friends.
1. Fake People by RYYZN
This slow-paced song is great to lounge to. The electronic pop makes it a little more upbeat during some parts. This song doesn’t specifically address fake friends but fake people as a whole, those who say one thing and mean another. Being that it’s only about 2 minutes and 30 seconds long, it’s more of a short song.
The vibes are very relaxing and don’t get you too hyped up. RYYZN is a musical group that isn’t so mainstream yet. However, they give off a chill, mellow indie vibe to many of their songs which are also worth a listen.
2. FFF by Bebe Rexha
A more popular, mainstream song and artist is FFF by Bebe Rexha. Bebe Rexha has been in the music scene for over a decade, songwriting for numerous artists like Selena Gomez. FFF or F”* Fake Friends is surprisingly not as abrasive as the title sounds.
Expert Tip: The sound can be described as pop with a very calming chorus. The lyrics in this song certainly do command a sense of confidence when it comes to leaving fake friends behind.
3. Fake Friends by Domo Wilson
Here’s a song to jam to whenever you’re feeling angry at your fake friend. Domo Wilson has been on the social media scene for years, having several platforms with millions of followers. This song not only proves that Domo Wilson is multi-talented but also how you can still feel good in the midst of letting go of those pesky fake friends.
It’s like a catchy venting session you can jam to especially if you’re going through the same sentiments. The song is about putting yourself first and cutting off people who only want to use you. The vulgarity makes this song a thousand times better because it’s so raw and real. It’s definitely one of those songs you can’t help but bop your head to at the very least.
4. Case of the Fake People by TL
TLC is an American girl group consisting of Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, Tionne T-Boz Watkins, and Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. Case of the Fake People by TLC is an oldie but goody! Interestingly enough, the opening lyrics pay homage to the great “Back Stabbers” song by The O’Jays.
This song isn’t exclusive to fake friends but any and all fake people who have done you wrong. If old-school R&B from the ’90s is more your style, this song is great. You can say “Goodbye, goodbye to all the fake people in my life. I never wanted you around me. So, you better be on your way.”
When you lose a fake friend, remember that they didn’t deserve your friendship, to begin with.
5. Smiling Faces Sometimes by The Undisputed Truth
Here’s an even older oldie but goody. The Undisputed Truth was an American Motown recording act. Smiling Faces Sometimes by The Undisputed Truth was released in 1971. “A smile is just a frown turned upside down”. The premise of this song makes it clear how a handshake, pat on the back, or smiling face don’t always tell the truth.
Sometimes, these things conceal the truth of envy and jealousy which might lurk beneath. This song is more of a reminder to not always buy into what you see.
Sometimes, people only show us what they want to see which isn’t the entire picture. The songwriting in this one is very underrated and clever. For example, a line from “Smiling Faces Sometimes” says, “beware of the pat on the back. It just might hold you back.”
6. Real Friends by Kanye West
Real Friends by Kanye West is one of those songs you vibe to on a late-night drive, contemplating over the ones you appreciate. Fake friends have a way of showing us the real friends in our lives we might take for granted.
If you’ve ever experienced “friends” coming to you only when they need money or advice, but are reluctant to do the same for you, it can be a very hurtful thing. What’s even more hurtful is when these “friends” feel entitled to have what you have when they had no part in helping you reach your milestones.
7. Fake Love by Drake
Fake Love was one of Drake’s most popular songs when it came out in the year 2017. It was a song almost everyone was singing throughout the year because so many could relate. It does seem like people who treat others poorly tend to circle back around when they feel they can profit from the situation.
We can call these types of people opportunists. Their compliments displayed consideration is only motivated by their personal desire to get something from someone else. This fake love is nothing more than pretend.
8. Back Stabbers by The O’Jays
Back Stabbers by The O’Jays is another 1970s classic with this hit being released in 1972. As for some background on The O’Jays, they are an American R&B group. The ground originally consisted of Eddie Levert, Walter Lee Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey, and Bill Isles.
If you liked Smiling Faces Sometimes by The Undisputed Truth, then you’ll love Back Stabbers by The O’Jays. This song is about those foes who’ve talked behind your back, crossed lines they shouldn’t have, and made questionable remarks all while portraying a friendly exterior. We’re always cautioned not to trust a fake smile.
9. Fake People by Kandi
For something a bit more recent, Kandi Burruss released a song called Fake People in 2018. The overall song is very uptempo and to the point. The second first sounds like a regular conversation. Kandi Burruss would be categorized as a mostly R&B singer. She really shows off her vocal abilities in this song.
Expert Tip: In addition to the vocals, the lyrics, and the upbeat tempo, you could get a little chuckle from the song. It’s not a slow song about being hurt by friends and feeling betrayed.
10. Fake Friend by Popcaan
Popcaan is a well-known dancehall artist from Jamaica. One of his international hit songs was with another popular dancehall artist Vybz Kartel called “Clarks”. Dancehall music can be up-tempo or slow. But it always makes you feel like dancing. Fake Friend by Popcaan talks about going through the motions with a friend up to being betrayed and lied to.
11. If I’m Being Honest by Anna Clendening
If I’m Being Honest by Anna Clendening isn’t really a song about fake friends. You’d think it’s about a bad relationship with how intimately the lyrics are written. The calming melodies might have you shedding a tear or two especially if you’re finding out a best friend hasn’t been the best to you.
One notable lyric from ‘If I’m Being Honest’ by Anna Clendening is ” There’s no coming back from this. You did what you did and you gotta live with it”. The beautiful lyrics feel like warm closure you might’ve never gotten from that friend. Another note-worthy line from the song goes. “You broke your promise. Now, I don’t know what was real or a lie.”
12. Fake by Lauv & Conan Gray
Fake by Lauv & Conan Gray is about those people who make excuses for their poor behavior and make up for it with empty promises. A notable line from this song goes, “You don’t mean a single thing you say.”
Everything about this song is super catchy with melodies that are very reminiscent of a sweet summer break despite the lyrics literally being about fake people who lie through their teeth.
13. Real Friends by Camila Cabello
Camila Cabello is a Cuban-American singer, songwriter, and actress. Many know her from when she was in the girl group Fifth Harmony. When you’re done, you’re done. “Why do I even try? Give me a reason why. I thought that I could trust you. never-mind.”
We’ve all felt the frustration of not fully trusting those we surround ourselves with. Letting someone so close to you is a courageous enough thing to do especially making yourself vulnerable. When that is taken advantage of, it can be so disappointing.
This song is more progressive, looking towards the future for real friends rather than having anger or frustration with the individuals in our lives who we would call fake. However, when you’re let down so much by people, you begin to wonder where are all the real people who would value you as a friend without hidden expectations or motives.
14. Fake Friends by Gucci Mane
This song is a great rap take on fake friends. Gucci Mane is a record executive and American rapper from Alabama. However, most consider Gucci Mane an Atlanta-based rapper, located in Atlanta, Georgia in August of 1989.
The opening lyrics go, “You know it’s family first off the top. And blood is thicker than water. And there’s no friend indeed like a friend in need. But, there’s one thing you gotta watch and that’s a friend in greed.”
The hook carries from the iconic song “Friends” by Whodini except with Gucci Mane’s twist on it of course. The hook goes “Friends, not many of us have them. Let’s talk about friends. Not ones we can depend on.”
15. Fake Btches by Ashley Kutcher
As blunt as the title looks, the song is pretty calm and somber. Ashley Kutcher is a relatively new pop singer. Notable lyrics are: “Blow kisses, best wishes. Couple real friends and a lot of fake b***es.” Many women attest to having those one or two fake friends in the group who instigate or drive a wedge in the friend group by saying underhanded remarks.
With such things, there’s so much unbearable he said/she said that conversations often get misconstrued. It’s true that some people thrive off drama even if it means dismantling an entire friend group. Some people do this simply out of jealousy and envy. It’s good to know who those real friends are and also those “fake b*tches” as Ashley Kutcher says.
16. Fair Trade by Drake
Drake is a mainstream artist from Toronto Canada. His career has been quite active for almost 20 years, starting his music career in 2006 with Room for Improvement. With many hits like Hotline Bling and God’s Plan. Fair Trade can also be added to this extensive list.
Expert Tip: This song features Travis Scott with his own verse and is one of his more recent releases, coming out in 2021.
Lyrics to highlight include: “I been losing friends and finding peace. But honestly, that sounds like a fair trade to me.” The words “fake friends” aren’t mentioned in this song particularly, but the song does infer that friendships shouldn’t be stressful or draining. And, when it comes to your peace of mind, it should always take priority over keeping friendships that aren’t reciprocal. Hence why this song is titled “Fair Trade”.
17. Mi Nuh Trust People by Vybz Kartel
As mentioned previously, Vybz Kartel is a popular dancehall artist from Jamaica with hits like ‘Ride It’ and ‘Fever’. It’s somewhat common knowledge that dancehall music makes you want to dance regardless of what the song is about.
If you’ve had the unfortunate experience of a friend betraying your trust, this song will make you forget all about it. ‘Mi Nuh Trust People’ was released in 2014 under the album Happy Hour Riddim which includes even more great dancehall songs by this artist.
18. All My Friends Are Fake by Tate McRae
This song is pretty recent, coming out in 2019 and going viral. The lyrics are multi-layered and very deep. For example, here are a few mention-able lyrics: “Everyone’s got someone built custom to give their darkness to. I wish I had someone, could trust ’em.
But, loyalty doesn’t come for free. Cause all my friends are fake, fake, fake, fake. They just want me for the day until they don’t”
19. Fake Friends by PS1 & Alex Hosking
If there was ever a song to vogue to this would be it. Fake Friends by PS1 is more of a disco, electronic, pop song. The lyrics along with the music video for this song are both very abstract and artistic. Unlike all the previous songs.
Fake Friends by PS1 featuring Alex Hosking is one of the fast-paced songs that don’t really put too much attention on the idea of having fake people around. It’s like you almost forget about this idea, simply getting lost in the fast, uptempo disco sound.
20. Fake Friends by Sigrid
Fake Friends by Sigrid is another mellow song with deep, soul-touching lyrics. Some notable lyrics from this song are: “Don’t want a sad goodbye. Let’s keep it low-key. Cause every love story is a ghost story. It’s better to walk away than to run with fake friends.”
When you realize that you are dealing with a fake friend, it’s better to just rip the bandaid off. Most people’s inclination is to see the good in people. However, this is when giving someone the benefit of the doubt can backfire.
This song is therapeutic with each line, especially when managing fake friends or fake people in general. There’s even the line: “Let the flame die and rip the bandaid off.”
Being hurt by friends is never something anyone wants to experience. A key trait for almost all friendships is trust. And when that is broken whether, from betrayal, a lack of consideration, or sheer selfishness, it can hurt immensely. No one likes to see no return on their investment.
And friendships happen to be one of those things we find ourselves investing in the most. So when things don’t go right, it’s often devastating. Whether good friends turn fake because of their personal circumstances or whether they merely just revealed their true character under their mask, this revelation is definitely taken to heart.
In fact, once you find out you have a fake friend, letting them go can feel like such a loss. Songs like the ones mentioned above can be greatly therapeutic to the busy mind and the grieving heart to help you get through dealing with a really fake “friend”.