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    • Aug 7, 2018

Playlist of the Week: Friendship Songs for your Music Therapy Repertoire


The theme of friendship may come up frequently in music therapy sessions, as friendships can play a key role in our social and emotional well-being. Whether you are working with a group of seniors and highlighting the new found friendships they have made within this music therapy group, or working with a teenager who is having difficulty with their friendships, or working with an adult who is grieving the loss of a friend - there are many instances in which songs about friendship could serve as a point for discussion, expression, or a place to improvise musically from. I hope you enjoy the following selections and can add them to your music therapy repretoire.

1. You've Got a Friend - Carole King


Lyric: You just call out my name

And you know wherever I am

I'll come running, to see you again

Winter, spring, summer or fall

All you have to do is call

And I'll be there

You've got a friend

2. You've Got a Friend in Me - Toy Story Soundtrack


Lyric: You've got a friend in me

You've got a friend in me

You got troubles, and I got them too

There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you

We stick together, we can see it through

3. Graduation (Friends Forever) - Vitamin C


Lyric: Stay at home talking on the telephone with me

We'd get so excited, we'd get so scared

Laughing at ourselves thinking life's not fair

And this is how it feels

4. I'll Be There - Jackson 5


Lyric: I'll reach out my hand to you

I'll have faith in all you do.

Just call my name and I'll be there. (I'll be there)

5. Stand By Me - Ben E. King


Lyric: If the sky that we look upon

Should tumble and fall

Or the mountains should crumble to the seaI won't cry, I won't cry, no I won't shed a tear

Just as long as you stand, stand by me

6. With a Little Help from My Friends - The Beatles


Lyric: What do I do when my love is away?

Does it worry you to be alone?

How do I feel by the end of the day?

Are you sad because you're on your own?

No, I get by with a little help from my friends

7. Friends - Elton John


Lyric: Making friends for the world to see

Let the people know you got what you need

With a friend at hand you will see the light

If your friends are there, then everything's all right

8. Lean On Me - Bill Withers


Lyric: Please swallow your pride

If I have things you need to borrow

For no one can fill those of your needs

That you won't let show

9. Why Can't We Be Friends? - WAR


Lyric: Sometimes I don't speak right But yet I know what I'm talking about

Why can't we be friends Why can't we be friends

10. Umbrella - Rihanna Ft. Jay Z


Lyric: When the sun shines, we shine together

Told you I'll be here forever

Said I'll always be your friend

Took an oath that I'm a stick it out till the end

11. Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Middler


Lyric: Did you ever know that you're my hero,

And everything I would like to be?

I can fly higher than an eagle,

For you are the wind beneath my wings.

12. That's What Friends Are For - Dionne Warwick


Lyric: Keep smiling, keep shining

Knowing you can always count on me, for sure

That's what friends are for

For good times and bad times

I'll be on your side forever more

That's what friends are for

13. Never Had a Friend Like Me - 2Pac


Lyric: I'm down for you so ride with me

My enemy's your enemy

'Cause you ain't ever had a friend like me

Nobody knows where we'll be

My enemy's your enemy

'Cause you ain't never had a friend like me

14. Count on Me - Bruno Mars


Lyric: If you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea,

I'll sail the world to find you

If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can't see,

I'll be the light to guide you

15. Girl - Destiny's Child


Lyric: Take a minute girl come sit down

And tell us what's been happening

In your face I can see the pain

Don't you try to convince us that you're happy

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